Getting scammed by seller sending tracking info showing 'delivered' but not to your address.

I am not sure if eBay is actually promoting this type of fraudulent activities but certainly condoning it for profit under their watch as I feel.

I recently purchase an item but never received it for over week so I opened an investigation with USPS to found out the tracking seller has provided was linked to completely different recipient and destination address. Here's what USPS postmaster has provided to me:

After investigation our records indicate that the tracking number provided to you by the seller is associated with a package destined neither to your name or address. The package was delivered correctly as labelled, but once again the tracking did not match your address. We have seen this in cases of online selling fraud, where a package is delivered to the same zip code so it appears delivered for the purposes of charging your payment institution, but as you never received it it appears as if its an error in shipment. We can guarantee that this is not the case in this instance and recommend contacting the seller or your payment method for re-issue or refund for this item.

I opened a dispute with eBay to report this and what did eBay do? They close the case immediately telling seller's tracking showed the item was 'delivered'. Yeah it's delivered but only to different address. They don't want to do anything beyond checking the tracking info online. So much for team handling customer dispute. That's some remarkable buyer's guarantee for you.

This means if the seller sent you some bogus tracking showing the package's delivered, you just as a buyer have to bite the bullet and take the lost. That's scary.

dhc0329

190 View listings

Posted 1 year ago·Last reply 1 year ago

8 comments

12345jamesstamps

·1 year ago

8783 View listings

'buyer's guarantee for you'...my banking institution is my guarantee as a last resort.

As a buyer I can dispute a charge online with my debit card...item not received.

ittybitnot

·1 year ago

18 View listings

@dhc0329

What you are experiencing is nothing new around here. The "fake tracking scam" had been going on for over a decade while eBay's first line is still DENIAL, and again DENIAL, and some more DENIAL if a "delivered" notice is associated with your order EVEN IF IT IS FRAUDULENT. By not providing a published policy or format for victims of this crime, it does make eBay seem a willing party to the fraud. They don't seem to care what anybody thinks. If they can make you go away because you don't know any better, the less they have to pay out.

The best way to get this addressed by eBay is NOT by using the Customer (non) Service you get from a call back or chat. You need to contact eBay through one of their social media portals where you are connected to US based eBay employees that are VERY familiar with this scam and do have the authority to help you. Use one of these, and say you are a victim of a 'fake tracking scam' and need their assistance. If your seller has already been given the proverbial "axe", you may just get your refund instantly. Here are the options:

https://www.facebook.com/eBay/ (use the blue message button)

OR one of these:

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

https://x.com/askebay

You will be able to upload your USPS document.

Another choice that also would involve eBay would be to file for a "return for item not as described" (missing parts or pieces). This sort of beats both the crook and the eBay denial bot at their own game. The seller will have three days to provide a return label or refund you. If neither events occur, return to the case on day 4 and 'ask eBay to step in' (aka escalate) and your refund will be processed. You may have to upload a photo. It really won't matter what it is, and if you do get a label just send back some "air". eBay has not cared what has been returned in years.

Moving on, if you paid with PayPal, you can file there. Your eBay case will be closed. DO NOT FILE "ITEM NOT RECEIVED" (INR). There should be a choice (unless they removed it) for "Shipped to Wrong Address" . Use that, and provide your documentation. Same would be if you file with your credit card. You will lose if you file INR. The claim will be submitted to eBay who replies with the same "delivered" notice EVEN THOUGH IT IS FAKE, and you will be denied. File FRAUD/FAKE TRACKING SCAM/SHIPPED TO WRONG ADDRESS.

eBay knows about this scam, PayPal knows, the credit card industry is well aware and the carriers/delivery agents are very familiar with this. Now, you are as well.

You can read some of these:

Jan. 2025

Feb. 2025

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Buying/DHL-Messing-up-shipping-or-a-scam/m-p/34918930#M513039
https://community.ebay.com/t5/Buying/Item-shipped-to-wrong-address/m-p/34918657#M513034
https://community.ebay.com/t5/Buying/Fake-Tracking-Scam-how-do-I-prepare/m-p/34920656#M513092
https://community.ebay.com/t5/Buying/Seller-scamming-me/m-p/34954964#M514849
https://community.ebay.com/t5/Buying/I-just-got-scammed-and-I-don-t-know-how-to-proceed/m-p/34955823#M514900

Do let us know how it turns out, and good luck to you!

kensgiftshop

·1 year ago

389 View listings

Yes, they will find in favor of the seller because all they look at is tracking shows it was delivered.

You need to prove it wasn't.

Have USPS send you a letter stating the information above, not an email or printout, an actual letter, then use the letter to appeal the INR case.

You can also file Mail Fraud with USPS and provide that report also.

dhc0329

OP1 year ago

190 View listings

I had to deal with Paypal to get my money back. At least they were willing to review the doc I have provided and decided to issue a refund. From the Paypal person I spoke to they are getting quite of few disputes opened from buyers from eBay with the similar complain. So Paypal already knew. If the seller can provide some bogus tracking showing the delivery state, eBay will take it so easy money for seller.

ittybitnot

·1 year ago

18 View listings

@dhc0329

Thank you for the update, and glad it worked out for you.

buyselljack2016

·1 year ago

107 View listings

@dhc0329

eBay is legally not privy to the actual delivery address.

Buyer has to prove that the item was not delivered to their address.

Someone will likely be in momentarily to explain the process to appeal/prove nondelivered.

dhc0329

OP1 year ago

190 View listings

I am not trying to pin eBay for any legal responsibility but their lack of willingness to mediate with justice is bothersome. I know they are more inclined to be on sellers side because their profit rely on them but to close my appeal twice just based on seller bogus tracking number...they do not want to hear from buyer. I am probably done buying anything from eBay...

guyp2k

·1 year ago

325 View listings

..........