Same zip code tracking scam
Summary: jerryr4024 shared their experience with a "same ZIP code" tracking scam on eBay, where a fraudulent seller shipped a package to a random address within the same ZIP code, leading eBay to incorrectly assume it was delivered. Despite having documentation from FedEx, jerryr4024 struggled with eBay’s system, which relied heavily on tracking information to resolve disputes. Other participants, like lady_madonna and participatrophy, offered advice on handling such scams, suggesting alternative dispute processes like 'Item Not As Described' cases and emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing sellers’ feedback. kidzschoolfund and mudshark61369 added insights on identifying potential fraud through seller feedback and suggested involving credit card companies directly. Overall, the discussion highlighted issues with eBay's automated systems and the prevalence of delivery-related scams.
The "same ZIP code" tracking scam occurs when a fraudulent seller ships an item to a random address in the same ZIP code. When tracking shows "delivered" in your area, eBay's automated system views it as a valid delivery and frequently closes Item Not Received (INR) disputes in the seller's favor. We lost two appeals so Ebay manager said they could do nothing since we appealed the case twice.
This clearly is a major concern. Let me start shipping product to different address and keep the product and the money. Something is seriously wrong here.
I have a FedEx email stating it was not delivered to our address, but that was not good enough for Ebay. All they care about is that the tracking number showed delivered. They clearly don't care where that package was delivered too.
We work out of an office suite and we are closed over the weekend, but the product was delivered to a house on a Sunday. Signed by a LLUCY. We have no one with that name on our staff.
I believe eBay should handle cases like this more thoroughly before deciding in the seller's favor simply because the tracking shows "delivered." Unfortunately, tracking alone does not prove that the package was delivered to the correct address or to the intended recipient.
FedEx has already informed me that, due to their privacy policy, they cannot disclose the delivery address directly to me. However, they confirmed that an eBay representative can contact them with the case number to verify whether the package was delivered to a residential address rather than a business address.
There are many instances of delivery-related scams, including packages being shipped to incorrect addresses within the same ZIP code to generate a "delivered" tracking status. I respectfully ask that eBay fully investigate this matter by contacting FedEx before making a final decision. A proper review would help protect buyers from fraudulent transactions and ensure decisions are based on all available evidence, not just the tracking status.
Buyer has the following messages.
Past month Verified purchase: BEWARE this person is a scammer. DO NOT DO BUSINESS with them. Delayed shipmernt then shipped something to a random address in my zip code. Never received anything at my address from this transaction except worry. Had to open a case with EBAY customer service to get this resolved.
Past month Verified purchase: Shipped to a random nearby address from a diffrent site. Didn't work try to resolve it all. Pretty sure theyre on here to skim people.
Past month Verified purchase: !BEWARE! SCAMMER. I don't even know how this person has an account. LOW IQ ROOKIE
Past month Verified purchase: The order was not processed.
mudshark61369
·2 days ago@jerryr4024 ,
"When tracking shows "delivered" in your area, eBay's automated system views it as a valid delivery and frequently closes Item Not Received (INR) disputes in the seller's favor".
The key words in that statement are, Automated system. It cannot access a label's address only the zip code where the delivery took place.
"FedEx has already informed me that, due to their privacy policy, they cannot disclose the delivery address directly to me. However, they confirmed that an eBay representative can contact them with the case number to verify whether the package was delivered to a residential address rather than a business address".
Unfortunately, the reps who handle appeals work for a 3rd party Call/Chat service, not ebay itself. Those centers do not allow their employees to make out going calls or to use their computers to search or send inquiries online to anyone but the person they are dealing with. FedEx will allow a rep from your Card provider or PayPal to contact them about delivery address scams. So that is now how you should try to get a refund You need to provide them with the facts you have, An office suite address, delivery outside of business hours. The name of the person who signed for it should not be mentioned since that cannot be verified by your payment source or card provider.
"Buyer has the following messages.... Past month Verified purchase: BEWARE this person is a scammer...".
If you had an employee make the purchase for you, you should show them how to check feedback profiles, before paying. If you were the one making the purchase you should have done that. Do be aware that those who filed item not received disputes and lost them could not leave those comments. They were left by people who did not file one. Never go by a seller's feedback percentage alone.
kidzschoolfund
·2 days agoThis is why it's important to look at the seller's feedback prior to purchasing. I have been reporting several sellers that are obviously using Walmart+ as a drop shipper and uploading stolen tracking to the same zip code. You are correct, eBay doesn't seem to care as these fraudsters have been at it for some time now. But if a prudent buyer checks feedback, they can see a pattern.
lady_madonna
·2 days agoWhen this happened to me, I received documentation in writing that the package was not addressed to me, and provided that documentation to Ebay and received a refund.
jerryr4024
OP2 days agoYes. We figured we would receive that outcome, but unfortunately Ebay is not cooperating with us. We've been a Ebay member for over 24 years and we have never had any problems. This is the 2nd time this is happened to us. Same scenario, but Ebay gave us a pass for that incident, but said they only offer 1 issue per member. Same issue different result.
participatrophy
·2 days agoDon't open an Item Not Received case when this happens. Rather, open an Item Not As Described case. So, not "this item didn't arrive" but "return this item" and then choose "missing parts or pieces" on the next screen. Start vetting your sellers better too, there usually are red flags to be seen ahead of time but you'll miss every one of 'em if you don't look.
jerryr4024
OPyesterday at 1:39 AMMan. Today was a great day I tell you. We work with law enforcement agencies. They were able to track who shipped the package, who signed for it and where the package shipped from. At this point I'm over talking to Ebay. Let my credit card company deal with them. We've spent too much time with this incident.
The question is. Why didn't the recipient that received this package refuse the package at any point? I feel they could be some sort of conspiracy where these fools work together. I'd love to ask them.
participatrophy
·yesterday at 4:13 AMMy understanding of it all is limited so take this with a grain of salt but generally the recipient is just someone who happens to be located in the right zip code. I once had a buyer message me asking why I was sending another of the item he had ordered a month prior. We watched the tracking and when it showed delivered he said nothing turned up. No signature and different carrier than in your situation but it ended up being a scam thing and we were just in the right place at the wrong time or whatever. I hope you'll update this thread again if anything more comes of it. The fraud is out of control, nice to hear someone who was able to actually do something about it for once.
gosimus
·yesterday at 4:23 AM@jerryr4024
< Why didn't the recipient that received this package refuse the package at any point? >
The scammer doesn't send the actual item, how would that profit him? If he were to send the actual item, he might as well have sent it to the buyer. He sends a valueless object, such as a button, or a handmade thank you note, or empty box or envelope.
jerryr4024
OPyesterday at 4:08 PMYou are 100% correct. It could be anything. A piece of cardboard, a paper clip or an empty envelope. They have them sign for it, so there's proof it was delivered.