Buyer claims $1000 pen is a fake, but wants to keep it for a discount

[stephenstephens]

Another day, another scam to deal with on eBay. I sold a $1000 luxury Montblanc pen to a buyer who seemed eager to get it. They sent me a message claiming they called Montblanc, and customer service told them the serial number is not authentic, and that similar fakes sell for $275 (LOL), so please send them a refund for the difference. That set off my alarm bells -- I called Montblanc myself, and they laughed it off and told me they NEVER provide serial confirmation over the phone, the pens have to be mailed into them to be taken apart for authentication. So I give the buyer this info, and they respond insistent that it's true, and they still want the discount!

Because of all the scams, lately I've been filming all my pricier orders, mainly to compare against fraudulent returns. The item was sent out registered mail and declared with the USPS. But not even that serves as a deterrent for this crook lady. If you were me, what would you do? It seems she really wants to keep it, but doesn't want to pay for it. Who would pay $275 for a fake, I see em on eBay for $30! Part of me wants to ignore her request and see where it goes, another part of me wants to send her a lowkey warning that fraudulent eBay disputes lead to police reports being filed with her personal information in it...

And this lady ain't poor either, she lives in a wealthy area, and a quick Google of her number shows she runs a professional photography business. I guess lots DO get rich through theft.

[ittybitnot]

@stephenstephens 

Has the buyer filed an eBay claim/request or are they just messaging you (shaking the tree to see what falls out)?  

[katzrul15]

Return for full refund.  No partials.

Report your Buyer for abuse of the SNAD for the transaction.  Do it today.

Return for full refund.

[luxgoods]

I wouldn't do a partial refund as this has got scam written all over it.  Just another scammer .

[stephenstephens]

No claim or return request, they've just messaged me twice in a week claiming similar fakes sell for $275, so they can't imagine paying $1000 for a "fake," so to please refund them the difference. Laughable.

[dentalsales4u]

Exactly!!! Doing partials just encourages them to continue to do it to other sellers because they get away with it.

Return for refund. Wash and repeat.

[ittybitnot]

" so to please refund them the difference. Laughable.

@stephenstephens 

Sorry you are dealing with the "shakedown".   This technique  is often successful here since eBay sellers know that fraudulent claims and Payment Disputes may result in a worse scenario.  I suppose you can't prevent a scammer from "trying"..????

Of course, it is NOT my $1k item, but I would wait until they file.  

[klhmdg]

I would just respond "Please return for full refund. I would hate to know I sold a fake item to anyone. Once i receive the item back in the same condition i sent it, I will refund you in full"

And I would leave it at that.

Also report the buyer now and save all messages.

[stephenstephens]

Maybe if it was a few dollars, but hell would have to freeze over before I gave anyone a $700 discount on a $1000 item. No returns were accepted, but I'll tell this lady she can return it for a refund if she doesn't want to pay for it. Of course, then there's the issue of getting back a completely different item.

The devil in me wants to call this lady on the phone for some choice words, but I must resist...

[whatmorefabric]

I would tell them to return for refund.

You know it is not a fake as it was certified by Mont Blanc, that you have pictures of your pen with the serial numbers and you have contacted Mont Blanc.

[donsdetour]

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@stephenstephens wrote:

Maybe if it was a few dollars, but hell would have to freeze over before I gave anyone a $700 discount on a $1000 item. No returns were accepted, but I'll tell this lady she can return it for a refund if she doesn't want to pay for it. Of course, then there's the issue of getting back a completely different item.

The devil in me wants to call this lady on the phone for some choice words, but I must resist...

---

resist:

I do hope you don't get the old switched item coming up....

Keep us informed if you will.

[flyingmvp]

Maybe you should consider selling the "$250 fakes",  clearly there is a market for it.👍

[ittybitnot]

 Of course, then there's the issue of getting back a completely different item.

@stephenstephens 

Exactly why the 'shakedown' is often successful.   At least you don't live in fear of the "red donut".  Do let us know if this person "goes away"...(you likely won't know for about six months). 

[sextons-sweet-deals]

fight it all the way! Through eBay site and eBay's Face Book customer service. 

I don't understand why eBay has this Face Book site, but people claim it is more helpful.

Best wishes!

[dentalrprtek2012]

I would guess the next thing they will do is file a false claim with their CC company. When they do that Ebay will issue a full no questions asked refund and charge you a 20.00 fee they will also allow them to keep the pen. That is how ebay works now. sorry this happened to you