Doesn't anyone know how this scam actually works?
@garwilk-36
Yes, we do. Generally, it is referred to as the "fake tracking scam." When a buyer is a victim, it typically goes like this: Sometimes"real" tracking number closest to your location is purchased by the seller to satisfy the requirement of "delivery confirmation". Other times a "cheap trinket" is sent to a delivery address in your zipcode.
You as the buyer, get notice of delivery, and get nothing. You file for "Item not received" and get the typical you lose notice saying the tracking says delivered. You appeal, you lose. You call regular lower tier customer service, and you lose again. If you file for a refund from your credit card company, eBay will reply with the same "dubious" delivery notice and you may lose once again unless you are clear on the issue. This is NOT a regular "item not received" issue, but a fraudulent transaction. Unless you point out irregularities in the tracking information, nobody is going to check. There have been occasions where the tracking was initiated PRIOR to your purchase, or for a 30 lb. box, when your item was less than a pound.
Since you have a FedEx number, enter it here:
https://www.ship24.com/
It will tell you where and when the tracking was initiated, the size/weight, and the street address that the parcel was delivered (not yours) . Might be a nice idea to make a copy of this information, since you are going to need it. There is something that can be done, but it is NOT going to be through the usual chat or callback options in customer service.
eBay has a very good Money Back Guarantee
UNLESS
You are a victim of the fake tracking scam.
You can get help for your issue. Typically it requires that you have some documentation from the carrier that the tracking number is NOT related to a parcel shipped to your address. That is sometimes difficult to obtain. For FedEx it is usually pretty simple. For USPS parcels, it may require a visit to your local Post Office. If your seller is already Naru'd (no longer a registered user) that is a good thing, too. It means eBay already knows about the scamming adventures, and does not want to lose anymore of eBay's money as a result.
Basically, you are going to have to contact eBay via the big blue SEND MESSAGE button on this page:
https://www.facebook.com/eBayForBusiness
The eBay staff that monitors the messages here are well aware of the fake tracking scam. Better yet, they actually have the authority to do something about it. Typically you will need to message with your name, contact information, user ID, item/transaction number, any documentation you may have about the parcel/tracking, and that you are a victim of the fake tracking scam. You need to mention that your 'seller' is no longer a registered user as well if that is the case.
Some have reported recently that the eBay reps that monitor this protal do not want you to enter your contact information until they ask. Your user ID, should suffice for the initial contact.
The eBay rep usually will solve your problem and issue your refund the same day. If by chance, you get thrown under the bus, there is always the option to file with your card. DO NOT DO THIS until you a finished with the process described above ^^^^^^.
Good luck, and let us know how it turns out for you so we can advise others.
