Buying CD keys?

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Arachan

85 posts

Master Geek

#71634 14-Nov-2010 10:04

Hello,

I stumbled across a site and was wondering if it is legitimate. How can they sell, say, a Battlefield Bad Company 2 CD key for for only $19 USD and make a profit? Aren't you mostly paying for the CD key when you go to a retail store and buy a game for ~$100?

Does anyone have any experience of sites like this that sell CD keys?

Thanks,

{MOD EDIT : SP : Removed hyperlink}

codyc1515

1598 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#404415 14-Nov-2010 10:10

They are probably using keygens or something.
Personally, I wouldn't buy off of them. They look suspicious.

Also, look at the domain name: cdkeyshere.com
Even the domain names spelt wrong.

codyc1515

1598 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#404420 14-Nov-2010 10:35

c71931f:
codyc1515: They are probably using keygens or something.
Personally, I wouldn't buy off of them. They look suspicious.

Also, look at the domain name: cdkeyshere.com
Even the domain names spelt wrong.

You know, cd keys here?

I don't think they meant cdkeyshare
What a fail

Could have been either, looking at the logo, yes, I see what you mean...

codyc1515

1598 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#404421 14-Nov-2010 10:39

Just used their live support:

Nazmi     10:36:13
Hello Cody, my name is Nazmi, how may I help you?

Cody     10:36:23
How is your price so cheap?

Nazmi     10:36:32
because w r buying our products from cheap countries
from authorized retailers

Cody     10:37:03
sure..

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#404422 14-Nov-2010 10:40

I haven't visited the site but the whole thing smells scam to me.

rscole86

4975 posts

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#404428 14-Nov-2010 10:54

Have a look around (google) they appear to be selling cd-keys from a photo taken of retail packaging. This is the photo they send you upon purchase. They also appear to have a 100% track record on ebay.

HOWEVER, would I trust them? No.

azzaj

88 posts

Master Geek

#404430 14-Nov-2010 11:00

I dont know, they could be pulling copies from somewhere like Malaysia or thailand where legit product has to compete with piracy on a grand scale, i got legit copies of bf1942 and all the expansions for like us30$ back in the day.

there is no telling whether they sell the games again with the key once they've given you the code tho....

:D

Arachan

85 posts

Master Geek

#404481 14-Nov-2010 14:42

So the general consensus is that they're probably dodgy, and even if they're not they could be?

I suppose I'll have to get a $50 TM copy instead then.

Thanks,
Arachan.

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Lias

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#404900 15-Nov-2010 15:05

I've personally brought from other similar sites with no problems before.

In some markets (read counrties with massive priacy), the big publishers sell games for a fraction of the price to help combat piracy (People might buy legit over pirate if its NZD$2 for a pirated copy and NZD$5 for a legit copy, but not if its NZD$80 for a legit copy).

Sites like these operate by onselling thsoe CD keys to you via the internet.

G2Play is one of if not the biggest, and seems reliable. They are currently offering BC2 standard for NZD$26, so $19 isnt that much lower and thus not completely unrealistic.

If you want to buy in NZ, First games has it for $60

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sampler

446 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#404915 15-Nov-2010 15:44

Having some dealings with a LOT of gamers a large number of them have purchased items from the same website.

I am not aware of a single problem in 300+ sales (in the last two years).

They also sold the latest COD7 version (via steam key) and intended to provide a patch from the language it was in, back into English. It turned out not to be possible and they refunded everyone (that I have spoken to).

So while I don't endorse it myself. I am not aware of it being a scam.

Cheers

Lee

NonprayingMantis

6434 posts

Uber Geek

#404918 15-Nov-2010 15:46

azzaj: I dont know, they could be pulling copies from somewhere like Malaysia or thailand where legit product has to compete with piracy on a grand scale, i got legit copies of bf1942 and all the expansions for like us30$ back in the day.

there is no telling whether they sell the games again with the key once they've given you the code tho....

:D

true, so I guess it depends if you want the game for internet play (in which case steer clear) or non-internet play (in which case, for most games, who cares if they resell the key)

vinnieg

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#404928 15-Nov-2010 16:06

Arachan: So the general consensus is that they're probably dodgy, and even if they're not they could be?

I suppose I'll have to get a $50 TM copy instead then.

Thanks,
Arachan.

Why would you even want a CD key or a Trade copy for $50 if you can get the full retail edition from cdwow.co.nz for $37.99NZD?

Doesn't take long to arrive either, like 3-5 days

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

Arachan

85 posts

Master Geek

#405109 15-Nov-2010 22:26

Thanks vinnieg, I didn't know you could get them that cheap retail. I probably get it from there instead.

jtbthatsme

937 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#405122 15-Nov-2010 23:19

The way i see it if your worried about why don't you ask the manufacturer about whether these sites are licensed it's just as easy to email there customer support than asking here.

Realy though there's 3 options

A) Buy said key and possibly get stuck with a key that can be used offline but not going to be able to be used online.
B) Just go to a serial website save your money and still play offline if you don't care about online use.
c) Buy said key and it's genuine and you saved a lot of money off local retail prices and use said program accordingly online or offline.