Fradulent return

[eddie300]

I have a fradulent return where the buyer send me back a different item and ebay refunded his money right away and took money out of my paypal account.  Where can I go to file mail/internet fraud againest the buyer?  I did not see an option to do that at my local police office website.

[echo_and_zip]

Try this:

1. Contact Buyer thru eBay messages.

2. Ask him if he accidentally returned the wrong item/

3. Attach a photo of what you got back w/ his label in the photo.

4. Wait 2-3 days for a response.

5. Call eBay and ask a Rep. to read the message(s).

[eddie300]

I don't think he sent the wrong item back by mistake.  He threatens me with negative feedback and refuse to upload pictures showing what was damaged before the return.  I asked for pictures so I can file a claim with the postal office.  He was surprised that I insured it and claims he does not know how to take pictures.  

[echo_and_zip]

Do what I suggested...

Send a pic of what you got THRU eBay Messages...

ASK him... did you send back wrong item ?

This is not what I sold you.

Wait 2-3 days.

This message, and, any reply, becomes evidence.

Call eBay and ask an Account Specialist to look at your messages.

[Anonymous]

if he threatened you with negative feedback you need to contact ebay immediately. 

[kensgiftshop]

File a mail fraud case through USPS.

Tell your buyer someone must have switched items during shipping and you are filing a fraud claim with USPS.

Report the buyer as abusing the MBG system.

[eddie300]

I contacted ebay and they said they can't do anything until the case is closed.  I want to file criminal charges against him but do not know where to start as my local police office do not offer that option online.  Please help if you know where I can get that started.  Ebay do not seem to care.  I do not want him to do this to anyone else. 

[missjen831]

Doubt the police will file criminal charges. You need to take him to small claims court. 

[eddie300]

He just left me negative feedback now after I asked him about the item per your suggestion

[ed8108]

You may consider contacting the

State Office of the Attorney General for possible guidance

[vintagecraze50]

Tell them you had the package witnessed as to the contents of what came back. Tell them you will be filing a small claims case. Perhaps it will come back. Perhaps not. Small claims court cases are sometimes filed in the state where the buyer is or your state, Each state has rules regarding jurisdiction. You can research this online and also start the case with forms online. Do your research and them make a decision as to if you want to follow through with this based on the value of the item and the time and effort to do this.

[vintagecraze50]

Here is some general info on small claims court proceedures and help online.

https://www.smallclaim.com/cms/small-claim-edutation.html

[chrysylys]

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@eddie300 wrote:

  I want to file criminal charges against him but do not know where to start as my local police office do not offer that option online.  Please help if you know where I can get that started.  

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Go there in person.  Take everything you have including printouts of any messages. 

Not all agencies allow cases to be opened via the web.  They want to see you in person with whatever evidence you have to show them.  $400 could be enough to get their attention, but you MUST be sure of your claims.  Can you PROVE the condition of the item when it arrived at the buyer's address?

Where is the buyer (city, state only)?  In some cases, you may have to file there rather than in your location.

[eddie300]

Thank you for all the great advices you guys posted here.  Ebay reversed their decision and credited back my fund and removed the negative feedback he left. The bad thing is he still kept the item plus got all his money back...  I blocked him from future purchases.  Ebay need to improve their Money Back Guarantee program.  Buyer needs to show proof to claim item damaged.  I thought I did everything well.  I packaged the item in bubble mailer, inside a box, wrap with more bubble wraps inside a large box.  I even had it insured just in case if it is lost during transit.

[missjen831]

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@eddie300 wrote:

He just left me negative feedback now after I asked him about the item per your suggestion

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Sorry you were given bad advice. Should never engage a buyer like that. But I’m glad to hear you were able to appeal & get a refund from eBay.