eBay

twrayderj · ‎03-12-2022

I sold an iPhone XS Max. The phone I sold was in IMMACULATE and perfect working condition- I always kept it in a case and had protective screen covering. The listing stated the SIM card was not included. The buyer received the item from USPS at 12:28 pm on 3/10/22 and tracking states it was “DELIVERED LEFT WITH INDIVIDUAL.” The buyer waited a whole day and requested refund on 3/11/22 at 8:01pm stating the reason “Doesn't work or defective” with the Comments “am not sure why the device is stuck at the apple logo when I try turning it on”. I have asked that he send me a photo or video of the issue. I suspect this is going to be a potential switcharoo case as I cannot imagine why it would take over 24 hrs for someone to request a return on an expensive item. If I purchased a used phone from the internet, it would be inspected as soon as I received it and if it wasn’t turning on properly, I would have sent a return request before 24 hours had elapsed. The buyer profile shows he has only been a member since 2/17/2022 and has only 4 feedback remarks. Also, I searched the ship to address and it appears to be a business location. I have sold at least 8 other used cell phones on eBay over the course of 15 years and never had any issue reported from a buyer. From what I researched, Apple doesn’t provide the serial number on exterior of the phone and if he returns a broken phone - how can I verify its serial number with the item I sold him to confirm he isn’t doing a switcharoo? And, what recourse do I have with eBay if they refund him?

fab_finds4u · ‎03-12-2022

Unless you have the serial number of your phone you can't know. The serial number is on the white sticker on the original packaging. And there's several other ways to see it but you need your phone which you don't have so you're SOL without proof if they pull switcheroo. You could still bluff and say return it for a refund and after I verify the serial number is the phone I sent I will refund.

santamonicajeweler · ‎03-12-2022

IPhones get stuck on Apple Icon when they are low in power. Ask Buyer to fully recharge it. Turn the device off, wait three seconds and turn it back on. I think; that'll solve the problem

Regardless of Buyer's timing, under eBay's MBG, Buyers have 30 days to file/request a refund

Second hand electronics are not covered by Visa and Mastercard. AmEx follows case by case decisions. No possibilities of CC chargeback in this case

Stay positive, not much you could do. Try to fix the problem, if not, take the return with an open-face

twrayderj · ‎03-13-2022

I have sent the buyer two reply emails and they are not responding. My concern is if they send back a broken phone that will not turn on then how can i verify the serial number is the same as the one I sold them as listed on the original box?

twrayderj · ‎03-13-2022

Thanks for your suggestion. I have sent the buyer 3 emails and they are not responding. I found some similar threads in the community that discuss remedies - filing mail fraud, IC3 reports and police reports. I just need to know how I can compare the phone’s serial number to prove if it is a switcharoo.

dryophelia · ‎03-13-2022

There is a photo of the bar codes in the listing.

IMEI #, S/N, EID
Can the phone be reported as stolen, if it is not the original phone that is returned?

twrayderj · ‎03-14-2022

Yes, I have the photo of the codes on the box but need to know how to verify the serial number when the phone gets returned because Apple lists it in the “Settings -General -About” and if he returns a phone that does not boot up then I need to find a way to compare the number on the box with the defective returned iPhone to be sure he returns the same phone I sold him.

santamonicajeweler · ‎03-15-2022

Okay, if Buyer has requested a refund and your three emails are unanswered, once you get to the point of asking for eBay to step in, you initiate the case with eBay. Ask: why Buyer is not responding!? In a short statement say that you have a possible solution and Buyer isn't responding .

Case might end up in your favor !

twrayderj · ‎03-18-2022

So it looks like the iPhone buyer sent me a $6 battery tester as my return. Ebay informed me they closed case refunded the guy yesterday bc the return shows as delivered . Been going back and forth with them to prove I haven’t received my iPhone and got a battery tester as a switcheroo.

santamonicajeweler · ‎03-18-2022

I assume, Buyer is in U S

First you need to have eBay to help you. If not, file a Police report immediately. File a Small Claim lawsuit in county of your mail receiving address. You need to have eBay as your co-defendant. So Buyer and eBay are the defendants. One for switching the phone and the other for facilitating the deal. Serve by Registered signature back Mail. Save the receipt and copy of tracking.

Read the new eBay's User Agreement and Guidelines. eBay is still liable for immediate refunds and facilitation of criminal behavior. They know about this problem. Small Claim Courts filling and process is encouraged by User Agreement. They want to deal with it on case by case bases. This is your first step. Your next step, all, depends on the Buyer.

eBay Legal Team will assess the situation as well and they will be the first to contact you. They're there to help you. You have them there to help you. They're on the neutral side. Memorize and record the things you're telling the reps now because you need to repeat them to the Legal Team. You need to be consistent. This is all recorded.

Make sure, you have the addresses correct. Add your expenses to the Lawsuit amount.

Let's see Buyer's next step. If Buyer rejects the registered mail, you still need to serve them. If you feel they are going to reject the mail, you could Google a Service company of Buyer's address and surprise serve the Buyer. Be sure to give all the information you have on Buyer to the Service Co for a successful serving. You could add your Serving expenses to the Lawsuit now by having an estimate of costs.

There are few other details to go through. You need to record most everything you can in writing. If you do want to give up and let go, now is the time. Google the Buyer and see who you are dealing with. Then, you can easily make a decision.

jahood1984 · ‎03-18-2022

If you are considering small claims court, you might first check to see if you even the name of real person because you probably don't. I think it's a longshot and so are the police reports, I've never heard of anybody getting any real result from Any of these actions with the exception of a police report leading to a courtesy refund from eBay.

twrayderj · ‎03-19-2022

Finally got through to a supervisor at eBay and they saw many red flags in the Buyer’s return transaction and are providing me with a courtesy refund. So glad I was able to get the just resolution to my case. It is a shame we live in a world where criminals and thieves like this Buyer seemingly get away with their crimes. I am relieved that eBay assisted me during the victimization caused by this internet crime.

jahood1984 · ‎03-19-2022

Have you received the courtesy refund yet or see it pending? CS reps tend to be misleading...

If so congratulations! It would be far better if eBay refunded from the buyers pocket so as not to encourage more of the same behavior imo but a wins a win for a seller!