Received three different returns for items I didn't sell

[peal-85]

Over the last few months, I have received an eBay return (physical package with merchandise) for an item I didn't sell on three different occasions.  The packages all had my correct name and address on them (including my middle name, strangely enough), but I have nothing to do with the transactions and have no relationship with the buyers or sellers, as far as I can tell.  I have never sold anything on eBay and have only purchased one item in the last few years.  The items I received include a cloth canopy for a baby car seat, a digital voice recorder, and a tower fan--seemingly unrelated items.

The first time it happened, I spent at least an hour on the phone with eBay Support and was transferred several times.  Ultimately, I got absolutely nowhere.  This doesn't fit into any of their normal categories, so nobody I spoke with knew how to help me.  I finally gave up.

The second time, I found the original buyer on Facebook and told them about the situation.  I suggested that they contact eBay to straighten out the situation, since at least their account was associated with the transaction.  They called eBay support, but also got nowhere after talking with them for an extended time.  They did receive a refund, but didn't have any success fixing the problem.

Now it's happened again.  I don't want to waste any more of my time contacting an eBay representative that has no clue of how to help me.  I suspect that something is wrong with eBay's database, and that my contact information has somehow been associated with a seller or a group of sellers that I have nothing to do with.  For each package, the only information I have is the original buyer's name and address, the eBay return ID, and the order #, so I don't even know if it is the same seller.

I have checked all of my credit cards and there is no unusual activity.  My eBay history shows no sold items and only one purchased item.  If this is a scam, I really don't understand what they're getting out of it.

I'm pretty sure I am legally allowed to keep whatever is sent to me (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0181-unordered-merchandise).  However, I want to stop this from happening in the future so that I do not have to waste any more of my time on this.  What should I do??

[donsdetour]

Hi this is a problem due to a seller with the wrong return address. If you can find the person doing the return have them contact the original seller of the item and have them change return address.

Other wise, drop the packages at your PO with not for this address all over them and the addy circled.

[kensgiftshop]

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@peal-85 

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This has been going on for awhile now, but don't know why.

The first time I heard of it, it turned out to be a seller from China, using the name and address of one of their buyers to send returns to.

[peal-85]

Thanks for the response.  For the most recent package I received, is there any way to identify the seller from the eBay return ID or order number?  Aside from the buyer's name and address, that's the only information I have available.

[donsdetour]

You could try and message ebay through social media. Send a private message through them include the information on the package and ask them who the seller, and buyer is: they may or may not get you the information.

Other wise you would have to send the purchaser a letter asking them. Time and trouble for you of course.

https://twitter.com/askebay 

https://www.facebook.com/eBay/ 

[tools*]

Enjoy your free stuff -- and don't waste your time trying to explain things to eBay contractors.

[monster-deals]

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@peal-85 wrote:

should I do??

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Nothing.

Or, throw the stuff away, donate it or leave it in the street.

[peal-85]

I contacted the social media team via Facebook and they were MUCH more helpful than the phone support team.  They said they would contact the seller(s) to request that they update their return address.  Hopefully that does the trick!

Thank you to all who responded.

[ftwshop]

Yes, or just return it to the post office. Lol, sometimes it's a lucky thing to have a "Stalker" who has your address-- one that gets lots of returns on eBay!