eBay Your Way

If you have someone that likes to purchase items off of one of the Internet auction sites, you will have a great time playing this joke on them. The next time they tell you that they had a winning bid for something, try to find out, without drawing attention to yourself, what the item is and possibly whom they bought it from. Usually it takes several days, if not a whole week, to receive an item you have won and paid for on Internet auction sites. Use this time to your advantage by preparing a package for your friend or family member that will make it look like the seller has or is trying to rip them off.

For example, if your sister bid and won an auction for some clothing, you might get out one of your old dirty pit stained t-shirts and some smelly socks, tear a couple of holes into the shirt and socks, place them into a box with a return address in the state where the seller resides, and mail the package to her. Make sure to include a note that says something like:

Here is the item you won. Just a reminder: under no circumstances will I accept returns or give refunds. Thanks for bidding and congratulations on your purchase.

Or you could get very belligerent and state,

Basically I'm ripping you off and there is nothing you can do about it. Just wanted to let you know. Thanks for the money and FU lady!

Your victim may try to contact the seller and when they do, confusion will reign. Even after receiving the real package, they may still be confused as to what is happening and who sent the first package. Their uncertainty only adds to the humor value of this prank.

Seasons Greetings!
- A Holiday or Christmas Prank

All you need to spread a little holiday cheer is heavy weight fishing line, a shoebox, shiny thick gift-wrap, bright red ribbon, and the cover of darkness. Here is how the joke unfolds. Neatly wrapped and bound, an empty gift will be placed on a stranger's porch; a friend rings the doorbell and quickly runs to the waiting car or makes for a prearranged pickup location. The stranger opens the door and sees the shiny gift, that they believe, has been left for their family, perhaps by a neighbor or friend spreading goodwill. Not seeing the fishing strand tied to the ribbon, their eyes light up and their face glows with a delighted smile as they bend over to retrieve the friendly gesture. When the present is almost in hand, you yank the gift from their clutches and drive off, box trailing. Your victim will be dismayed and have a terrific holiday story they will treasure for years.

I conceived of this joke in high school and carried it out one snowy evening with a group of friends. The blowing and drifting snow helped to hide the fishing line. We hit several different neighborhoods and homes until the gift could no longer be taped together again. Having several prepackaged wrapped gifts would help greatly; as one gift box's wrapping is destroyed you have a backup ready to take its place.