Buyer requests a return, claims damage, sends item to wrong address. Mistake?

[breyersprinkle]

It's possible I'm making a mountain out of a molehill here.

I recently sold a model horse, and upon its arrival to the buyer, there was a damage claim. It wasn't damaged in the delivery process, but purportedly the horse had "many scratches, shiny marks, etc". Fine, I accepted the return.

(I did not notice significant "damage" to the horse and would not have left it unsaid in the description if the horse was so unacceptable, but I know it's he said/she said at this point.)

I'm pretty suspicious as the account/buyer is brand new, no reviews as a buyer/seller, and the buyer was not detailed in their description of said damage. I know they are under no obligation to send pictures. 

They said they shipped the item and gave me a tracking number. I have been following it, and the item is currently out for delivery in Arizona. Now I'm confused because I only have a Missouri address on my account. I have no idea why it is out there in AZ.

I messaged the buyer about the mistaken address, asking for clarification, and I gave them my return address in case eBay got it totally wrong. I have not heard back. 

I've seen people on here say that if a returned item does not arrive at the zip code associated with the seller's address, then a refund is not required. Is that true? What should my next steps be? Thank you.

[paradiso*bella*a*venire · Accepted solution]

No way you would have to refund. Same as if a buyer checks tracking and seller sent item to wrong address. The seller would have to refund buyer or send a replacement (whichever buyer wanted)

I wouldnt sweat it...the time to sweat is if tracking was showing your town but it never got delivered to you, rather some other location in your town

[ed8108]

A little patience & await the next carrier scan that will appear

[dirk12955]

At this point in time I would put it 100% out of my mind.

It's out of your hands and area of responsibility.   

Simple explanation?    He mixed you up with a different seller.    One that lives in Arizona.

[toysaver]

Does the buyer by any chance live in Powell TN? I had a Breyer horse scammer from there.

[breyersprinkle]

Nope, this one's from Maryland.

[disneyshopper]

Did the buyer file a case, and you provided the prepaid return shipping label?  If so, are you positive the return shipping address was to you in Missouri?