Can they use a fake tracking number to say they sent the item? paid for item but didn't recieve it

Question

They keep changing their user name then don't deliver the item. So they win and you lose.No city or state but "Located in the United States"

eburtonlab · Answer

@shar0n826

Tracking only helps the seller if it shows delivery to the buyer's area. Otherwise the buyer can file and win an "item not received" case.

If tracking shows delivery but nothing arrives:

First, contact the shipping service used to determine if the tracking number corresponds to a delivery to your address. If the name and address on the package is not yours, you may be the victim of "false tracking".

One option to deal with "false tracking" is contacting eBay via social media, specifically via Instagram. If you can get documentation from the shipping service that the tracking number is not associated with your name and address, you may be able to contact eBay via Instagram direct message, mention false tracking, and get a chance to submit your documentation.

If you cannot get documentation or if that does not work:

Since false tracking allows a scam seller to win an "item not received" case, the next step would be to file a "not as described" return on eBay and be prepared to return exactly what you received if the seller provides for return shipping, or ask eBay to step in after three business days if the seller does not refund you or provide return shipping.

If you have missed your chance to get help from eBay, you may still have recourse through your payment method, but be sure to treat it as a "false tracking" fraud case, not a standard "item not received"/"missing package" case, which would likely be found in favor of the seller that has tracking showing delivery.

In the future, stick to experienced sellers with a long history and avoid new or unproven sellers, or sellers that show warning signs of being a potential scammer: drastic changes in selling behavior or offering deals that are "too good to be true".