Strange Tracking Message

[videokyle]

I purchased an item yesterday from someone in China, but the order details said it would ship from California. Then he marked it shipped and within 20 minutes it was marked delivered.  I then received this message from him:

Hello, I have added the tracking information for the product. The reason the system shows delivered is that the product needs to be first shipped from China to Hong Kong, and then forwarded from Hong Kong to the United States. The correct tracking number for the shipment of the product from Hong Kong to the United States is: JCY*********DH (number redacted), which I have also updated in your order. You will receive the product in approximately 20 working days. Wish you a pleasant life!

The item only has the original tracking number he provided, and not the new one that does not yet show as a valid number.  Has anyone experienced this? I've been on eBay since '98 but I know scammers always try new tricks and didn't know if I should worry yet.  The seller has zero feedback which is a worry, but not always. Thanks!

[mudshark61369]

@videokyle ,

(0) feedback seller located in china who gave an item location in Ca. are red flags. Was the price also low?

  FYI a seller cannot change the tracking number for a purchase after one is entered. 

Your Order details give you a last estimated delivery date based on the item coming from Ca.. On the day after that date, file an item not received dispute. 

[albertabrightalberta · Accepted solution]

I purchased an item that showed on the listing as being located in the US. Stupidly, it wasn't until post-purchase and having received a similar message that I looked at the profile and saw that he was registered in Kenya. The messages I received from him were similar to those you got with similar "explanations."

Immediately, I realized I was going to be the victim of a fraudulent tracking scheme. 

Once you get final tracking showing delivery to your zip code, you'll have to get documentation from the carrier stating that the package was not addressed to your name or address. (My documentation was from Fedex and came in a DM through Facebook.)

You have to submit that info to ebay in order to appeal after you lose the INR (item not received) claim you'll have to file.

FWIW, my seller is still active, even with the negative feedback I left and the claim decided against him. 

In this case, I accepted responsibility for falling for the scam because although I'd seen 100% positive (but low) feedback number, I didn't check the profile page to see where he was registered. With that said though, some scammers do show registration in the US even though they're not in the US. 

I'm sorry you found this guy.

[videokyle]

Thanks.  Low purchase price is a huge red flag for me, but the price wasn't that low (maybe 10% cheaper than other sellers).  I also thought it was okay that it shipped from California, but checking the tracking again, it's in India.  So... seller in China, shipping from California, tracked in India pretty much confirms to me it's a scam. 

[roccotacodad54]

"I purchased an item yesterday from someone in China"

   Hopefully lesson learned.....................

[metw8888.tp3jughg9]

When you buy something through China it should come through SpeedPak (Orange Connex) and have a tracking# that starts with "ES" followed with a long tracking #. This is trackable from China to when it hits a point of entry in the USA. Customs has that tracking# from China and a USPS tracking# is also assigned for this incoming package when the shipment is created.  When the package passes customs inspection, they will apply a USPS shipping label and then it is delivered to you. The seller from China has access to that USPS tracking# that customs issued.

What's happening with some of these sellers from China is they're providing the USPS tracking# that shows the city and state of the port of entry, so it does create a lot of confusion. The seller from China should only be using their original tracking# from Orange Connex.

Now there is one issue of Chinese residents here in the USA that created a seller account. The item location might say a city/state here in America because that's where they live but all their items listed for sale are shipped out of a warehouse in China. It's beneficial to observe delivery times that look unusually long for a domestic seller.

[safan80]

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The buyer is a victim of a tracking scam.. You can order from people in the US and be scammed the same way. @roccotacodad54 Have some compassion.

@roccotacodad54 wrote:

"I purchased an item yesterday from someone in China"

   Hopefully lesson learned.....................

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[roccotacodad54]

   This buyer said (so they knew) they ordered from a Chinese seller.

   I am a compassionate person but when someone knowingly steps in mud then is confused as to why their shoes get muddy.........................Hopefully lesson learned............................

[ryry-jj]

What is the estimated arrival window eBay gave you?  I'm assuming eBay thinks its coming out of California, too