Item not as described return request started before item was delivered??

[crush-900]

11/12/24 - I had a seller request an INAD return on an item that they were stating they received a used item. I compared the pics they sent to what the listing showed and the items were different. The pics also reflected different packaging than what was sent. I didn't believe that was the item I sent. I checked the tracking and the UPS tracking showed that the item hadn't been delivered yet. In fact, it showed the estimated delivery was 2 days away. I messaged the buyer and informed them they were mistaken and that they hadn't received my item yet and they should reach out to the appropriate seller. No response from the buyer. 11/13/24 - I messaged the buyer again stating the same message as the first, that they mixed me up with a different seller. No response. 11/17/24 - Sent the buyer a 3rd message. Buyer responds and claims item was delivered on 11/12, not  11/13. I responded and I told him there were 7 scans in 2 different cities on the 13th. I don't think those can be a mistake and the item couldn't have been delivered on the 12th. I also sent photos of the listing and circled the differences of the item stating that was not the item I sent. No response. I asked for help from ebay and they say I have to take it back and refund the buyer. What happened to seller protection? How was the buyer able to even request that type of return when the item hadn't even shown delivery? Clearly getting scammed and ebay does nothing....

[wastingtime101]

I've been in a similar situation. I contacted eBay CS on social, had them check tracking that item hadn't been delivered yet, was still showing active tracking scans after the buyer filed the not as described claim. I also filed reports on the buyer for abusing the MBG.

On the advice of CS I had eBay step in to force the refund. Got a defect, loss of fees, etc - eBay filed an appeal because of the buyer abuse - eBay granted the appeal, credited fees and item costs, and removed the defect.

I wouldn't chance it without first contacting CS, but because of the timing of the case and the tracking, I'd say it's worth reaching out to them. Send a DM to one of eBay's social CS teams: ebay on facebook, ebayforsellers on insta, askebay on X