Empty Contents - need advice!

[the_tackle_bay]

I need your advice and what is the best way to handle this.  I sold a expensive item $400 item. I put a signature confirmation on it. Buyer claims that flat rate mailer was "opened and resealed". Buyer also claims that contents fell out and it was resealed. Buyer did send me a photo. Clearly it shows that mailer opened cause of the stretch. I test the mailer before I shipped it out.  It is very tight. Only way you would open it is to stretch it out. Buyer also claim to have security footage. I asked for it. Then he claims that it only take pictures on motion,  but not send any security footage. I have send him a message if he can produce and security footage of postman delivering a empty mailer. No replies yet. The package was delivered and signed by him. Also buyer file a "return" instead of a "item not received".  Furthermore, The package was delivered on 20th at 1:43pm. He did not contact me til this morning 21st. If the received empty mailer with a signature and looks tampered and empty, wouldn't you be suspicious? What is the best course of action I should take. Also what should I do about his request for a "return". Thank you in advance.

[the_tackle_bay]

Buyer now said his cleaning accept the package. Said she "opened the left to see what was inside". Told me there is no security footage now, cause his security camera acts more like doorbell than a security camera. Said he has it to detect motion. Something smells funny here....

[corvettestainless]

Tracking shows it was delivered (and if you added signature, nobody is getting sigs so that doesn't matter); then case will not be awarded in the buyers favor should they open a 'return/refund' case. You would simply submit the tracking number. In the meantime, I would be done with conversations with this buyer as the story keeps changing that proves anything for you to even consider. 

[fab_finds4u]

People that receive empty packages are told to file a not as described case and return what you received-an empty envelope.

If the buyer opens a not received case it will close in your favor.

If the buyer opens a not described case you will be forced to issue a return label and refund. So you should prepare yourself to refund.  eBay will not decide in your favor even though you might have a message from them saying the cleaning service took the item out of the package.

[donsdetour]

Seems to me they need to fire their "cleaning", wich probably does not exist.

What may happen is they file an item not as described case in which you get back the "EMPTY".

If all this does occur and you lose, make sure to file a report of possible theft by shipping employee, or fake claim by  purchaser (Receiver) of item, with the  proper authority If the USPS file with the postal inspector  were you are.

A signature and damaged package simply does not add up. USPS does mark damaged packing and this would have been damaged to be empty.

[evry1nositswindy]

My question would have to be this:  if they signed for it, wouldn't they have noticed the damage right then?  Why sign for it if you know there is a problem?  That being said, if a case is opened as not as described, refund you must 😞

[dtexley3]

Tell the buyer to retain the packaging as you are opening a complaint with the Postal Inspectors regarding the delivery of an empty package and that the postal service will likely send an inspector to see the packaging.  (And yes, you do file a mail fraud complaint at the same time).  Sometimes the item is quickly found....

Go to your Post office and request a copy of the detailed tracking report and it will show the package weight each time it passed through an APV site.  If that shows weight all along the route then either the buyer, their cleaning service or the delivering PO employee committed mail fraud.  (My money is on the buyer).

File a report with IC3.gov

File a police report with your local precinct and have it forwarded to the buyer's local precinct.  It's a federal felony so don't let them try to foist it off as a civil matter.

Send the above reports to eBay.

Once eBay refunds the buyer, open an appeal and submit the above reports again.

[the_tackle_bay]

Thanks for all the replies... After several messages about a report to the police and the postal inspector, the missing item shows up. No doubt this person was trying to scam me. I wish there was something we can do about people like this. 

[lightlily_arts]

Yes the buyer was trying to scam you.  They backed off when you advised them you were going to contact the Police and Postal Inspector Services You need to report this buyer and put them on your blocked bidder list.