@kam13,
"tracking number shows delivery of item to my address 6/4/20.
transaction occurred 6/30/20, so amazing time travel... how does a seller get a tracking number, with my address on it, showing delivery almost a month earlier?"
There seems to be a way for scammers to get UPS USPS "delivered" tracking numbers from the dark web.
"i have opened a dispute w paypal. if that fails, will file w credit card company".
You should have filed an item not received (INR) dispute through ebay. You would have lost it, because the INR system checks tracking for delivery notices only, not date and place of delivery.
However, you can appeal those decisions, and sent the tracking information which will be reviewed by a person, and the delivery date showing it was delivered before you made the purchase would result in getting a refund.
PayPal is going to do the same thing, their system will see "delivered" and turn down your request (as will your card provider most likely). While waiting for PayPal to make a decision, you should contact the USPS by phone, tell the rep the date you purchased the item, then have them look at the tracking information. Also ask them if the item was delivered to your address or if there was a different address on the shipping label. Sometimes scammers use labels shipped to a buyer's zip code, but not to their address. If there was a different address on the label, you should go to your local P.O. and get the delivery info in writing on USPS stationary. You will need either a copy of the transaction purchase date and order details w/ the tracking number, or if you use the app you can show the counter person the info from your phone.
"THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FOOLPROOF, BECAUSE FOOLS ARE SO DARNED INGENIOUS!" (unknown)
