eBay

uvltd · ‎10-21-2021

Beware of fake tracking number scam.

The scam is as follows, a seller post a legitimate tracking number but the buyer cannot see the address that the package is being sent to. The buyer can only see city/zipcode so the seller sends a 'fake item' to a totally different address and under a different name BUT it is within the same city/zipcode so when the package arrives the seller cannot file a INR case because the tracking shows the item as delivered. after ebay reviewing the case and decided to refund me thanks to ebay.

donsdetour · ‎10-21-2021

Not a fake number just not to your addy.

You need to contact the shipper and get in written form that the number was not to your addy: make sure your addy is on this.

Then file a report of fraud and theft with law reinforcement. and with the shipper. Hopefully the USPS.

You can then file a case with eBay or appeal a case found against you with eBay.

Not new:

just becoming the scambay which is what eBay has turned into these days....

And eBay wonders why folks are purchasing less now days.....

Instruction are out there to rip of sellers, and how sellers can rip of buyers. Oh and it aint just eBay this happens to.... Just saying...

ittybitnot · ‎10-21-2021

The buyer can only see city/zipcode so the seller sends a 'fake item' to a totally different address and under a different name BUT it is within the same city/zipcode so when the package arrives the seller cannot file a INR case because the tracking shows the item as delivered.

@uvltd

If the tracking number is anything OTHER than USPS, you can see the details here:

https://www.ship24.com/

For the typical UPS or FedEx numbers used in the fake tracking scam, you can view when the tracking was initiated, the size/weight of the parcel and the actual street address to which the parcel has been delivered. The automated system does not look to see if the tracking was initiated BEFORE you even bought the item, if it is for a 4 oz. item when your should be 10 lbs., or if it was delivered to Texas when you live in California.

For USPS, you will still have to get documentation the the package was NOT delivered to you. If your INR claim has been denied due to a "delivery scan" even though it was not intended for you, it is helpful to contact eBay using the big blue send message box here:

https://www.facebook.com/eBayForBusiness

The eBay reps that monitor this are quite familiar with the 'fake tracking scam' and actually have the authority to help you where regular customer service does not. You can upload the necessary documentation.

Generally eBay has good buyer protection UNLESS you are a fake tracking scam victim. Then you are going to have to work for your refund.

downunder-61 · ‎10-21-2021

@uvltd wrote:
Beware of fake tracking number scam.
The scam is as follows, a seller post a legitimate tracking number but the buyer cannot see the address that the package is being sent to. The buyer can only see city/zipcode so the seller sends a 'fake item' to a totally different address and under a different name BUT it is within the same city/zipcode so when the package arrives the seller cannot file a INR case because the tracking shows the item as delivered. after ebay reviewing the case and decided to refund me thanks to ebay.

Must be a much easier process in the UK, glad it worked out

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I have been imported from Australia and this is my posting ID

colinwray · ‎06-11-2022

On eBay.co.uk it works slightly differently.

The first tracking number is from Royal Mail, who will not divulge any details of the addressee.

It comes up as "delivered" on eBay and Royal Mail tracking.

When you complain by eBay message you get a standard reply apologising for the error and providing a Hermes tracking number which also turns out to be fake, although Hermes will tell you that the item was "not to your postcode".

Interestingly, you get exactly the same reply if you merely "contact seller" for an item you haven't purchased !!

I know this because I recognise this seller, despite him always using a new user ID.

To be fair, as soon as you complain to eBay the money is returned immediately saying "tracking number not valid". So eBay know all about this, but haven't found a way of stopping it.

How do these criminals make any money out of this scam ??

papa486516 · ‎06-11-2022

@colinwray wrote:

1. It comes up as "delivered" on eBay and Royal Mail tracking.

2. To be fair, as soon as you complain to eBay the money is returned immediately

3. How do these criminals make any money out of this scam ??

3. Because your refund comes from Royal eBay, not from the seller.

1. Since tracking shows Delivered, the Royal case is closed without a refund.

2. Then on Royal reconsideration, eBay pays out of pocket, hence the instant refund.

sylgam89 · ‎06-11-2022

This happened to me. I bought something and they claimed they mailed it the tracking was suspicious it didn't have my address it was from a shipping co called blue care Express and the company marked it delivered and at midnight which is impossible but also the company don't exist in my region so I knew it was a scam. Also when eBay asked the seller about their proof they said they took a photo of my door mat I laughed...it was the wrong color, a generated web photo that was pixelated and the sun was up when they claimed my package was dropped on my door step at midnight..dumb crooks. It took eBay awhile but they found out sure enough it was a scam and I got a full refund from eBay but what's terrible is that crooks on eBay are literally doing this. eBay thinks a simple tracking means the items delivered but it doesn't. Some scammers I heard would mail seeds from plants out just to get a tracking number for people who ordered real items from them and now and days a tracking number means nothing

its sad but eBay and the postal needs to do something about finding more lagit ways of proving something's been seriously delivered aside from any old tracking number... technology needs to improve with this I agree .

kh-gary · ‎06-11-2022

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.