Seller sent the wrong item (fraud)
Summary: victochave_866 reported a case of bait-and-switch fraud, where they received a different laptop model than purchased, seeking a partial refund due to a hardware downgrade. They faced complications with the return process since the item is outside the US, having used a freight forwarder, which voids eBay's Money Back Guarantee. Other participants explained that using a freight forwarder limits eBay’s responsibility, suggesting that the seller's offer of a return label was their only recourse. Discussions highlighted the challenges and policies related to returns and eBay's involvement, considering the specific circumstances of the purchase.
Hello.
I need manual assistance with return ID 5330153205. I am the victim of a bait-and-switch fraud. I purchased a laptop with a Ryzen 7 5700U, but the seller intentionally sent an older model with a Ryzen 7 4700U. I have definitive photo evidence of both the physical laptop sticker and the Windows system specifications proving this fraud.
I am willing to keep the item, but I requested a fair $100 partial refund for the hardware downgrade. Instead of taking responsibility, the seller issued a USPS return label. Because I used a freight forwarder, the item is currently outside the US, making a physical return by the Oct 13 deadline physically impossible. The seller knows this and is abusing the automated return system to run out the clock and get away with the scam.
As a buyer with an excellent account history, I respectfully request that a supervisor reviews my photos and helps mediate this partial refund, or issues a courtesy credit to my account, so I don't end up paying for a downgraded processor I never ordered.
soh.maryl
·yesterday at 3:12 PMIt's very seldom that a "supervisor" or any other eBay employee turns up here. When they do, they are easily identifiable.
You received an item that is not as described. Why not just open an NAD case with eBay? Easily done. Open case, wait 3 days for response from seller. No response, return to case and ask eBay to step in. They will refund you from the seller's account and tell you to keep the item. If the seller wants it back, he has to send you a prepaid return label and to refund when it gets back to him. Have you read the MBG?
kathiec
·yesterday at 3:44 PMThat won't work here. The OP used a freight forwarder. MBG coverage ended when the package was forwarded.
1950rek
·Oct 4, 2026 at 3:52 PMAt the top of this page is a link (ABOUT), that will show an
"About the Community" entry, that describes the makeup of the eBay Community.
"The eBay Community is made up of sellers, buyers and eBay employees coming together to share, connect and learn."
"While the value of peer-to-peer discussion is at the heart of the community, there are plenty of questions and comments that require attention from eBay staff."
kathiec
·Oct 4, 2026 at 6:31 PMAnd have you seen one time eBay staff has popped in on a post here? Just one? I'll wait.
1950rek
·yesterday at 1:55 PM · Editedebay staff uses a "Contact" link that is provided by users when they register, for issues that they determine requires their attention.
Why one would wait for an eBay staff member to post here, instead of using their user contact link, is beyond me...
janet9988
·2 days agoThe seller is not abusing anything. You gave a USA shipping address.
Your account shows as being in the USA, yet you are not.
Who is abusing the situation.
albertabrightalberta
·2 days ago · Edited@victochave_866
You've already been advised on what you must do so I won't repeat what others have said.
However I have a few comments.
Requesting a partial refund when it wasn't offered is a violation of ebay policy and if the seller reported that request, you would have received an "abusive buyer" ding on your record.
The seller DID accept responsibility and issued a return label.
You are likely very wrong about the seller "abusing the automated return system" because if the seller was aware of the use of freight forwarders and buyers' loss of the MBG (money back guarantee), he could have denied your claim and forced you to keep the item.
One might believe you were aware of the loss of your MBG by using a 3rd party reshipper but want to take advantage of the seller as if you didn't go outside the policy.
There is no scam. I believe the seller probably made a mistake and it's his choice to pay for return shipping and get the item back so he can resell it. And his return label is to the domestic (US) address where the package went.
@victochave_866
Had you used either EIS (ebay international shipping) or had the seller ship directly to you, you would have had the opportunity to exercise your MBG rights. But your choice to use a FF negated that option.
EDIT:
By the way, your profile shows your registration in the US. Your profile should be registered in your own country. That's another no-no.
stuff4divas
·2 days ago@victochave_866 just a note to clarify why using a ff voids eBay's mbg,
when sent to a 3rd party, there is no way to know if someone at the 3rd party facility did the 'bait switch' as opposed to the seller.
kensgiftshop
·2 days agoEbay won't help you get a partial refund, that's up to the seller.
If the seller wants it returned, either return it for a refund or keep it.
Using a freight forwarder voids your MBG.
kathiec
·2 days ago@victochave_866
First, this is a member-to-member forum. EBay's not here. Unfortunately you've run into one of the major disadvantages of using a forwarding service, namely that eBay's Money Back Guarantee no longer covers it once it's been forwarded. You're lucky the seller sent a label, because that's the only recourse through eBay you have.
krazzykats
·2 days agoYou need to return it. Just slap the label back on the box and return it to the hub. eBay notes the return as soon as the label is scanned in, not delivered to the seller.