A false address with a return tracking number - a new level for cheating with return

[sata_vl]

Hello, my friends! I want to tell about a new method of possible cheating by buyers.

I sold ten sets with free return (https://www.ebay.com/itm/395604069467)  to buyer which lives in 10 miles from me. He negotiated many times and had a discount 20%. But when I offered him a free personal delivery at any time for saving $30 (I suppose it would be safer for fragile expensive sets) he preferred USPS. After he request a return. I again offered him a personal pick up but he again preferred USPS. I waited two returns at that day but USPS delivered only one. When I saw status "delivered" in Ebay and USPS site I went to the post office for investigation. Next day they answered me that "the tracking number ending in 8249 95 is associated with a completely different name and address. .... On our end it shows the correct address that should have been delivered to you, however the package itself shows a different address." They sent me photos - and this was a little envelope sent to my street but another house. I do not know who was a receiver but I am sure that they simple wasted it as a mistake.

I sent this information to Ebay but they closed case as usual "We reviewed this case and decided to issue the buyer a full refund. We received tracking information from the buyer that shows successful delivery."

So we see that it is a new level for cheating with return. When I get a wrong or broken item I can deduct 50% with proof of damage but when I did not receive something I even cannot make deduct. I have a proof from USPS that I did not receive this package but Ebay does not to investigate this.

I was Top seller but after a decision of this case I will Below Standart and do not know how sell in future.

I feel very stupid when I try to make good pics, a full description, send to buyers little gifts but loose all possibility after one case when I did all right.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

No longer new.

Even our local TV's website has run an article on return scams which includes this scheme.

[sata_vl]

So sad. But what should we do with this?

[tobaccocardyahoo]

These false tracking scams will destroy Ebay. While we await some genius hired by Ebay discovering a way to identify this scam, we make sure we have enough profit to absorb its effects. If necessary we raise prices.

[kensgiftshop]

I can see them doing that across the country, but so close to you.

File a police report then make a little trip over there.

[ittybitnot]

@sata_vl 

The "fake tracking scam" used to satisfy the "delivery requirement" to a buyer is also used by buyers to falsify evidence of a return.  It used to be called the "cheap trinket" return scam where an inexpensive item would be purchased on the net, and that tracking number used to falsify a return has been made.  Often times, the 'faulty return' would be sent to a business, library, in your Zip Code.  That was good enough for eBay to proceed to refund the buyer from your proceeds. 

After a decade or so, it is still going on only they are using the "return label" you sent and changing the address information to another location in your Zip Code so it retains the same tracking number to make the scam more believable.  With the evidence you have,  you may wish to contact eBay via one of their social media platforms.  They are well aware of this scenario and may actually choose to help you.  

https://www.facebook.com/eBay/ (use the blue message button)

OR direct message through one of these:

https://www.instagram.com/ebayforsellers/

https://x.com/askebay

[sata_vl]

I am afraid that $200 is too small for police....

Yes, these people are afraid nothing they knows that Ebay never punishes buyers.

[kensgiftshop]

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@sata_vl wrote:

I am afraid that $200 is too small for police....

Yes, these people are afraid nothing they knows that Ebay never punishes buyers.

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You never know, it's worth a try.

[m60driver]

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@tobaccocardyahoo wrote:

These false tracking scams will destroy Ebay. While we await some genius hired by Ebay discovering a way to identify this scam, we make sure we have enough profit to absorb its effects. If necessary we raise prices.

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These false tracking scams have been around for a very long time and don't seem to have any effect on Ebay.  It is just the cost of online retail.  You either just absorb these losses.  And if they become too high then you  must reexamine your business model.

[sata_vl]

Oh, I hate the day when I begin selling on Ebay! I hope to sell all and never do it again. 

I am ready to loose money but I want to justice. It seems to me scammers do not have to get a benefit.