Seller wants me to close my "item not received" case so she can issue a refund

[pennytlh]

I did not receive an item and messaged the seller. She responded saying the shipping partner wasn't able to process or something but says she will be happy to refund my money IF I close my "item not received" case with eBay. Is this the correct process? Or is she trying to trick me into closing my case and then doesn't have to refund the money she owes.

I've heard that there are money launderers who use ebay somehow and am worried about closing the case without ebay telling me to do so, am I right? Do I lose my rights  under the Ebay buyer Protection plan if I close the case?

What should I do? 

[eburtonlab]

@pennytlh 

Only close your case if you have already received your item or your refund; once you close your case it cannot be reopened, and you will have lost your leverage to get the seller to provide a refund.

If the seller does not cooperate, after three business days you should be able to ask eBay to step in and force a refund. If you wait too long, the case will close automatically without a refund, so do not wait too long.