How to stop fraudulent buyer?

[topbargains4you]

The buyer has purchased 7 Surface 3 tablets from us 3 weeks ago. About a week ago he requested to return 1 tablet, we approved his request and received a completely different model with non-matching serial number (still Surface 3, though), scratched, in non-working condition. We uploaded pictures of the tablet and started eBay case which was decided in buyer's favor almost instantly. We called eBay to appeal the case, but in fact eBay rep refused to appeal the case because "in situations like this eBay is unable to confirm that the buyer has in fact returned the wrong item". Great. Now the buyer wants to return 2nd tablet... Any thoughts how to stop this fraud?

[sam9876]

You can't.

[7606dennis]

Why did you approve the request to return only one of the seven tablets?  Were they sold separately?

About the only thing you can do is report the buyer to the USPS Postal Inspectors for suspected mail fraud.  If the buyer has pulled this sort of thing before they might be on the postal inspectors radar or your report might put them there.

[topbargains4you]

Yes they were sold separately. Nice idea about reporting the buyer to the USPS Postal Inspectors, thanks!

[hafoster · Accepted solution]

If they were multiples, and you approved one:

http://pages.ebay.com/seller-center/faq/returns.html#m22_tb_a7__6
How are multi-quantity items handled?
Buyers are able to return multiple quantities of the same item with a single return, but can only initiate one return for each multi-quantity item purchase. For example, if the buyer initiates a return for 3 of 10 shirts purchased as a multi-quantity item, they will not be able to initiate a return for the remaining 7 shirts at a later date.

[topbargains4you]

Thanks!