Buyer Used Pictures from Internet to Claim Item was Defective

[taco921]

Having an issue with a buyer that started a return on a Brand New electronics item, claiming it was defective. In the comments they just wrote "item is defective tried everything but doesnt work". With their return request they uploaded three pictures of the "defective" item. However, I found those exact three pictures on Reddit that were clearly not the buyer's pictures since they were uploaded to Reddit 3 months before I even sold the item. Looks to me like the buyer is trying to commit fraud, but just wondering how best to handle it. Would eBay look at the fact that the pictures were stolen from the internet if I ignore the return request and the buyer opens a case?

[frodobagginskennedy]

there is NOTHING you can do.  If the buyer opens a case you need to send a label and refund when you receive it back.

IF he sends you something back other then what you sent him you can get a Police case number and appeal the decision to E Bay .  50*/50 shot at this point.

[mtgraves7984]

"... if I ignore the return request and the buyer opens a case?"

@taco921 

Never ignore a Return request. If you do, the buyer will get to keep the "electronics item" and will receive a full refund. Plus, your seller account will suffer a 'ding' and they're hard to recover from.

Accept the Return, but don't refund in full until you get your item back . I find that if an item sells once, it will again. Get yours back to relist for the right buyer. Good luck.

[sextons-sweet-deals]

If buyer opens a case, communicate with them as politely as you can and provide the proof you have. screen shot and upload photos for eBay to see. 

You don't have too immediately send a label. There is a time period of discussion / communication. If you solid on your claim, I would go ahead and report the buyer for the record when you think the time is right

[ittybitnot]

 With their return request they uploaded three pictures of the "defective" item.

@taco921 

eBay is now requiring in some instances that the buyer provide photographic evidence of a defective item in order to submit the claim.  Unfortunately,  it appears that nobody is looking at those photos on eBay.  One seller reported the buyer uploaded photos of ducks, when the product was a laptop (forget exactly the product but it was not duck related) and all was good for the buyer.  The claim proceeded as usual with the same predictable results.   

[buyselljack2016]

Buyer could be a bad, or clueless individual, or could just be in the position of being forced to provide a photo. For some  return requests, eBay now require photo(s) before it can be submitted. Seems to be a hit n miss requirement.

[sapphire_studio]

If I were you I would send this message:

"Hi I noticed that you filed a return for a defective item.  As per eBay policy I am going to go ahead and accept the return, but I just wanted to give you a heads up that I found the photos you used on reddit that was posted 3 months ago.  This seems really shady to me and so I'm definitely going be filing a police report if you send back an item that is not the same as what I originally sent you. 

 If you really did receive a defective item, I would want to compensate you fairly. If you send back the exact same item, and you can explain better why you stole those photos, I hope we can avoid involving the police."