Confusing return issue

[theleyline]

I had a person purchase something from me earlier this month, they sent me a message a few days later saying that it was an unauthorized transaction and that theyd send it back as soon as they got it.

So they did send it back, and I recieved it today. No eBay case was ever opened so no official return ever took place. They included a letter that explained that a child used their credit card to open a paypal account, and that several ebay items were sent to several different locations and it was very confusing for them and said they needed me to cooperate, and they said they closed the paypal account and need me to send them a check for the refund.

Am I just paranoid for suspecting this is a scam? I'm concerned about the possibility of them getting two refunds if they're just making things up.

They said they closed the paypal account but I have no proof they did. The returned package had a new tracking number on it so if they happen to be a scammer, all they'd have to do is wait for the check, then open a return in ebay, enter the tracking and get a second refund.

What would you guys do? I really don't feel comfortable taking this all outside of eBay and Paypal. It was $25, which I know isn't tons but still.

[tiramisu41]

If it were me @theleyline, until the buyer opens an official return case I wouldn't do anything.  If they contact you again. tell them the ony way you are allowed to refund is via PayPal.

[missjen831]

I agree with Livadia but I would also be tempted to tell them to file an unauthorized use chargeback. And respond to chargeback by issuing the refund (if that’s possible?). I would definitely not send a check though.

[justagirl12]

DO NOT SEND ANYTHING!

[18704d]

Do NOT send them a check.

And I don't think they can close their Paypal account.. that quickly.

If you mail a check, I'd wager they'll do a Paypal chargeback.. hoping for a double refund.

Lynn

[vintagecraze50]

Go to your PP account. Look to see if the transaction has been cancelled. If it is cancelled then you owe them no money. You can call PP to go over this with them to e certain the payment was cancelled. If the payment is cancelled it should show up on your Ebay inteface as refunded.

[ed8108]

Contact ebay customer support for guidance to process a refund thru ebay, effectively your customer has on their own initiative cancelled the transaction, you should not be paying fvf, sending out a refund check is very risky.

Await the outcome.

[myboardid]

jen, I don't think they can open the unauthorized use chargeback against the Paypal account that they closed.  I agree with the OP that this sounds very much like a scam.  After all, what proof is there that the account was closed? 

OP, if I were you I would do absolutely nothing at all as far as a refund goes unless and until you are contacted by either eBay or Paypal.  But keep that $25 available for 6 months in case something happens.  Don't send a check, not ever. 

[missjen831]

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@ed8108 wrote:

Contact ebay customer support for guidance to process a refund thru ebay, effectively your customer has on their own initiative cancelled the transaction, you should not be paying fvf, sending out a refund check is very risky.

Await the outcome.

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The buyer hasn’t effectively cancelled and the OP cannot just go through eBay and issue a refund without risking a defect at this point.

[missjen831]

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@myboardid wrote:

jen, I don't think they can open the unauthorized use chargeback against the Paypal account that they closed.  I agree with the OP that this sounds very much like a scam.  After all, what proof is there that the account was closed? 

OP, if I were you I would do absolutely nothing at all as far as a refund goes unless and until you are contacted by either eBay or Paypal.  But keep that $25 available for 6 months in case something happens.  Don't send a check, not ever. 

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The chargeback would be filed with the credit card company (assuming one was used). Not PayPal. 

[theleyline]

Alright thank you everyone 🙂

[vintagecraze50]

I had a buyer a few days ago send an item back and never opened a return request. This was DIFFERENTthan yours because they just wanted a refund, they did not say that there was an unauthorized charge. I called ebay and they told me to refund through PP and that my final value fees would be restored. My ebay interface also showed a refund. On unauthorized charge issues, PP needs to investigate so DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY, until you know they have done this and approved the request of the buyer to cancel the sale.

[slyders_finds]

Scam. The old "My 5 year old bought this". Only second to "My Family member died." Lol. 

[threshold.sales.group]

OP, if you have the item back and verified that it actually is what you sent, then my advice is to message the buyer and acknowledge receipt of the item then indicate that you will be cancelling the transaction via the resolution center *per buyer request*. That's easily verifiable as accurate by ebay c-s by reading the messages.  Any full refund needs to be covered by a cancellation in the ebay system to avoid a defect. 

The really bizarre story you were told doesn't matter once you have the item back. You can't have both the item and the payment. A full refund via ebay cancellation washes your hands of the mess and you can relist.  

[susmcl23]

Sounds like a scam. Don't respond till they open a case.