Payment Hold asking for Receipts???

[shben_7733]

I recently sold 3 items on ebay. The items were shipped and delivered and all 3 buyers gave me good feedback yet Ebay is holding my money. This makes no sense to me. They want my drivers license, a utility bill and proof of purchase. I feel like Ebay is trying to steal my money has anyone else had this issue? I don't feel comfortable providing this information and not sure why I need to. The items were gifts and I have no receipts. This seems like an Ebay scam they are running. I knew I should have never used Ebay.

[ten_o_nine]

Yes, they need receipts for all the "MacBook Pro" sold for 12k in one week.

[tarotfindsandmore]

It's the dollar value of your items, their category, and your history as a seller.  The items you've sold are among those that, historically, have been some of the most frequently stolen items sold on this platform.  The AI monster probably just alerted the system for those reasons.  Don't take it personally, we all went through the "hold" thing or some other restriction when starting out with a new seller account.  Just give them what they're asking for and you'll get your dosh.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

Trust and Safety are major concerns on online marketplaces.

On larger marketplaces you would have been asked for invoices from an authorized Apple distributor before you were permitted to list.

[klhmdg · Accepted solution]

yes, most new sellers have payment holds of 30+ days.

Some even have to verify who they are and supply proof.

You are selling new Apple products.

High theft items.

Maybe you can get receipt from the gift givers and supply them with their information and a statement that they gave it to you.

Not sure if it will work but it might be worth a try.

[shben_7733]

Why is that? How does that make sense. They were delivered and positive feedback given. If they were stolen then the buyer would not have been able to register them. So if I don't give them what they want they just steal my money?  Seems like a weird business practice and why would they assume I purchased them? 

[tobaccocardyahoo]

It is unlikely that Ebay will believe they are gifts.

I am skeptical and would be of anyone who is selling three Macbook Pro's in a week.

[shben_7733]

That's great though so they just keep the money because they are skeptical? Yet I don't have the devices the happy buyers do and Ebay has the fee money and my money. Interesting business model. 

[albertabrightalberta]

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@shben_7733 wrote:

 The items were gifts and I have no receipts.

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Gifts? 

[monica-sells]

No scam.....they are required to have this information by federal law.....

I think any online platform would require the same...if not for proof of purchase, but to send you your 1099-K IRS Form.....

New Jersey 1099 Reporting Requirements Note: The State of New Jersey requires filing 1099 forms if the amount paid or credited is $1,000 or more in a calendar year

You can look forward to that, too.......nice gifts....

[tarotfindsandmore]

It's the theft issue, not the buyer's satisfaction.  Back in the day, eBay was a huge dumping ground for everything from dirty undergarments to organs (yes, the ones in your body).  Folks came from far and wide to unload hundreds of thousands of dollars of stolen items.  So, now, when a new seller shows up with very expensive merchandise and no history as a seller, eBay's bots flag the activity.  You would have had a hold either way, but the receipts and proof of identity are meant to protect eBay and the buyers.  It has absolutely nothing to do with you personally.

[ewsupply]

Ebay requested this of me too when startin up again as a PT seller, you are not alone. Was totes staggering, uggh. Mind you, was listin < 10 items a time then. What the eff. Really?!?

[funfactorychannel]

There are more nefarious folks that has more of our info that giving what eBay is asking for.

your a lucky person to have 3 mac book pros as gifts. All i got is 10 dollar funko pop. 😞

[lakefor94]

If the buyers do not have any complaints within the next 6 months and end up not doing chargebacks on their credit cards, you ~might~ see this money in your state's unclaimed property and you can pick it up there.

[albertabrightalberta]

@shben_7733 

These are examples of the reason why ebay wants receipts. (These are examples just from your area @shben_7733 . But they're happening all over the country. 

https://westchester.news12.com/police-3-suspects-stole-thousands-of-dollars-worth-of-electronics-fro...

https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/07/28/crime-blotter-arrest-made-in-theft-of-280-iphones

https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2023/09/19/police-investigating-apple-store-burglary-in-north-plain...