It’s likely not a scam. Here’s the probable deal.
These things come over in shipping crates feom China. Say the shipping crate these were in falls over, gets dropped, retains water damage from poor door seals etc.
What is the manufacturer do? Rather than sell these potentially damaged units to its Dealers and retailers, it files a claim with its insurance company and the adjusters write off the whole container. As a manufacturer, would you risk warrantying defective products or the reputation of your product? What costs less, an insurance claim, or hundreds or thousands of warranty claims.
Many times the goods are sold at auction to the highest bidder in which port they were damaged in or arrived at after being damaged in shipment. The products are sold without warranty AS IS.
THIS is why you see the seller claiming these are selling at ‘ a walmart parking lot ‘.
An exact comparison to these units are a Pioneer 12k 110v unit now being sold at highseer for $688.
https://www.highseer.com/collection...-mini-split-air-conditioner-heat-pump-115-vac
I’d pay the little bit extra and know what you are getting. Just me.