Some buyers are exploiting the system to create unauthorized discounts through deceptive claims

[elpbeautysupply]

Subject: Urgent: eBay Scam Alert - Request for Investigation

Dear eBay Sellers and Customer Service,

I am writing to address a pressing issue that concerns eBay sellers and the integrity of our platform. It revolves around a potential eBay scam that demands immediate attention. In this message, I want to share not only the problem but also a proactive solution that sellers can employ to protect themselves.

The Problem: Some buyers are exploiting the system to create unauthorized discounts through deceptive claims. These individuals, often high-volume buyers, employ this strategy to fly under the radar due to their  purchase history to pacify eBay  and unfairly benefit from their actions. One common scenario involves a buyer placing multiple orders and then claiming to have received fewer items than were actually shipped, alleging a shortage. The underlying motive appears to be an attempt to engineer their own discount at the expense of sellers. This concerning behavior extends beyond individual transactions and warrants scrutiny.

Bend Over or Take Action: In the face of this issue, sellers have two choices: They can either bend over and take it or take proactive measures to protect themselves.

An Example That Works: Let me illustrate this with an example that I recently encountered:

I had a buyer who followed this fraudulent pattern. They initiated their claim from a different country even before physically receiving the order. This raised suspicions about whether the buyer or the logistics company erroneously reported a shortfall. The timing strongly suggested potential involvement of the buyer's email or username in this suspicious activity.

Taking Proactive Measures: Here's what you can do as sellers to protect yourselves:

1. Document Every Shipment: Prior to shipping any item, take a photograph of the product alongside the shipping label. Ensure that the time and location are visible in the photo.

2. Provide Detailed Responses: When faced with a fraudulent claim, respond with comprehensive evidence. In my case, I shared a detailed response showcasing the shipping label and all items sent, leaving no room for ambiguity.

3. Request eBay's Involvement: If you encounter such fraudulent activity, report it to eBay Customer Service and request a thorough investigation. Preserving the integrity of eBay's marketplace is essential, and eBay should play an active role in deterring and preventing such scams.

Conclusion: By documenting your shipments and responding with compelling evidence when faced with a fraudulent claim, you can protect your interests and the integrity of eBay's platform. It's crucial that we remain vigilant and proactive in addressing such issues. Let's work together to ensure a fair and secure selling environment for all.

[spark-chaser1]

It would appear to me that experienced 

sellers, when faced with a buyer claiming to have received anything less than the specified number or type of items, would simply ask the buyer to open an INAD and require them to return the whole order for a refund.

No scammer in this scenario as laid out would survive this…it is EITHER/  OR - they have to return the items or they lose their money. 

making videos or taking photos of a shipment while being packed aren’t accepted as evidence in the event of a claim, so that’s out too.

It should be obvious to sellers that business is a minefield, and must be treaded with care. Those that don’t follow procedure or bother to worry until later will be weeded out soon enough.

[bonjourami]

1. "Request eBay's Involvement: If you encounter such fraudulent activity, report it to eBay Customer Service and request a thorough investigation. Preserving the integrity of eBay's marketplace is essential, and eBay should play an active role in deterring and preventing such scams"

Usually 'requesting Ebays involvement" is the kiss of death for any seller.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

About the only protection a seller has is for International Shipments if they use Ebay International Shipping.

Ebay's agent inspects the shipment, verifies it is complete, and protects the seller from claims.

You cannot count on your pictures even being viewed. Let alone being believed.

I tend to agree with @spark-chaser1 for all other cases.

[elpbeautysupply]

I appreciate your concern regarding the potential eBay scam issue, and I'd like to clarify the intention behind my previous message.

The primary objective was to suggest proactive measures that sellers can take to deter fraudulent claims before they escalate into eBay cases. I understand that my choice of words may have caused some confusion, and I apologize for any misunderstanding.

By sharing an example from my personal experience, I aimed to demonstrate how sellers can protect themselves by providing detailed evidence when faced with a fraudulent claim. These actions can help maintain the integrity of eBay's marketplace and ensure sellers are not unfairly taken advantage of.

I also acknowledge that eBay typically sides with buyers in cases of dispute, which is why it's essential for sellers to have a robust approach in place when addressing such situations. The intent was not to suggest that sellers should accept fraudulent claims but rather to empower them with information on how to handle such cases effectively.

Moreover, it's important to clarify that the proactive measures I mentioned should ideally be taken before a case is opened. By documenting shipments and responding with detailed evidence early in the process, sellers can potentially prevent cases from being opened in the first place.

Given the challenges that eBay sellers often face, it's crucial for all sellers to utilize any advantage available to them to ensure a fair and secure selling environment.

I hope this clarifies my previous message, and I appreciate your dedication to promoting a fair and secure selling environment on eBay.

Best regards,

[elpbeautysupply]

I appreciate your concern regarding the potential eBay scam issue, and I'd like to clarify the intention behind my previous message.

The primary objective was to suggest proactive measures that sellers can take to deter fraudulent claims before they escalate into eBay cases.

[elpbeautysupply]

The primary objective was to suggest proactive measures that sellers can take to deter fraudulent claims before they escalate into eBay cases.

[robbie31415]

The reason people get away with abusive activity IMHO sellers not sending reports with consistency.

I speculate eBays system is based on meeting certain thresholds before action will be taken.

Ebay needs to see a pattern from multiple sellers.