Multiple listing for same exact item

[superjfk101]

I purchased a phone from a new seller, I figure everyone needs to get started with their first sale. After the purchase I went and looked at his shop and noticed the same exact used phone I paid for is in two other auctions and one up as a different phone but same picture. I'm getting the feeling this is a scam account. Wondering what I can do, or do I have to wait until the delivery date passes to start a refund

[ittybitnot]

 do I have to wait until the delivery date passes to start a refund

@superjfk101 

Typically, you have to wait.  Keep an eye on the seller.  If they should become Naru'd (no longer a registered user) before the last expected delivery date, you may be able to file sooner. 

Also be alert to the tracking number.  Should it say "delivered" and you get no package....DO NOT FILE and INR (item not received claim) for you will lose.  There is a different procedure necessary should this occur.   Read up on the fake tracking scam, and come back for more assistance. 

Since eBay allows the sellers to use stock photos, lift photos from other listings, and plagiarize descriptions, it is often hard to tell real from scam listings.  The lure for a scam is often the "price to good to be true" factor.  IT IS ALWAYS IMPORTANT TO PURCHASE A PRODUCT FROM A SELLER WITH A SOLID HISTORY OF SELLING LIKE ITEMS.  

Newbies are supposed to have selling limits with regard to dollar amounts and number of listings allowed.  Though we cannot tell the dollar amount involved for your transaction,  a new seller with zero feedback selling expensive smart phones is likely not real.  Take a look at the original listing and see if it has the money back guarantee.  

[ebooksdiva]

Just because a seller has more than one listing for the same item doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get your item. That seller may have more than one. 
Best to wait to see what you receive or until the estimated dates of delivery passes before clicking that refund button. 

[soh.maryl]

Take a look at the original listing and see if it has the money back guarantee.

I thought that ALL listings on eBay (except in a few very limited categories) had the MBG.  AFIK, phones would NOT be in a category that doesn't have an automatic MBG.  

So I was wrong about that?   

[ittybitnot]

I thought that ALL listings on eBay (except in a few very limited categories) had the MBG

@soh.maryl 

Oftentimes, listings are intentionally listed in categories that have no MBG.  It is to beat the eBay auto bot system, since the buyer can make no claim at all on eBay.  This happens as well if a listing is posted in the correct category AND A SECOND NON-MBG CATEGORY IS INCLUDED AS WELL.   Mobile users are NOT shown the second category.  

Since at first glance, the listings look basically the same, it is easy to miss.  Buyers who try to make INR or other claims on these listings are in for a ride battling the eBay bots, just like a buyer who tries to file INR when there is a recorded delivery notice.  eBay thinks delivery to the local gas station in the buyer's zipcode is just fine.  And eBay thinks just because you bought your new cookware pots and pans set listed in "Travel" you void buyer protection and that is fine, too.

[soh.maryl]

So I guess we should, or could, ask the OP what category the phone is listed in, or perhaps the item #? 

[ittybitnot]

@soh.maryl 

The item number would be best, as all sorts of information can be found.   Wrong category does not seem to  be as widely used as the "price too good to be true/fake tracking" combo. 

[superjfk101]

This was a used phone with defects on it so I knew these weren't stock photos, I messaged the seller about it and they said they had made a mistake and took the ads down. The next day they put another auction up for the same item. I contacted eBay on the multiple listings, after about a hour they took both down. Unfortunately the auction i bought from is now gone. I don't know the date that I was supposed to receive it on so I'm a bit worried about not being able to get a refund. This is certainly a scam account, I just don't know when and how to make my next step