Buyer returned a similar device but it had a different IMEI number yet eBay sided with the buyer

[secondliferecues]

I recently sold a device and when the buyer received they claimed it did not work because they could not get it working on their carrier's network. After having them try a couple things, I accepted the return so I could check it out. The item the buyer returned look almost identical to my item however I noticed the IMEI number, MAC address, and some other things were different (see photo). Additionally the battery cover latch was missing.

Yet, somehow after reporting the problem for eBay to look at, they sided with the buyer.

I want to make it known that this is a subtle scam that buyers can do when they have a broken device of their own, purchase an identical on one on eBay, claim they received a broken one, send the seller their broken one and keep your working one.

I've reported the buyer and filed an appeal on eBay's decision but I feel so powerless that buyers out there can be this shady and eBay sides with them.

Has this happened to others? What was the outcome?

[wastingtime101]

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@secondliferecues wrote:

Has this happened to others? What was the outcome?

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It happens often and sellers almost always lose. eBay doesn't see what was actually shipped or returned. All they have is our word and the buyer's word, so they side with the buyer.

[puddle_jumper]

File a case with IC3 (ICCC or Internet Crime Complaint Center), file mail fraud complaint with postmaster, and ask for mail fraud report from police station (don't ask them to investigate, just state you need report for eBay). Then contact eBay and appeal the case with report #s and they will likely refund you and possibly put the buyer on watch list.

[rebell45]

There is a website out there where you can report the phone as stolen using the IEMI number. If your phone was locked to a carrier, you should be able to report is to them also. Good luck with the appeal

[netwizz760]

The buyer needed an exchange of an out-of-warranty, broken item.   This really stinks.

[no_zero369]