Seller gave me Fake Tracking Numbers and Can't get Support
Summary: toningb_80 described an issue where a seller provided a fake tracking number, leading to complications with delivery verification. Attempts to resolve the issue through the platform's support resulted in error messages, and contacting UPS revealed discrepancies with address details. christworks advised on possible solutions, including opening a return or filing a chargeback to address the fake tracking scam. They discussed the limitations of opening an 'Item Not Received' case and emphasized the need for collecting evidence. toningb_80 followed up with additional actions and acknowledged the difficulties in getting a response from the seller, sharing ongoing communication attempts with the platform for resolution. The discussion highlights the challenges of dealing with fraudulent tracking numbers and the importance of gathering proper documentation.
Has anyone encountered a situation where a seller provided a fake tracking number? For me, UPS revealed the tracking number wasn't associated with my address, and attempts to report this through the platform's support system always resulted in error messages (We ran into a problem. Please go back and try again.) across all my devices. I also tried calling, but it just kept giving me the same link and said can't connect me with anyone.
Have anyone had similar experiences, and how should we go about the next steps?
christworks
·3 days ago@toningb_80
Does the tracking show it was delivered? Please tag me in your response so I can direct you which way to go with this.
toningb_80
OP3 days ago · Edited@christworks Yes, tracking shows delivered, and when I contacted UPS, they gave me the address in an email as proof. (Pretty sure they shouldn't have) But it doesn't match up to my name or address, which I have on my Ebay.
Should have also said the seller messaged me directly, saying, "Here is your tracking number and the one on eBay is wrong."
Im going based on the tracking in our messages. (The other one also says as delivered, and I haven't gotten it)
christworks
·3 days ago@toningb_80 The only tracking number that matters is what was offically uploaded to eBay. You need to contact the carrier, just like you did with UPS, and confirm that tracking number was not associated with your address. If it is UPS, maybe they will email you the information for that tracking number as well. No, they should not give you the actual address it was delivered to, but if they do, they do. You just need something on record from them that shows it wasn't your address.
There are two ways you can go about this. You can open a return, and return a copy of what the carrier sent you. Or, contact your bank or credit card and open a chargeback. Let them know you are a victim of the fake tracking scam. You will need proof. I would submit a copy of the order, which should have the actual tracking number that was uploaded to eBay. Also submit screen shots of the message(s) from the seller, giving you a second tracking number, and then copies of whatever you can get from the carrier(s) as it pertains to both tracking numbers. I would not engage with the seller any more.
Once you file a charge back, eBay is out of the picture. If you want to try to the return method and see if the seller gets scared and refunds you, you need to do that before the charge back. There is nothing wrong with going straight to the chargeback.
I'm sorry this happened. Hopefully one day eBay will get a handle on this. These scammers should not only be removed from eBay, they should be sent to prison where 99% of them won't make it.
toningb_80
OP3 days ago@christworks Yea i also just did contact UPS for proof that the other tracking number isn’t my address either and had to call Ebay to open up a ticket. (kept getting errors trying to open it up myself)
I have been sending all the screenshots I get now to the seller but no response still. And i agree with these scammer i wish they did more.
Thank you for all your help and hopefully this gets resolved soon 🙏
christworks
·3 days ago@toningb_80 Not sure who you called, but it likely wasn't eBay. I am not sure what you mean by a 'ticket.' If you open an Item Not Recieved case you will lose because the tracking number shows delivered. The only option is a return, which you do online, or to go to your method of payment. Good luck.
toningb_80
OP3 days agoIt was from the ebay support bot i got to a point with the bot on the ebay website where they said “do you want to talk to a representative” and after 30 mins i did. explained the situation then i got a “item not received” email saying they are looking into it from ebay itself. (the link opens up in ebay itself and it’s the product i have an issue with). But the rep saw all the proof i posted. i will keep you updated on if it works or not if not then i will go with credit card dispute.
toningb_80
OP2 days ago@christworks i got the refund :)