I've been scamed. What do I do?
UPDATE:
Unfortunately, The scammer realized that mistake before it got delivered and rapidly swapped the tracking number for one with my ZIP code. I'm pretty sure they just sent a blank letter to a random house within my ZIP code so it shows as delivered. It's such a shame really. Tomorrow I'm going to USPS to see if they can provide me with some proof that it wasn't delivered to my house, so when I claim Item not recieved and when eBay rules in favor of the seller I could at least appeal and show that proof.
I just have the feeling I wont get my money back I fear. Be aware of this method! Don't be a fool like me :,c
ORIGINAL POST:
I just wanted to let you guys know that now their method is to build good feedback over the months and then start scamming people. I ordered something and saw all the good reviews and trusted-my mistake. Now it shows that my package is being delivered to another address with a completely different ZIP code. What is really strange is that we seems to put my address as the starting point of the package.
I know I can make a claim that I did not recieved the item. But I'm scared eBay just going to see that the package just got delivered and dont realize the mismatch of ZIP codes.
I'm waiting for the package to show it got delivered so I can start with my claim. Be aware of this! It's such a shame.
eburtonlab
·11 months ago@di692943
If the buyer actually receives something, the buyer can file a "not as described" return within thirty days for a full refund. In fact, any buyer on eBay can file a "not as described" return, provided the buyer is willing and able to return exactly what was received.
If tracking shows delivery but nothing arrives and the buyer can obtain some hard copy documentation (email is not good enough) that says that the package was not delivered to the buyer's address or documentation that shows the weight or size of the package cannot possibly correspond to the ordered item, or the shipping date precedes the order, then the buyer may be able to contact eBay via social media direct message, provide that documentation to eBay and get help with "false tracking".
https://x.com/askebay
https://www.facebook.com/ebay
https://www.instagram.com/ebayforsellers/
With "false tracking" if you go through a standard automated "item not received" case, on the other hand, you will lose the case because the seller can provide tracking that appears to show delivery. If you then appeal, you may have some additional options at that point. It appears that eBay has added a new appeal option regarding "delivery to another address", but I do not know how effective that is compared to contacting eBay via social media with documentation and explicitly mentioning "false tracking", which seems to work provided you can obtain the necessary documentation.
If you are unable to get help through eBay, you may have recourse through your payment method, though you should probably exhaust all your eBay options first since once you go through your payment method, eBay will no longer help with that transaction.
In general, you can avoid a lot of headaches by choosing to purchase only from established sellers that have recent and past positive feedback as a seller for selling items in the same category that you intend to buy. If someone is selling a dozen apple watches, but has no feedback, or only has feedback as a buyer, or only has feedback for selling dress patterns or fishing lures (actual examples I have seen), perhaps wait until they have a track record of positive feedback for selling electronics before you buy from them.
di692943
OP11 months agoHi,
Thankfully, I went to my Post office and it was a scam! They scammer sent it to another house within my ZIP code. They offered to help me getting a physical letter from USPS stating the mismatch between my house and where the package got delivered and proving the scam. The manager told me she's gonna call me when she gets an answer! I also reported this to USPIS for Mail Fraud. I hope I get the letter from USPS soon so I can open my claim and get my money back! I will follow your instruction of contacting them by DM instead of opening an automated claim where the scammer is going to win by showing the FALSE tracking number.
mam98031
·11 months agoI'm glad to hear you took some of my advice. We all look forward to hearing about any progress you make on this situation.
babyers88
·11 months ago~we seems to put my address as the starting point of the package~?
how do you know this? did they send you a screen shot of the label? otherwise you have no way to tell how it was addressed, the zip code cannot be changed mid trip unless it was sent fedex and they managed to get the package redirected which is usually unsuccessful.
The more logical presumption is a carrier error
di692943
OP11 months agoSorry for not being that clear! What i wanted to say is that The seller provided me with a tracking number (which destination was Maryland) and then they changed it for a new tracking number (which was going to my correct ZIP code). I assume he mistakenly put another order's tracking number instead of mine. But yeah he's def a scammer the "package" got sent to my zip code but not to my house.
That's the method. They send something to a house within your ZIP code so when you file a "Not received Item" they just show that it was delivered! The loophole is that the tracking tool just shows the ZIP code where it got sent, not the actual address. Im gonna retrieve all my proofs so I can Appeal the outcome of the claim.
redlinear
·11 months agoZip Code 33166?
di692943
OP11 months agoNo, it was to a random zip code in maryland. I guess he confused my tracking number for other among his scam transactions.
kensgiftshop
·11 months agoIs it the seller from Italy dropshipping from the US.
It could be their dropshipper that made a mistake.
di692943
OP11 months agoThe account says Italy but the item shipping was from Medina, New York
mam98031
·11 months ago@di692943
"What is really strange is that we seems to put my address as the starting point of the package. " That is very strange and honestly I do not know how that could have possibly happen. Please explain with more details how this was accomplished. You seem to be suggesting that AFTER the item shipped to your address, someone changed the address in which it was to be delivered to.
If that is correct, the carrier has records on that. Try to get them.
"it shows that my package is being delivered to another address with a completely different ZIP code."
Well that is truly GREAT news. That should make winning an INR [item not received] case easy.
I would suggest you open an INR for non delivery to the address you had on the Order. Make sure you note on the INR that it was delivered to some other zip code. Attach whatever evidence you can get your hands on. There is a comment field on the INR form. Make sure you give as much detail as you can. Whatever you got that shows the item delivered to some other address because the zip code is different.
Also pay attention to the weight of the package. Often times the item going to the wrong address is much lighter than what you ordered because they can pay less in shipping charges.
Come on back if you have any questions.
You need to open an INR [Item Not Received] claim.
Go and take a look at your purchase history. You can find it on the top right of any Ebay page. Hover over the words My Ebay. A menu will appear, click on Purchase history. Find this transaction. Look what the estimated time of arrival window is on your purchase. When it is one day past the last date, then file an INR claim.
That will protect you and your money. Follow the instructions that will appear on your screen. All the information will be there.
Go and take a look at your purchase history. You can find it on the top right of any Ebay page. Hover over the words My Ebay. A menu will appear, click on Purchase history. Find the transaction. Look to the right there is likely to be a large blue box. Return This Item.
OR
eBay Help page
https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/returns-refunds/reporting-item-didnt-receive?id=4042
1. Go to Purchase history.
2. Select More actions beside your item and then I didn't receive it.
3. Tick the box beside I want a refund or I want the item.
4. You have the option of adding a message to the seller.
5. Select Send request.
di692943
OP11 months agoHi,
Unfortunately, The scammer realized that mistake before it got delivered and rapidly changed it to a correct address. I'm pretty sure they just sent a blank letter to a random house within my ZIP code so it shows as delivered. It's such a shame really. Tomorrow I'm going to USPS to see if they can provide me with some proof that it wasn't delivered to my house, so when I claim Item not recieved and when eBay rules in favor of the seller I could at least appeal and show that proof.
I just have the feeling I wont get my money back I fear.
mam98031
·11 months agoThat is interesting. USPS isn't very good at accomplishing a change of address mid stream.
cheech2021
·11 months agoHello, sorry to hear your troubles, but did you check with the seller, maybe he made the mistake and shipped it to the wrong address???
di692943
OP11 months agoHi,
Unfortunately, The scammer realized that mistake before it got delivered and rapidly changed it to a correct address. Tomorrow I'm going to USPS to see if they can provide me with some proof that it wasn't delivered to my house, so when I claim Item not recieved and when eBay rules in favor of the seller I could at least appeal and show that proof.
I just have the feeling I wont get my money back I fear.