return scams

[kr_services]

So recently I have had people using the return process to commit scams on me. What is happening is they buy a $90 part, then open a return and return a dust mask that isn't worth the cost of shipping. What I am finding is that usually the phone number is bogus and they are using a scam email address. What has been the case so far is that I ship to someone in the midwest but then the return comes from new york. I have also noticed that the name being shipped to is an anglo name but over on the right of the order details page it is clearly a name from a non anglo background. I don't care about that but it's something I am seeing. The first time this scam happened ebay refunded them, I opened an appeal, they had me sign the affidavit and lay out all of the facts and they sided with me. Now this second time they acted like they understood (probably just a total **bleep** line to make is sound like they were understanding) but in spite of the fact this was clearly a scam with a history and pattern they decided to side with the scam artist. Does anyone know what can be done about this? I have started looking at every order details page and calling anyone that looks suspicious and if the phone number doesn't work I cancel the order, but what a pain in the A and complete waste of time all because ebay no longer wants to police scam artists. I am not sure why they don't think they need their sellers anymore. Probably time to sell my stock because this isn't going to work out for the company. I have also noticed that it is now impossible to get ebay to call you. They just send you to their FAQ section and waste your time. The ability to actually talk with someone at ebay is one of the main reasons I prefer selling on here vs amazon, but apparently they are no longer interested in customer service.

[mr_lincoln]

HI @kr_services 

I checked one of your listings, you offer 30 Day returns but the Buyer pays unless they file an Arrived damaged or Not as described claim then you are forced to pay the return shipping.  I use Free 30 day returns meaning I pay the return shipping which means when a Buyer returns something other than what they purchased I can cut my loss as follows:

-Report the Buyer via the link on your Sold item

-Withold the original shipping they paid

-Withhold 50% of the item price

-Less than Positive Feedback will be blocked - removed 

-Add them to my blocked list (which you probably already do)

I am sure you are familiar with your Seller protections: Seller protections | eBay

[downrightspecialkids]

Ebay return scams have been going on for years. Ebay typically backs the buyer in these situations. If you cancel too many orders, you will be kicked off ebay. 

I now refuse to sell my old cell phones, name brand handbags, electronics, etc because ebay will not back me when I get back trash. The last time I sold a cell phone, I got back a broken one. That was the last time I sold one on here. Even basic clothes and shoes I get scammed on, but ebay doesn't care.

Cancelling orders if they don't have a valid phone number isn't a good idea. I took my phone number off years ago because I didn't like ebay calling me with marketing calls. I am not a scammer, and I would be ticked if you cancelled my order due to no phone number. 

[kr_services]

I should have noted, I cancel the order if it's an invalid phone number, newly created account, and no feedback.

[kr_services]

I will have to look at all this, seems like a better way than having a complete loss. It was never an issue in the last 20 years because the stuff I sell generally isn't targeted by scammers, but it seems that has come to an end.

[lakefor94]

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@kr_services wrote:

I will have to look at all this, seems like a better way than having a complete loss. It was never an issue in the last 20 years because the stuff I sell generally isn't targeted by scammers, but it seems that has come to an end.

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@kr_services 

Yep, it is one of the only real protections other than the Item Not Received cases where tracking showing delivered will win it for the seller.

@mr_lincoln @ gave you good advice. The savvy scammers you are experiencing may then avoid your account when they see TRS with Free Returns since they know you can do a 50% refund.

[mr_lincoln]

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@kr_services wrote:

I will have to look at all this, seems like a better way than having a complete loss. It was never an issue in the last 20 years because the stuff I sell generally isn't targeted by scammers, but it seems that has come to an end.

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@kr_services 

I agree 100%.  I use Free 30 day returns on all of my items and some sell for decent money.  However, my items are not high risk - high scam targeted items and my return rate is low.  Additionally, most items I get back I can resell on eBay or another venue which also helps cut the loss further.

[bnrparts]

Just received two fraudulent returns as well, they sent back a black mask, in a grey envelope. two different states, two different users, both are "no longer registered users".  One of them I refunded 50%, for the second one I decided to contact ebay, they original agreed and closed the case in my favor. Now the scammer appealed the case and ebay is siding with them. Although I had provided clear evidence the item would not fit in the envelope , they closed the case in the buyers favor. 

[merkurdepot]

Back in the day you had to be a 'registered user' on ebay to buy / sell. Now you only have to be registered to sell. Its wide open for random buyers now and the fraud has increased exponentially. 

bnrparts, if you're seeing "no longer a resistered used" its likely they were never a "registered user" to begin with.