So apparently I am the victim of a scam??

[bbcardzman]

So apparently I am the victim of a scam and have heard a little about it on the internet. Buyer purchased software from me and then sent a message saying the code was not included. The code is clearly whited out in the listing and is obviously there, so I told the buyer to open up a return case and send it back. I get no response for about a week then ebay sends me a message that the buyer has filed a charge back. I saw a few people on you tube with this problem but has anyone else seen this on here?

[brightlightbookseller]

May or may not be a scam at this point.  Just respond with any info you can to the chargeback.  What reason does it state for the chargeback being opened?  Sometimes you can at least insist that they return the item before being refunded.  You're unlikely to get out of having to refund them entirely.

[bbcardzman]

Like always they said the item doesn't match the description. I did insist they return it. Wish eBay would actually get behind the sellers and just check out the sale and messages and they would have their answers pretty easily.

[kensgiftshop]

---

@bbcardzman wrote:

Like always they said the item doesn't match the description. I did insist they return it. Wish eBay would actually get behind the sellers and just check out the sale and messages and they would have their answers pretty easily.

---

Once they go to their payment source, Ebay has no say in the outcome.

[brightlightbookseller]

You should still have the opportunity to contest the chargeback, or may have options to request a return.  It's been forever since I've had a chargeback, what does it show you your options are at the point you're at?

Edit: And how much was the item?  Looking at your recently sold items, I suspect it won't be enough to be worth fighting for it, but I may have overlooked something or you may find it worthwhile.  Just know that if you fight a chargeback you risk a $20 additional fee levied against you if you lose, which for that type of chargeback is likely.

[bbcardzman]

Unfortunately it's over $200

[brightlightbookseller]

Ah, that changes things.

[mam98031]

---

@bbcardzman wrote:

Like always they said the item doesn't match the description. I did insist they return it. Wish eBay would actually get behind the sellers and just check out the sale and messages and they would have their answers pretty easily.

---

Many sellers believe as you do that Ebay should get more behind a seller in regards to Chargebacks.  The sad truth is Ebay doesn't have any power in this process.  The Credit Card companies have all the power.  For to often they rule for a full refund to the buyer and they get to keep the product.  Which is likely why the buyer filed the Chargeback.

So don't get disappointed in Ebay, it has been like this even back when PayPal handled our money.

[mam98031]

When you submit information to help fight this chargeback, make sure you send in a copy of the buyer's email or emails to you saying there wasn't a code.  Also include all your responses.

Insist you were always willing to take a return on the item and issue a full refund.

[bbcardzman]

I'm sure I will get screwed like always happens with eBay. So the guy had it for a month and now files a dispute. HAS TO BE A SCAM but I will still get screwed.

[wastingtime101]

---

@bbcardzman wrote:

The code is clearly whited out in the listing and is obviously there, 

---

I agree, but for arguments sake someone could look at it and say it's actual White-Out on the product packaging. If you list more of these I'd change it to something really obvious, like a big colored square that extends past the actual box edge in the image.

Any time I've shipped something with a code, security key, serial number, or anything like that, I've placed the actual item with identifying code next to a copy of the packing slip with buyer info, date, order number and taken pics for my records.

When a not as described payment dispute is filed, having that information to upload to the dispute will not hurt your case (in conjunction with messages to the buyer telling them where to find the code, and how to return if they're not satisfied). Sometimes buying a prepaid return label, sending it to the buyer, and including a copy in the dispute documents is another point in your favor.

I don't know whether or not you saved the code, whether you've already responded to the dispute, or any of that. So these tips may or may not help - or could be used for future if you sell more Adobe software.

Good luck!

[mam98031]

---

@bbcardzman wrote:

I'm sure I will get screwed like always happens with eBay. So the guy had it for a month and now files a dispute. HAS TO BE A SCAM but I will still get screwed.

---

Buyers often have legit reasons for filing a claim.  To assume that it is being filed in order to scam you may or may not be true.

The mere fact they file a Chargeback does NOT mean they are a scammer.  If that is going to be your approach, it likely won't turn out well for you.

What you need to do is product the evidence that the buyer is incorrect and submit it on the Chargeback.  All of it.  Emails to them and from you.  Anything else you can come up with too.

But if you are convinced anything you do won't help, then don't do anything.  Allow your opinion to come true.  Still won't mean they were trying to Scam you, it would only mean you weren't willing to fight it.

Chargebacks are very hard to win if they are an INAD.  That is absolutely true.  It doesn't mean it can't be done, it just means it can be a difficult road.

[bbcardzman]

I have done all the correct things but have never had very good luck with problems. I once had a buyer say that one disc in a set didn't work, so I sent a label for return and when I received the discs back they were all  broken in half. After letting eBay know what had happened guess who they sided with? And that was not my first experience, just the worst.

[mam98031]

---

@bbcardzman wrote:

I have done all the correct things but have never had very good luck with problems. I once had a buyer say that one disc in a set didn't work, so I sent a label for return and when I received the discs back they were all  broken in half. After letting eBay know what had happened guess who they sided with? And that was not my first experience, just the worst.

---

While it is not fair, I understand what you are saying and the frustration that comes with it.  Ebay will not get involved in a he said/ she said.  For all they know, you could have broken the discs and then took a pic.  I am NOT suggesting you did that, I'm just saying from Ebay's point of view it could have happened.

I am however surprised that they made you refund from your funds.  Not always, but many times Ebay will refund the buyer out of their funds and not take it from the seller.

Are you sure they took the money from you?

[bbcardzman]

Not yet but they have my $208 on hold