It's the same story each time a console launches and supply is limited. Unscrupulous individuals try and sell "empty boxes" on auction sites like Ebay in the hopes that eager gamers assume there's something in there and place bids. Technically you could say they're not doing anything criminal, but the intend is obviously to mislead.
One victim of this was 19 year-old Peter Clatworthy of Bilborough who paid £450 on Ebay for what turned out to be a picture (a poorly printed one at that) of Xbox One. Clatworthy who bought the picture in the hopes of getting his 4 year-old son an Xbox One for Christmas talked to Nottingham Post about his ordeal and hopefully it will serve as a reminder to people to check the descriptions carefully when placing bids on auction sites. Especially when it comes to in demand items such as new consoles.
Ebay has moved to ban the seller and Clatworthy will receive a refund. Hopefully Clatworthy and his son will be able to acquire a real Xbox One in time for Christmas.