Item not as described - Scam Buyer

[elementix25899]

Anything I can do?? The buyer bought a $1650 camera lens from me and I added signature confirmation as required. I packaged the lens up and sent it. First thing I receive is "Item not delivered" - I quickly disproved that with USPS proof of delivery showing signature acceptance and it being left with an individual at the address. 2 weeks go buy and the buyer then claims that the "item wasn't as described" and shows a picture of a completely different lens box (mine didn't even have a box) worth like $250... maybe...if there's anything even in the box. This guy sells lots of different camera equipment on his eBay, so all he had to do was take a picture of a lens box he had on hand and claim that that's what I sent him. eBay closed this dispute in my favor and I thought everything was done - but now he's requested a return and refund for sending the wrong item. He continues to make false claims and lies about this transaction. I politely told him that he can continue to dispute it, but that I would no longer respond to anything further that he had to say about it. This is so unbelievably wrong and I don't know what I can do or what to do. I mean....do I literally need to film myself packing up a very expensive item and driving it to the post office to drop it off?? Is there anything I can do? This guy is in NY and I'm in SC. Help???

[katzrul15]

So first - buyer claims INR, you prove it was delivered.

Then Buyer claims SNAD, and you prevail on the not as described.

Now the buyer gets to open a 3rd claim?  Wow.  This really is the claim from Hades that will not die.

Unfortunately, the clock is ticking for you to respond to the return, correct?  And of course, he will not ship back your lens, but some carpy one or a box of rocks.

You need to reach out on social media on e-Bay's facebook for business to have them help you before the return deadline.

[titipeo]

If he already submitted an item not as described claim, you have to accept it. It doesn't matter if you tape yourself packaging the product, that is not good enough for eBay. What will happen next is that buyer will probably send an empty box, once received, refund is approved. He gets his money, and stays with the item. 

He might list the lenses on his store..... What goes around comes around. 

[bbravo65]

...be aware that the buyer can file transaction dispute or credit card charge back and you will lose everything plus an extra $20 to pay eBay as losing your fight with his banking institution...eBay won't back you up in these disputes...

[duffy4444]

   Classic scam.

   Bottom line:

   Never, Ever  sell and ship a high-value item here, unless you and your business model are prepared to accept the loss of the item AND, for a double insult, possibly your money as well. Shipping such an item opens up a whole can of worms with possible scams inside, on top of a possible credit card chargeback even months down the road if the buyer used one. Ebay sides with the buyer in most cases of this nature, regardless of any video you have that shows the common-sense precautions you might take.

   Instead, list higher-value items with Local Pickup and negotiate with the buyer for the use of cash. That takes shipping scams and possible cc chargebacks entirely out of the equation. Or use a venue like Craigslist for no shipping and cash only (but be careful of some scams there, too - although just not as sophisticated  as the ones practiced on Ebay sellers).

Cheers, Duffy

[daveo62]

In this type of case you need to accept the return. But take notes like you have been doing. When you get the item back file police reports, mail fraud reports, etc.. Then appeal the case with eBay. 

It is highly unusual that an established seller would dare to do something like that (your friend can use the same dirty tricks to get your money back). It is likely you are worrying for nothing and you will get the item back in the original condition and they were making excuses for return. 

[inhawaii]

Sorry this is happening to you.

Filming yourself wont matter as ebay will not accept it as evidence in a dispute. Pictures and video can be altered/manipulated.

At this point of the buyer wants to file a chargeback with his credit card company there isn't a whole lot you can do about it.  Sorry to say he will probably win the case.  Let's hope that doesn't happen.

Good luck!

[gracieallen01]

File a complaint with USPS for attempted mail fraud.  If you get a different lens back (if you get the return), file a mail fraud complaint with the USPS.  Keep all email/messages - print them out, date stamps and all, as well as saving copies.

[releasethekraken_1]

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@elementix25899 wrote:

2 weeks go buy and the buyer then claims that the "item wasn't as described" and shows a picture of a completely different lens box (mine didn't even have a box) worth like $250... maybe...if there's anything even in the box. This guy sells lots of different camera equipment on his eBay, so all he had to do was take a picture of a lens box he had on hand and claim that that's what I sent him. eBay closed this dispute in my favor and I thought everything was done - but now he's requested a return and refund for sending the wrong item.

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How is he requesting the return/refund? Through a case? If so, through eBay or PayPal? Or just a message?

[elementix25899]

He initially made a claim stating the item wasn't delivered, then it turned into item not as described. eBay closed that claim in my favor. Then he requested a return stating I had sent a completely different lens worth 1/6 the price of the one I sold and sent him.

[grasscarp]

Welcome to ebay 2021!!

Rule #1. If you cannot afford to loose it, do not sell it here.

Rule# 2-10. See above.

There is  no way to prove if package is actually delivered. (eBay will accept tracking confirmation as proof)

There is  no way to prove that a delivered package actually contains what a seller put in it.

There is no way to prove if a damaged item was damaged in shipment or if it damaged when packaged.

There is no way to prove that a delivered item is in same condition as when a seller shipped it.

There is no way to prove that a return package from a buyer has the initial item in it.

There is no way to stop a crook. If you are not the victim, someone else will be.

Last rule : see rule #1

The "Golden Rule" says we should treat others as we ourselves would want to be treated.

It's too bad that society has chosen not to follow this rule!!

[gjs_16]

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@elementix25899 wrote:

He initially made a claim stating the item wasn't delivered, then it turned into item not as described. eBay closed that claim in my favor. Then he requested a return stating I had sent a completely different lens worth 1/6 the price of the one I sold and sent him.

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I see on one of your listings that you have a "No Returns" policy?
Also, isn't the final requested return same as "not as described?"
Not sure how you prevailed on the first INAD but...

[elementix25899]

Good to know! Thank you! I think I'll look elsewhere for selling high end items from now on. Thanks eBay!

[gjs_16]

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@grasscarp wrote:

The "Golden Rule" says we should treat others as we ourselves would want to be treated.

It's too bad that society has chosen not to follow this rule!!

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Oh...
Around my necks the Golden Rule is "He who has the gold, makes the rules."

[katzrul15]

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@elementix25899 wrote:

He initially made a claim stating the item wasn't delivered, then it turned into item not as described. eBay closed that claim in my favor. Then he requested a return stating I had sent a completely different lens worth 1/6 the price of the one I sold and sent him.

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Probably reading this wrong - it reads like the Buyer got to file a SNAD twice.  If you prevailed, not sure how this can be a new SNAD?

Make sure you respond prior to the deadline or e-Bay will respond for you.  Good luck!