Received Fake iPhone – Seller Won’t Help, eBay Refused Refund

[al-809061]

I purchased an iPhone 16 Pro Max and received it on January 29th, but I was traveling (I have proof) and only opened it recently (March 9th). At first glance, the phone looked normal in the box, but when I tried to use it this week, I noticed the software was altered—it’s not running iOS. Siri, iCloud and Camera doesn't work, it runs Android and the location is locked in Shanghai (and other problems that I haven't mentioned).

I contacted the seller, but they refused to respond properly and won’t accept a return (he said "Take it whit eBay). eBay denied my refund request because the 30-day window had passed, even though this is fraud.

Unfortunately, I paid through Wise instead of PayPal, so my options are limited. Any suggestions on how to proceed?

[wastingtime101]

Exceptions are not made because of travel. Every buyer that wants to use the eMBG (eBay Money Back Guarantee) has to adhere to the timelines.

Even if you had paid with PayPal you would have been limited to a 30 day claim window for a not as described item.

As far as I'm aware, Wise does not offer any buyer protections.

Your only option is to see if you have recourse with your funding source (bank, credit card, etc).

[kalyoth]

You chose to purchase while traveling. It doesn't change the timeframe rules for product delivery or reports. You are well beyond ebays moneyback guarantee timeframe. All you have are the rules with Wise as the payment provider or the funding source if from a bank, at this point. Understand the rules before acting. We are all treated the same.

[al-809061]

Thank you for your responses. I am not saying that eBay should make an exception because of my trip, I am simply explaining to anyone who questions why I did not realize that the phone was fake earlier.

What I am saying that in this case the seller committed a fraudulent act and refuses to make any attempt to resolve the issue, and in light of this, I am trying to find other solutions.

[mtgraves7984]

@al-809061 

I'm with @wastingtime101. I think this is now a matter for the payment source you used through Wise. Try them. Good luck.

[al-809061]

Thank you @mtgraves7984 for the polite response and for wishing me luck. Being scammed is already bad enough, and dealing with a seller who refuses to cooperate makes it even worse. I’ll proceed with Wise and see what can be done.