Hello, I have twice for the first time in 24 years selling, 1 in June and 1 two days ago. Both claimed that the item was defective and both uploaded a irrelevant picture in the return request, both were new users with no buying history and both sent back a small empty kraft padded envelope using my prepaid shipping label that they get because I offer free returns.
Anyone else getting the empty package return scam?
Sellers here have been reporting the empty package return scam on this board regularly since 2003, when eBay first introduced the Money Back Gaurantee.
You are given 3 days after receiving a return to take action before eBay refunds the buyer.
Open all returns while video recording to document the scam. Ensure to capture the return label in the footage. Upload the footage to YouTube and contact eBay by phone to intervene before the 3-day deadline.
I really wish eBay would stop reimbursing sellers out-of-pocket who fail to notify eBay by the 3-day deadline and then appeal the refunds at a later date. If a seller fails to report the scam on time it should be entirely on the seller to take the loss.
At the same time, eBay should extend the deadline to 7-14 days before processing refunds on behalf of the seller, as they allow for buyers that force returns to get the item back to the seller.
Sellers should also report empty package scammers to the sellers locations local police precinct for investigation.
One problem. I don't think video recordings are considered proof in an instance like you describe. Too easy to fake.
Another problem. Local police are under funded and understaffed in most cases. I don't think they'd be prone to pursue a "He said, she said" case on an eBay return..................
sanman8753
·11 months agoHello, I have twice for the first time in 24 years selling, 1 in June and 1 two days ago. Both claimed that the item was defective and both uploaded a irrelevant picture in the return request, both were new users with no buying history and both sent back a small empty kraft padded envelope using my prepaid shipping label that they get because I offer free returns.
grand-and-glorious-purpose
·11 months agotwice a year for the last decade or more
blade-discounts
OP11 months agoI got 12 this year alone. When you sell more it happens way more.
grand-and-glorious-purpose
·11 months agoWell, everything happens like that so...yeah.
simba6
·11 months agoClassic return fraud. Just add a bit to all your prices to cover such loss. Like B&M stores do to cover five finger discounts.
krazzykats
·11 months agoCondition of returned items policy | eBay
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luckythewinner
·11 months agoSellers here have been reporting the empty package return scam on this board regularly since 2003, when eBay first introduced the Money Back Gaurantee.
greatrate
·11 months agoYou are given 3 days after receiving a return to take action before eBay refunds the buyer.
Open all returns while video recording to document the scam. Ensure to capture the return label in the footage. Upload the footage to YouTube and contact eBay by phone to intervene before the 3-day deadline.
I really wish eBay would stop reimbursing sellers out-of-pocket who fail to notify eBay by the 3-day deadline and then appeal the refunds at a later date. If a seller fails to report the scam on time it should be entirely on the seller to take the loss.
At the same time, eBay should extend the deadline to 7-14 days before processing refunds on behalf of the seller, as they allow for buyers that force returns to get the item back to the seller.
Sellers should also report empty package scammers to the sellers locations local police precinct for investigation.
roccotacodad54
·11 months agoOne problem. I don't think video recordings are considered proof in an instance like you describe. Too easy to fake.
Another problem. Local police are under funded and understaffed in most cases. I don't think they'd be prone to pursue a "He said, she said" case on an eBay return..................