eBay Tracking Scam
I purchased an item. Delivery was scheduled for today around 5:00 PM. My mail carrier normally arrives around 3:00 PM. I go to the mailbox, greets the mail carrier, but only letters. No package and it still shows expected delivery by 5:00 PM.
Around 4:52 PM, I received the USPS notification that the package was delivered and left with an individual. I run out to the street and there is not USPS truck or individual anywhere outside.
USPS confirmed that the tracking number was for another customer in the same city and zip code. The label did not have my name or address. I have the email from USPS confirming the fraudulent tracking number and have started the INR dispute with Ebay.
Since I opened the INR a day after the delivery, will eBay hold the funds until this is resolved? The seller said give them 3 days to send proof of the label. I think they are stalling to get the funds.
mike122482
·2 years agoI think I was ALMOST the latest victim of this scam. In my case I purchased a used video card (which I have done before successfully twice along with many many many other items)
This time it was from a new seller with 0 feedback. The item had good pictures and it was supposed to come from Irving TX.
It was priced not much lower than some auctions. I bought it on Dec 28th after messaging the seller and confirming the graphics card was in good working condition.
Shipping method was supposed to be USPS Ground Advantage.
So Dec 29th I get the "item was shipped" notification but it was from UPS not USPS.
Well hmm ok... but then I noticed it was coming from Cedar Point Utah... That's nowhere near Irving TX...
So my spidey senses went off. The Item last updated that it was dropped off at the UPS Access Point and was waiting to be tendered to UPS.
About a day afterwards, I noticed that the sellers account was gone and he was no longer registered. <- I think this is what saved me.
I wait until today which is the last day of the estimated delivery date. I open the INR claim.
2 hours later I got refunded by eBay.
here is the message from ebay.
"Hi __
Your case for this item has been resolved.
Unfortunately, we didn't receive valid tracking information from the seller. We're sorry you had a problem with your purchase."
Im not sure but I think the seller may have been screwed because I have a UPS premium account which shows my address as the destination for the tracking number. Or maybe eBay has quickened to this scam and detected suspicious actions from the scammer and nuked his account.
This was my first and last time purchasing from a newbie account.
btownbuyer
OP2 years agoAll's well that ends well. I received notification that the seller didn't respond to the request for a valid tracking number and eBay will give me a refund!
I read many posts of people impacted by this delivery scam having difficulties getting their refund. Just wanted to update that in my case, the eBay system worked and I was refunded. I don't know if it's because I've been a member for over 20 years or pure luck, but my case was resolved in a very timely manner.
@mudshark61369 and @tobaccocardyahoo, thanks again for your responses.
tobaccocardyahoo
·2 years agoContact your credit card issuer. Open a dispute with them.
They will listen to you because you are their customer.
When seller fraud is evident, and you have proof, it is the way to proceed.
But you really need proof, not a gut feel.
rseuqinh
·2 years agoYou seem to know how to thwart fake delivery, so wondering @btownbuyer what does "the email from USPS confirming the fraudulent tracking number" have to do with "started the INR dispute with eBay"
-- since you needed a printout from USPS
-- which you cannot upload into the INR
-- and that's a clue to don't do an INR?
(wait for it, the reply from repost)
btownbuyer
OP2 years agoI'm not sure I'm getting your point or if you are being sarcastic about me knowing how to thwart fake delivery. Since this happened, I've been reading everything I can on how not to lose my money and based on multiple posts that I read, that was the recommended process on this forum and Reddit.
Based on what I've read. Go to the Post Office, get acknowledgment that the item was not delivered to you. Start the INR, provide eBay with the details and the case number from USPS. I thought the email from USPS proves that it wasn't delivered to me and my proof for appealing or contacting eBay on Facebook or Twitter.
You would have done things differently? Also see the link in @mudshark61369 post.
mudshark61369
·2 years ago@btownbuyer,
Since you have filed an INR with ebay you will have to wait until the claim is denied, which it will be because of the Delivered scan. If you try to file an appeal using the email from the USPS it too will be denied because emails can be faked. Read the Best Answer in the link below, and follow the instructions I gave in that answer. It will tell you why the first dispute was declined and what you have to do to win an appeal.
https://community.ebay.com/t5/Shipping/What-do-you-do-when-ebay-support-will-not-help-you/m-p/34080073#M460743