When I first saw the Missoni for Target commercial, my immediate thought was a mild-minded, “Cool, I’ll have to check that out.” Little did I know or expect the nationwide hysteria happening (mid-recession) just outside of my bedroom walls.  Women were literally lining up in their PJs and staking out in Target parking lots the night before the line’s morning debut…. whatever floats your boat, right?

But, to some extent, I do get it. It’s Missoni signature designs for Target prices. Awesome.  Not unlike Karl Lagerfeld for H&M or Vera Wang for Kohl’s, this line reiterates the fact that most people love designer fashions for a fraction of the designer costs.  Myself included.

But, I’ll never forget what I saw Sept. 14 (the day after the line hit Target stores) when I made my way to the huge Missoni display in my local Target only to find a lone swinging hanger, completely wiped out shelves, and no Missoni anything in sight.  A kind employee, who must have noted the utter shock on my face, approached me and dished out the gruesome details of the Sept. 13 opening. Disappointment does not even begin to cover what I felt after our conversation.

And then, a trip to Refinery29 and an episode of The Wendy Williams Show confirmed the worst—people snatched up all the merchandise only to hawk the precious pieces on eBay for nearly double (or ridiculously more) the Target in-store and online prices.  The V-neck knit cardigan I saw and wanted from one of the display posters (currently out of stock, along with everything else Missoni at target.com) goes for $49.99 at Target.  On eBay that same beautiful sweater is currently starting at a bid of $99.99. But, that’s not even the tip of the eBay rip-off iceberg.

Refinery29 posted one gem of a tale last week about an eBay seller who has a pair of the Missoni for Target rain boots listed for $31,000.  And, what exactly is that oh so bold asking price for you may wonder? Well, in the description for the Venetian signature zigzag print boots, is included the extra scam-tastic selling point: “Pay For Daughters College Tuition.”

One, for that same asking price you could afford your own fully stocked walk-in closet of REAL Missoni rain boots, sweaters, dresses, heels, and hats galore. And two, the collection is here to stay until Oct. 22, so here’s to hoping none of us have to pay the price of a college tuition to get a pair of rubber rain boots!