buyer fraud

[fer_v39]

buyer bought a portable gaming console from me, he received it and opened the box and it said it was empty, he messages me and tells me about it, he says the box was unopened and untampered when he got it, i ask him questions about it and he avoids some or changes topic, like how it felt when he got it and tells me he didn't think it was from me (even though i provided him with a tracking number) i just think he is trying to commit fraud and wants a refund, what should i do?

[titipeo]

I'm afraid to say that eventually eBay will side with buyer and refund the money. It's a scam that has been going on for some time. 

[fer_v39]

i am so discouraged honestly by this, if this happens i will stop selling on ebay, it just not worth it, the few bucks i earn here got taken away from me like nothing.

[southern*sweet*tea · Accepted solution]

"Dear buyer,

I'm shocked to hear you received an empty box. Rest assured I did not send you an empty box. I will be filing a mail theft report with the Postal Inspection Service since the package was obviously tampered with and your gaming console stolen by a Postal worker.

Please send me your phone number for my report. I already have your address. If I don't hear from you within 24 hours I will file without the phone number.

Thank you,

Seller"

Send that. Wait 24 hours. If you don't hear back from the buyer, file the mail theft report here: https://www.uspis.gov/report  

The 24 hours is an out to give your buyer time to magically discover the game console. You really don't need the phone number. If you don't hear back from him, FILE THE REPORT.

[gracieallen01]

What was said about filing a report with the postal inspectors, be sure to do it.  You might also include that it is a felony and that the USPS takes a very dim view of that happening.

[Anonymous]

Problem is Ebay cannot prove what a seller actually sends to the buyer.  If you purchased your label via Ebay you can put any weight you want.  If you shipped from the Post Office your receipt may be of value in determining the weight of the box sent.   Every online transaction can go south.  Part of the risk I suppose.

[m60driver]

Alas, items that are generally sought by young males such as gaming consoles, sports cards, etc., have a high fraud rate.  Price accordingly to cover anticipated losses.  There is little that you can do to prevent this type of fraud and Ebay will do nothing to help, but do report buyer and block.  As for myself, I would never sell gaming equipment on Ebay.

[fer_v39]

thank you so much from the bottom of my heart, it just so sad to see such people doing fraud for personal gain and ruining other sellers sales.

i did filled a report with the link you sent me, i am so thankful that people like you exist and help other sellers.

as for me i will stop selling on ebay, will look for some other alternatives, i can't believe that ebay allows this frauds.

[gracieallen01]

No, what the problem is, is that ebay can't prove or disprove what the seller sent the buyer, nor can ebay prove or disprove what the buyer  sends back, if anything.  However, ebay still refunds the buyer from the seller's funds because of ebay's guarantee.

[pcobra93]

No...the "real" problem is that Ebay continues to allow scammers. They know exactly who they are. Why cant sellers see a buyers INAD percentage and return rate from buyers? That my friends is the real issue. Ebay is a co-conspirator in the thefts.

[gracieallen01]

😀  People often have different ways of saying nearly the same thing about a particular subject.