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Seller sent to wrong address but same zip code
Today an received a notification about an item being delivered today. This is two days before the estimated shipping time. The moment I saw the notification, it being an expensive item, I checked all around my residence and neighbors mailboxes and could not find the item.
I then contacted USPS, gave them the tracking number where they said it was delivered but to a place several miles away from my address, not the address i provided to the seller, however in the same zip code as mine. Doing some further searching it seems this is a common scam on ebay to get around the tracking system.
I then contacted the seller twice with my concerns and cordially asked why they sent it to a different address with the same zip code. I have yet to recieve any response from the seller.
After talking with Ebay and sharing what USPS gave me they said to wait to open a INR case. I must wait until tomorrow to open a case. So basically is this my word against theirs now? I feel like time is against me here as I should gather as much info to defend my case that I never actually received any item.
I am just unsure what action I should take now. I am very close to just leaving negative feedback and opening a dispute with my credit card company, but I do not want to be too hasty in doing these things.
Any info on this matter greatly appreciated.
kh-stanley1
·2 years agoHi everyone,
Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread HERE if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.
Thank you for understanding.
bjra2
·2 years agoI met a same case recently.
eBay judged for seller 1st as Tracking says my Zip even if there are huge number of messages in the dispute.
I asked screenshot or pictures but seller only showed by text.
I appealed and eBay finally refunded.
Upload tracking after delivery was now classic and new Scam is to alter address to have the same ZIP. USPS delivered to the address 1st. Seller packed a garbage of course and Tracking tells to the right zip.
eBay should ask USPS to get delivered address, not just Zip. Delivered to the buyer's zip can not say it is delivered now as scam increases.
mmrooz18
OP3 years agoSo this seller will not give. After a bunch of incoherent messages the past couple of days, one was offering me discounts on more electronics, today they sent a fake offer on my the one item I am selling to get my attention. Already declined. This is a first for me. Not engaging with this seller at all. Just reported them to ebay. 😅
mmrooz18
OP3 years agoHey all so good news. I sent the seller one last message to give them another opportunity to make it right before opening a case. About an hour later they just cancelled the transaction and I should be getting a refund soon. So happy this is settled and thanks for everyone's incredible support and input on these forums. You are all the best! 👌
nenu-5410
·3 years agoJust as a sanitary check @mmrooz18
look if your Order Details page shows any refund, pandering or otherwise?
mmrooz18
OP3 years agoHey not sure what you are asking? I got the notification from ebay it was cancelled by the seller and refund should be coming 3-4 business days. I dont have to return anything since there is nothing to return. There is already a pending refund listed from my bank.
Bonus - the seller has now messaged me over 5 messages regarding the negative feedback I left. Odd how they couldn't message me about my concerns when the item was a no-show sent to a different address.
They told me (I to guess garner remorse?) that Ebay suspended their account due to suspicious activity, took down several of their listings including the one I bought (i have no clue how that worked), even sent me screenshots of ebay messaging them. So they basically self reported they were trying to sell me an item while on a suspended account if that possible? I dont know, they are still messaging me and just do not want to engage this person. should I be concern about this?
ittybitnot
·3 years agoI dont know, they are still messaging me and just do not want to engage this person. should I be concern about this?
@mmrooz18
There is no reason to message this person any longer.
Did you get your money back yet?
ittybitnot
·3 years agoI am very close to just leaving negative feedback and opening a dispute with my credit card company, but I do not want to be too hasty in doing these things.
@mmrooz18
If you do that, eBay is going to be ready for you. They will simply respond with the same tracking/delivery scan that eBay would use to deny an eBay claim. Please consult with your credit card company as to what evidence they will require to show that this is not an ordinary 'not received' issue, but rather involves the fake tracking scam. It is VERY IMPORTANT that this is understood before making any claim with your credit card.
Be advised as well, that if you do go to your card for redress, ANY eBay claim will be closed. You should know this if you plan on using the "missing parts/pieces, not as described route".
lakefor94
·3 years ago@mmrooz18
When you file your return case:
If seller does not send a return label within 3 days and the "Ask eBay To Step In" option is not available, you may have to contact eBay. A scam seller can select, "return label already sent", and you really do not have access to a return label, thus you would have to contact ebay to force the return along it's path, so to speak.
If you need help, come back here with details and dates of what has transpired. Folks here will walk you thru it.
Under NO circumstances do you close the return before getting your refund, REGARDLESS of what the seller might tell you.
mmrooz18
OP3 years agoThank you for the info. Im going to fight this till the end. I will probably go with Return case over INR, i just dont know when I should do it.
With INR route I don't want to deal with an appeal process if it goes in the seller's favor, also in that case I cannot give feedback, the seller won't be penalized basically getting to keep the money even if I was refunded by ebay. This is what I read on these very forums, but that policy it could be out of date so I could be wrong. I would like my feedback to be viewable and allow it for trustworthy users to steer clear from sellers like this and that is applicable when you choose INAD or Return case, right?
I dont know how much truth there is to this but I am reading that sellers can buy tracking info and apply it to their ebay shipments making it seem like its their item shipped when its a completely different item going to a different person all together. As long as its the same city and zip, in the vicinity of buyer it basically tricks ebay into thinking it was actually a completed delivery in their system.
lakefor94
·3 years agoThe feedback might stick in a INAD return case.
Don't mention that you were involved in a case or anything like that. EBay has a lot of rules and sellers know how to get feedback removed that violates policy.
You have 30 days from the delivery date to file INAD. Make sure to select a INAD return reason.
If this seller is a scam seller, they will know all the tricks. Folks here will walk you through every step along the way. Always come back here with questions. More reliable answers can be obtained here than thru eBay phone reps.
mmrooz18
OP3 years agoOk so I went to make a INAD return case and kinda stuck. Im a not sure if I need to upload a pic to confirm return because I don't have anything to upload. Still waiting on USPS to follow up with this tracking #, but as for that I not sure where to go from here...
mtgraves7984
·3 years agoIm a not sure if I need to upload a pic to confirm return because I don't have anything to upload.
@mmrooz18
I think the 'Confirm return' will free up with a photo. Just hover over/right click/save one from the listing and add it.
ittybitnot
·3 years agoI need to upload a pic to confirm return..
@mmrooz18
Though I would wait for confirmation from USPS that the "delivered" item was intended for you in the first place, there have been indications (from reading anecdotal info here) that it does not matter what that picture contains. One seller complained that his buyer uploaded a photo of some dead ducks instead of the product, and the automated bot process proceeded as normal.
Perhaps you can show a photo of some "air" or "vapor"? Just sayin'. It would be an interesting test at the very least.
mmrooz18
OP3 years agoYes, I think I might wait for USPS to get back to me before I open any case. I'm just gonna add a stock photo from the listing. Should I even mention they shipped it to the wrong address in the description? Thanks for the input ðŸ‘
lakefor94
·3 years ago@mmrooz18
"I dont know how much truth there is to this but I am reading that sellers can buy tracking info and apply it to their ebay shipments making it seem like its their item shipped when its a completely different item going to a different person all together. As long as its the same city and zip, in the vicinity of buyer it basically tricks ebay into thinking it was actually a completed delivery in their system."
Yes, they just buy a label anywhere and address it to a random address in your area. Send an empty envelope with USPS 1st Class Package tracking. Enter the tracking into the eBay system and viola, they get a verified delivery scan. This goes on thru EVERY online venue including AMZ. Happened to my wife there.
The key is to be able to vet your seller adequately before purchase. Takes a little time, but doable.
ma-647837
·3 years agoThe best day is Tuesday as late as possible just before midnight Pacific Time, if it's not a holiday. Unless it spans a weekend with a holiday on Fri or Mon, if you start an INR or return on:
Mon, plus 3 business days: Fri a business day, to ask eBay to step in, 4 calendar days later.
Tue, plus 3 business days: Sat not a business day, to ask eBay to step in, 4 calendar days later.
Wed, plus 3 business days -- must wait until Tue to ask eBay to step in, 6 calendar days later.
Thu, plus 3 business days -- must wait until Wed to ask eBay to step in, 6 calendar days later.
Fri, plus 3 business days -- must wait until Thu to ask eBay to step in, 6 calendar days later.
Sat, plus 3 business days -- must wait until Fri to ask eBay to step in, 6 calendar days later.
Sun, plus 3 business days -- must wait until Fri to ask eBay to step in, 5 calendar days later.
mmrooz18
OP3 years agoThank you for the awesome break down. Incredibly helpful! I already have an open inquiry with USPS to confirm the seller sent to a different address where they can send me a letter of proof. This USPS claim takes 3-5 business days. Wait for that or just put in the Return case tomorrow night per your advice and hope they just get back to me with a refund? My concern is getting a shipping label with no proof from USPS to send or not having the option to have ebay step in. Very much appreciate everyone's help as never experienced this before. 99% of the time sellers respond and make the return process as smooth as possible.
ma-647837
·3 years agoIf the seller @mmrooz18 doesn't
-- respond,
-- issue a refund, or
-- send a prepaid return label,
ask eBay to step in after 3 business days.
Following, if eBay sends a return label instead of just refunding after you ask eBay to step in
-- you have 10 clock days (not the usual 10 business days if eBay was never asked to step in) to mail that return label.
So that fortunately should give you more than enough time.
12345jamesstamps
·3 years agoI had such an incident. Seller wrote address on package and had terrible handwriting. Got a notification item was delivered. It was a midweek day in the afternoon. Saw the address on my notification where it was delivered. Package was delivered about 6 blocks up Nob Hill on same street from me. I got on my motorcycle and went up to that address. My package was in a pile of about 10 packages outside. I took my package and became a happy camper. We get notifications when something is "out for delivery"...and when "it is delivered".
Just got to pay attention to notifications of a package being delivered. It may not be the fault of the delivery person. It may not be the fault of the seller. Leave the feedback alone until item received or refund received. And careful of feedback you leave...everyone can read that negative feedback. It takes a little time for a seller to respond to your email...and hoping it was polite and businesslike. I am a one-kid operation selling here and can get busy...my gym routines are more important than anything else.
mmrooz18
OP3 years agoI kept an eye on shipping notifications since the day I purchased this item. Today all notifications stated the package was shipped and delivered just not to the address I provided the seller. I have messaged the seller twice today and they haven't responded.
I really want to give them the benefit of the doubt here, but it really doesn't take much to put a buyers concerns at ease. If it was as simple as an address mix up, they are backed up etc... they could have gotten back to me already. Honestly, it does not take hours to send a private message on ebay. A seller avoiding reasonable questions and concerns about an expensive item that has not shown is not going to score any positive feedback from buyers.
USPS already confirmed:
1 - its been shipped and delivered to a different address with the same zip code as mine (already a red flag)
2 - The package weight of what they sent is 2oz yet the item I bought is 5-6 pounds.
I'll probably give them until tomorrow, but what today revealed Ill probably open a refund case much sooner than later.
ma-647837
·3 years agoHow did that work?
Say you live at 123 Nob Hill.
And the handwriting said 456 Nob Hill.
USPS would notify the people at 456 Nob Hill that they are receiving mail today,
and would not notify you at 123 Nob Hill ... as it's not your address that USPS saw on the mail.
Or if it was a USPS tracking number,
it would say "out for delivery" and eventually "delivered"
but it wouldn't tell you waiting at 123 Nob Hill that it was delivered to another address.
ittybitnot
·3 years agoSaw the address on my notification where it was delivered.
@12345jamesstamps
The USPS notification actually showed the (not your) address?
12345jamesstamps
·3 years agoSeller wrote incorrect address and we sometimes don't look at the notification address. Luckily, the notification shows where it got delivered.
When I worked for the government and had to write numbers...we could not put a 7 with a line in it like in Europe. Also a 4 could not be an open top. And a 2 should not have a bottom loop. Sellers who print their address should be careful with numbers when writing them on packages and envelopes. Just something I learned working for the government.
nenu-5410
·3 years agoIf it was still your name but badly written, and the carrier recognized it, they would have delivered to you despite the wrong address.
It's unlikely that "the notification shows where it got delivered" as that's a privacy issue -- the carrier can't tell you another person's address.
This sounds like some kind of deflection?
12345jamesstamps
·3 years agoSorry, but you are wrong. Notification stated where it got delivered with my name on it correctly but not apartment number. I found my package at the address. And I do live in a big city with lots of apartments and a handfull of 3 story houses. Living in a big city of about 1 million people I don't think the carrier would know me.
Carrier checked off a different address which I then got the notification.
12345jamesstamps
·3 years agoWhen you work for the government and write stuff you have to use correct numbers and spelling in the English language. Gotta wonder why so many packages seem to go missing. I never lost a package mailing it out writing the address on it.
mmrooz18
OP3 years agoJust to clarify I am NOT the seller here, I am the buyer.
mmrooz18
OP3 years ago@kensgiftshop @mtgraves7984
Thank for your input. I just got off the phone with another ebay rep. She assured everything is being documented and this is a common scam that they are aware of. She was against me opening a refund request as I don't have anything to send, but i trust mtgraves that I should get a refund still w/o sending anything back. Still on the fence if I should open a INR request tomorrow. The rep on the phone was adamant I open that up tomorrow, but I am concern it will automatically go in the seller's favor since its stated at "delivered."
Gonna call USPS and see if I can get a letter for proof, but they weren't all that helpful with info, just that the address don't match, kept pushing me to talk to the seller or deal it with on ebay.
mtgraves7984
·3 years agoThe rep on the phone was adamant I open that up tomorrow, but I am concern it will automatically go in the seller's favor since its stated at "delivered."
@mmrooz18
It will. But you can still open a Return request if it does. It's all good... keep us posted!
mmrooz18
OP3 years agoWould you recommend just opening a return request now or wait? Not sure what I should pick for the reason of a refund since I dont even have the item in hand. Im guessing between - wrong item sent, arrived damaged or missing parts/pieces.
Still waiting on USPS to call me back to get proof they sent it to a different address w/my same zip code. I don't know how sellers can just change an address i didnt provide without my or ebays knowledge.
ma-647837
·3 years agoWhen you lose an item not received case because tracking shows delivered, then proceed to open a return
-- because you lost the INR, feedback is blocked or removed, so you can't warn other buyers.
But if you go directly to start a return request, even though you received nothing, with nothing to return
-- your feedback will not be removed, as long as it's within policy, including not mentioning a case.
It's internal eBay policy, not published, that a return is sometimes appropriate.
And the actual delivery address is not needed, as that violates privacy laws. Instead, the letter need only state that the tracking number was not for your address, signed by the official with a USPS rubber stamp.
Use the Missing parts or pieces reason for your return request. Then if the seller @mmrooz18 doesn't issue a refund, but a prepaid return label instead, enclose that in a box, and sent it back to get your refund.
mmrooz18
OP3 years agoAll great info thank you. I'm going to wait for the seller to respond to my messages, but I doubt they will get back. Tonight if no response then Ill do the return request. I would like my negative feedback to be seen most definitely because I know authorities/fraud dept won't really care to follow up on this. I really wouldn't want this seller to continue this activity. Can I put the sellers ebay name/store here to warn other users to stay away? Thing is they have 100% positive with glowing reviews and over 50 sales. I should have vetted them better and its my fault for trusting ebays system. It just this has never happened to me in over 20 years using ebay. Anyway thanks again for all the info.
ittybitnot
·3 years agoBut if you go directly to start a return request, even though you received nothing, with nothing to return....
@ma-647837
Thank you for the screen shots. Though that post by @brittanie@ebay was a couple of years old, I wonder if it would sill apply as a viable alternative for at least the BUYER victims of the fake tracking scam. There seems to be more and more every day, and those are just the ones that come to the boards.
It would certainly be helpful for those victims that are unable to get written verification needed to counter the phony delivery scans (scams) , even if the victim knows what to do when their inr claims and appeals are denied. No more time wasting trying to get documentation that nobody will give you. Let the autobot take care of it, and maybe the old 'elephant in the room' will leave.
ma-647837
·3 years agoWe'll see, it's in progress today.
But the seller could have more tricks yet.
ma-647837
·3 years agoAnd there it is, the seller @ma-647837 issued an undeliverable USPS Return Service label
-- which has the eBay permit inside the return tracking number 9302 0205 85...
Unfortunately, eBay considers attempted delivery, to be the same as delivered.
Proof of delivery for returned items
Returns should be sent with tracked shipping that can be independently validated.
We require all of the following to prove a successful return delivery:
Normally, if the buyer contacts eBay to point that out, eBay will force a full refund ahead of the 2 business days allowed for the seller to voluntarily refund. But this time, let's see what the eBay bot does on its own without any prodding.
ma-647837
·3 years agoAnd there it is again. Sans prodding, eBay did not react to the attempted delivery. Today, the return box with the missing parts or pieces was round-tripped delivered back to the buyer, the original sender.
Then within minutes, eBay sent a message that the return had been delivered back to the seller's address.
And now the seller has the usual 2 business days to voluntarily refund, or eBay may automatically step in, even if not prodded to step in, to issue the refund on behalf of the seller.
ma-647837
·3 years agoThe seller ignored the 2 business days to refund, after eBay considered the return delivered, but it had actually round-tripped back to the buyer.
So a few minutes past the expiration of the 2 business days at midnight Pacific Time, eBay issued a full refund on behalf of the fake tracking scam seller.
The seller planned a fake return address. It would be quicker to contact eBay for a refund when the return delivery attempt failed, rather than await the round-trip back plus 2 business days until a bot refund.
mmrooz18
OP3 years agoI was going to open a case last night, but wanted to give the seller until this morning to respond and as expected still no response. So I am going to open a refund request and pick missing parts. Just on the fence between INR and INAD/refund cases to be honest.
I think I'll keep the CC dispute as a last resort because USPS let me know, unlike Ebay reps, the people who investigate CC disputes will contact USPS to see if this seller did in fact send it to a different address and that seems like it will take a while to complete. I got a confirmation email from USPS that they are following up with the tracking # I was provided.
mtgraves7984
·3 years agoWith this scam, my kneejerk reaction is NOT to open an Item Not Received claim... the seller has a 'Delivered' scan.
I'd open a Return request, citing a Not as Described ('Doesn't match photos/description') reason. You may have to return something to the seller, but you'll get a refund.
Wait for advice from other posters as my 'kneejerk reactions' sometimes need to be thought over. Good luck.
mmrooz18
OP3 years agoThanks for the info. I can request a return, but wouldn't the seller have to approve it? I have nothing to return as I never received anything in the first place. I have a depressing feeling ebay is not going to back me here even though a rep gave every assurance...
mtgraves7984
·3 years agoI can request a return, but wouldn't the seller have to approve it?
@mmrooz18
No. Have you read the MBG? >> eBay Money Back Guarantee policy
The seller can ask that you return for a refund, the seller can refund without a return or eBay can force a refund without return. Used correctly, the MBG is iron-clad for buyers.
kensgiftshop
·3 years agoThe seller would have three days to accept the return.
If they don't, on day 4, return to the case and ask Ebay to step in.
Get a letter from USPS stating that the package was not addressed to you, but another address in your zip code.
Ship back a copy of that letter and make the seller pay for it.
mtgraves7984
·3 years ago@kensgiftshop
Thank you for fine-tuning my kneejerk reaction. Yes, @mmrooz18... send back that letter. You'll be made whole.