cancel
Showing results for 
Show  only  | Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Seller sent empty envelope instead of item

It appears I've run into a scammer.

Seller waited a full week before "shipping" what was supposed to be a desktop computer & instead he paid $10 for a priority envelope & sent that to me instead of the computer.

I was ahead of this before he even shipped & started a dispute with my credit card company (because eBay refused to even allow me to open any dispute until 2 full weeks had passed)  who has already refunded me but they are still investigating. I've provided them with every piece of evidence.

Seller also sent the envelope with the wrong name & address in hopes I wouldn't track it down but it happened to be a neighbor so I have it in my possession. It's just an empty envelope. 

I've also reported the seller on eBay through the report option (and added all the tracking info) but there's nowhere to add photos for the case. 

 

Is there anything else I should do to get this scammer banned?

I'm also wondering if I should call the police to create a case number for fraud.

He's located across the country (guess which state? all the way to the west) but I would imagine its a civil case.

Just making sure I've done all I need to do.

Message 1 of 5
latest reply
4 REPLIES 4

Seller sent empty envelope instead of item

Go to My ebay > Purchase History and select RETURN THIS ITEM.  You have up to 30 days from receipt of the item. For the reason, select Not as Described.  You will need to click on More actions. You will be able to upload a photo here.  The seller will have 3 days to reply.  If no reply, then click the link to Ask ebay to step in.  If the seller accepts the return, he is responsible for supplying a prepaid shipping label.  Print out the label, affix it to the box/package, and make sure the carrier scans the label.  Once tracking shows DELIVERED back to the seller, he has 2 days to refund you.  If no refund, go back to the case and click Ask ebay to step in, to force the refund.

disneyshopper
Volunteer Community Member

Message 2 of 5
latest reply

Seller sent empty envelope instead of item

Unfortunately, since I disputed this through my credit card company (instead of waiting 2 full weeks for eBay to allow me to open a dispute) it takes me to a screen that says the following:

 


This return is closed

This return was closed on Jun 19.  

We were notified that you filed a dispute with your payment institution. Please check with your payment institution for refund.  


Since this seller is a scammer, he has all his listings as "returns not accepted".

Pretty sure I've done everything I can do at this point besides calling the police to get a case number for fraud. As I stated in the OP, the credit card company has already issued a refund. 

Message 3 of 5
latest reply

Seller sent empty envelope instead of item

make a police report, internet fraud report, USPS fraud report
 
note the weight and size of package rec'd vs purchased item's 'should have been' weight
 


Reports for USPS here>
 
https://www.uspis.gov/
 

Mail Fraud Complaint>

https://ehome.uspis.gov/fcsexternal/default.aspx
 

Internet Crime Complaint Center>

https://www.ic3.gov/


Then
 
Contact eBay via social media with a private message:
 
https://Facebook.com/ebay
 
AND-OR
 
https://Twitter.com/askebay
 
Great customer service on these social media sites @majestical420 

Message 4 of 5
latest reply

Seller sent empty envelope instead of item

Hi 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.

Message 5 of 5
latest reply