Cyber bots blamed for snatching up popular holiday toys to resell

<p>Consumers are being warned that online bots who snatch up concert tickets are now buying up popular toys and reselling them at outrageous prices.</p>

News 12 Staff

Dec 8, 2017, 5:45 PM

Updated 2,343 days ago

Share:

Consumers are being warned that online bots who snatch up concert tickets are now buying up popular toys and reselling them at outrageous prices.
For example, a popular Fingerlings toy could be bought by a bot and then resold for three to 10 times the price on third-party sites.
According to experts, the bots use complex programming that can locate the product page of a popular toy even before the item goes on sale.
Then, the software scoops up thousands of products before a potential customer even has the time to manually type in shipping and payment details online.
Sen. Chuck Schumer is calling on trade groups to stop the 'Grinch bots' from scooping up the hot holiday items.


More from News 12
1:17
Authorities: 2 teen suspects wanted in connection to Williamsburg stabbing

Authorities: 2 teen suspects wanted in connection to Williamsburg stabbing

1:54
Mild and humid for NYC today; tracking scattered showers

Mild and humid for NYC today; tracking scattered showers

0:25
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie opening an exploratory committee to consider running for mayor

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie opening an exploratory committee to consider running for mayor

0:41
Bronx, Brooklyn smoke shops included in NYC crackdown on illegal sales of cannabis

Bronx, Brooklyn smoke shops included in NYC crackdown on illegal sales of cannabis

1:56
City efforts Bike Bus initiative to promote safe cycling for students in NYC

City efforts Bike Bus initiative to promote safe cycling for students in NYC

1:47
Prospect Park Zoo nears reopening after almost 8 months

Prospect Park Zoo nears reopening after almost 8 months

1:47
East Flatbush friends, neighbors mourn loss of teen fatally shot in Manhattan

East Flatbush friends, neighbors mourn loss of teen fatally shot in Manhattan

1:43
Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

0:27
NYC Ferry brings 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' onboard with Hogwarts-branded ferries

NYC Ferry brings 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' onboard with Hogwarts-branded ferries

1:29
Attorney discusses difficulties tenants could face following Bushwick fire

Attorney discusses difficulties tenants could face following Bushwick fire

1:53
Moving forward: Runner describes emotional, physical recoveries ahead of RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon

Moving forward: Runner describes emotional, physical recoveries ahead of RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon

1:50
NYPD: Man found floating in Coney Island Channel pronounced dead

NYPD: Man found floating in Coney Island Channel pronounced dead

0:25
MTA announces new strategy to improve transit infrastructure for B and D train lines

MTA announces new strategy to improve transit infrastructure for B and D train lines

0:24
NYPD: Man wanted for shooting 19-year-old in Bushwick

NYPD: Man wanted for shooting 19-year-old in Bushwick

0:31
Member of Trinitarios gang sentenced to life for murder of Bronx man on Long Island

Member of Trinitarios gang sentenced to life for murder of Bronx man on Long Island

1:52
UFT: More than 850 Title I schools have the space to meet NY’s class size law

UFT: More than 850 Title I schools have the space to meet NY’s class size law

0:26
NYPD: 4 men wanted in connection to Brownsville shooting; 1 man injured

NYPD: 4 men wanted in connection to Brownsville shooting; 1 man injured

Discounts and perks teachers can use all year

Discounts and perks teachers can use all year

0:18
NYPD to host free catalytic converter theft prevention event

NYPD to host free catalytic converter theft prevention event

1:19
Get a look at the new public park coming to Downtown Brooklyn

Get a look at the new public park coming to Downtown Brooklyn