Fake Return Tracking Number Scam

[siliconalleyelectronics]

Hello everybody, I'm looking to see if anyone has found a good solution for this issue.  For those that aren't aware, there is a common scam where a buyer will initiate a return immediately after receiving the product, typically an expensive product.  The scammer will then order a product online to be shipped to a residence or business that is in the same zip code as you.  After a few weeks, the scammer will initiate a refund claim, using the tracking number from the separate online purchase.  Ebay will accept the claim in 0-0.5 seconds depending on the day, and your money will be taken away from you.  This is because the only thing that Ebay sees or cares about is the zip code of the delivery confirmation.  In my experience, the next step involves half a dozen emails with Ebay as you pull teeth in order to get the tracking number that the scammer used because it was never made available to you.  Then taking that number to USPS, because that's what the scammers always use, and having them print a document that shows the exact address the package was delivered to.  Then slog through another several dozen emails which they clearly aren't even reading as they always respond with "but the tracking shows delivered" until someone finally sees that it wasn't legitimate and I get my money back.

Why Ebay even accepts any tracking number that is different from the one that is originally provided through the return process is absolutely beyond me, especially as they're the ones that are taking the loss here. 

I would really appreciate to hear anyone's tips or tricks involved in both avoiding this issue, as well as in resolving the issue.  I am dealing with one now, and the Ebay rep asked me to provide the "full name of the delivery man"....seriously? Are they going to phone up Joe the delivery guy?

[ittybitnot]

I typically see these scams with a shipping address in Wilmington Delaware.

@siliconalleyelectronics 

Thanks so much for your reply.  Many of the buyer/users of these freight forwarders in Delaware, moved to Oregon since so many sellers refuse to ship to those  Wilmington or New Castle addresses anymore. They have been favorites of the residents of the Russian Federation for quite some time now.   I would imagine the Tualatin address is a freight forwarder as well.  Google is your friend.   They use one in Texas now, too.  (Some people collect coins, I collect forwarder addresses associated with scams...LOL). 

If the 'buyer's' address is a forwarder, be sure to mention that when you contact eBay on F.Book.  They know all about this.  You can upload photos and files via the messenger of your USPS information.  If all goes well, you should have notice of a refund a few hours after your post is reviewed. 

Do let us know how it works out for you, and good luck. 

[ittybitnot]

"The buyer was able to provide us with tracking number *deleted here* which shows the item was returned to your address. Because of this confirmed tracking information, we decided to retain the original decision.   

@siliconalleyelectronics 

They basically say the same thing to everyone that is a victim.  That is why it is recommended that you don't bother with the regular CS anymore.  That is all they are allowed to do.  

Really a more truthful auto response would be "The buyer provided some tracking number from 'some' location to 'some' address......... so you lose." 

You should see what buyers have to go through when the tracking number used against them for an INR claim was actually initiated BEFORE they purchased the item in the first place.  eBay is regularly denying buyers Money Back Guarantee protection even if the tracking shows "delivered" to a state other than that of the purchaser.  So long as something is delivered somewhere nobody will check.  

As an aside, I was reviewing earlier freight forwarders in the location you provided upthread.  There is one in particular that has posted that if any of their customers are found or suspected to be involved in fraud, to please let them know so they can discontinue dealings with that person or company and take necessary action.  
I found this interesting, and something I have never noticed before.  Maybe the industry is catching on to the problem????? 

Hoping your situation is solved in your favor!  

[siliconalleyelectronics]

The case has been resolved in my favor, which isn't a surprise to me since this isn't my first rodeo.  Whether or not it would be decided in my favor was never really my concern, they always decide in my favor eventually because I have the proof and I'm very stubborn haha.  I was really just looking for a more efficient way of doing this because bugging the post office folks every week is just plain annoying and time consuming.  I was also looking to get the word out to others who have had issues with this. 

As far as the forwarders go, I'm surprised they've been looking to discontinue relationships with these people, that's something that's easier said than done, they can easily change their account names and such just like they do with eBay but hey, it's the thought that counts I suppose.  These scammers certainly give them a bad reputation, and they already have bad reputations as it is.

I just find it so odd that eBay themselves aren't the ones cracking down on it.  After they issue the automated refund, it's their loss from then on.  After I get my money back all eBay can do is ask the scammer for a refund.  Typically businesses taking losses like this would do something to correct it, especially when the fix is pretty straight forward, cheap, and easy. 

[2111andrew]

This literally just happened to me, like exactly. The buyer had (0) transactions, no history. Buyer states "item not working" something very vague, obviously an illegitimate claim due to the quick, non detailed return request. I knew the second I received and read the return request and saw no transaction history that I was about to be scammed. Fortunately, only took two phone calls to eBay support to get it resolved in my favor. Sucks, but I guess this is now part of doing business on eBay. My only suggestion is to not sell to anyone that is not an established member. Won't completely prevent this from occurring, but it should help.

[rugerskick]

Ask to be transferred over to fraud and security department.  They can do more than the first level person you initially talk to.

[matsee-95]

Same here but it’s escalated to the point that they closed the case in the buyer’s favor when I never received my item. It’s horrible 

[kh-vince]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.