Fell for A Scam

Question

I purchased an item from a seller who then proceeded to add a fake tracking number to the purchase. They then messaged me that they were no longer selling the item. They then initiated a partial refund instead of a full refund, leaving me on the hook for about $200.

What are my options? I have documentation of the messages with the seller where he says he isn't selling the item anymore.

eastlaneave · Answer

@aahow8523

I'm sorry that happened.

1) First, call the post office to see if the tracking number label contained your name and your address.

a) If your name and correct address were on the label, ask USPS to review the GPS on the delivery, retrieve the item from the wrong house, and deliver it to you.

b) If your name and address weren't on that label, ask the Post Office if they will put this in writing. Also, ask for the weight of the package using that tracking number. Follow the rest of the steps starting with 2 below:

FOR UPS:

You can usually find the weight and other details for UPS here:

https://www.ups.com/track?loc=en_US&requester=ST/

then click " Proof of Delivery"

The proof of delivery may have more details about the delivery site, and the weight. Screenshot that.

FOR FEDEX

You can usually find the weight and other details for FedEx here:

https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking.html

Then click 'View More Details' to see the package weight. Screenshot that.

2) Then, report the seller using this process

https://www.ebay.com/help/action?topicid=4022

Important, select "The seller has violated one of eBayâ€™s policies"

then "Other"

Explain that the seller is using fake USPS tracking numbers

Include these phrases

Seller uploaded tracking not associated with my transaction
Tracking details were not accurate
Seller used a false tracking number

Don't write a novel, it's initially being read by a computer, that's why I want you to use those 3 specific phrases in the message.

3) Finally, contact Customer Service and inform them that the seller uploaded a "false tracking number" on your purchase. Request a refund.

Use the Customer Service that is on social media this way:

- https://www.facebook.com/ebay

- https://www.instagram.com/ebayforsellers/

Just sent a private message to the page. Explain you have a fake or false tracking number situation.

Let me know how this goes, I've been burned a few times myself (including on Amazon), but I have been able to get a refund following this process.

There are additional steps to take if the above isn't effective, just come back and update me.