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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS

Hey,


So this has been a harrowing ordeal already and I'm pretty sure the seller is trying to scam me. Bought an iPad for nearly 1200 bucks in total and seller shipped out the package updating with multiple tracking numbers from USPS. Was eventually sent by FedEx.

 

On receiving the package, it contained a pair of dirty pants, a demolished tablet or some sort, an empty case of apple pencil, a book and a phone case. Contacted the seller, didn't bother replying for 3 days. Contacted eBay, they said not to worry and ship it back and refund will be issued. Sent me a shipping label.

 

Label was attached to the package and picked up for shipping by USPS and even got a confirmation message saying so. But the tracking hasn't updated on either eBay or USPS portals, shipping label attached. Eventually the seller started replying and told lies that I called him out on multiple times on so I know he is a scammer.

 

Now I'm worried that he is trying to scam me like mentioned here:
https://community.ebay.com/t5/Shipping-Returns/Return-Service-Shipping-Tracking-Not-Updating/td-p/27...

What can I do to successfully get my return?

 

PS. How do I know he is a scammer? The product description said iPad pro, apple pencil and case. When I didn't get anything in the package, when he eventually replied he started blaming me that I'm trying to scam him. Asked him for invoice of the iPad that he bought and he sent me a screenshot of an iPad bought from eBay. Saw his feedback and found out that he flipped that iPad the very next day on eBay itself. Asked him for invoice of apple pencil and the case that he supposedly bought off eBay and that's when he suddenly realized that maybe FedEx stole it lol. This along with the multiple tracking IDs that he gave earlier and the problem with the tracking now makes me very suspicious.

 

Edit: formatting.

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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS

That is a lot going on with a single transaction.  

 

First, I agree with the other poster, STOP communicating with the seller unless it is your desire to fuel the fire and conflict between you.  

 

You filed a claim, you asked Ebay to step in, you got the return label, you shipped.  Now it is time to wait.  I'm glad your tracking started updating.  Keep an eye on it.  You can go to USPS.com, call up the tracking number and then select Text and Email Updates, check the proper box and then put in the information so they can notify you.  Then you will get auto emails or text every time the package moves.

 

If it gets stuck again, then put a trace on the package with USPS.  Don't write the seller or Ebay.  Just put a trace on the package, many times that will get the package moving again.

 

I found this question really curious "How do I know he is a scammer?".  My answer to that would have been the moment you opened the package if it contained all the stuff you said it did.

 

As to multiple tracking numbers from the seller.  I'm not sure what that accomplished other than confusion.  What you concentrate on is what you received verses what you ordered and the tracking number and method of shipping on the package you actually received.  All this other stuff is just fluff that adds unnecessary confusion.

 

Once your package is received by the seller, DO NOTHING.  Don't email anyone, just WAIT.  You have already gotten Ebay involved.  If the seller doesn't go ahead and refund you within a short period of time, Ebay will force the refund.  

 

FYI there is NO PROBLEM for any member of Ebay to source stuff on Ebay to sell on Ebay.  There are all kinds of sellers that do that all the time, you just don't usually figure it out as they will use a different account to buy with.


mam98031  •  Volunteer Community Member  •  Buyer/Seller since 1999

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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS

@vinayrajsb 

 

It's great that you still have that tracking label.  I am wondering if you can go to USPS.com and click onto "find my package." 

 

I have heard from others like @mam98031 that doing such things can get USPS to update it's tracking.

 

Due to the epidemic, there are areas of the country that are experiencing mail delays.

 

Good luck.

Message 2 of 46
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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS

I think the tracking has now updated on USPS but not on eBay. Guess I'll just wait a while and see what happens.

Message 3 of 46
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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS


@vinayrajsb wrote:

Contacted the seller, didn't bother replying for 3 days. Contacted eBay, they said not to worry and ship it back and refund will be issued. Sent me a shipping label.

 

when he eventually replied he started blaming me that I'm trying to scam him. Asked him for invoice of the iPad that he bought and he sent me a screenshot of an iPad bought from eBay.

Asked him for invoice of apple pencil and the case that he supposedly bought off eBay and that's when he suddenly realized that maybe FedEx stole it lol. This along with the multiple tracking IDs that he gave earlier


Please stop talking to the "seller". Completely. Just go silent.

 

Your return is ETA May 11, and will get a forced refund a few minutes after tracking shows delivered.

 

Or if you "seller" tries to avoid delivery, "Refused" "Notice left" "Available for pickup" etc., immediately send a private message to eBay on Facebook or Twitter and ask to escalate (yes, again) providing your eBay ID, name, zip code, and email address.

Message 4 of 46
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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS

Thank you so much for your reply. I will keep a close eye on the tracking from now and escalate if I don't get a refund after being delivered. I just hope he doesn't pull any other stunt now.

 

As of now, it has updated on both eBay and USPS so I am going to wait till it gets delivered and hopefully the return goes smoothly.

Message 5 of 46
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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS

That is a lot going on with a single transaction.  

 

First, I agree with the other poster, STOP communicating with the seller unless it is your desire to fuel the fire and conflict between you.  

 

You filed a claim, you asked Ebay to step in, you got the return label, you shipped.  Now it is time to wait.  I'm glad your tracking started updating.  Keep an eye on it.  You can go to USPS.com, call up the tracking number and then select Text and Email Updates, check the proper box and then put in the information so they can notify you.  Then you will get auto emails or text every time the package moves.

 

If it gets stuck again, then put a trace on the package with USPS.  Don't write the seller or Ebay.  Just put a trace on the package, many times that will get the package moving again.

 

I found this question really curious "How do I know he is a scammer?".  My answer to that would have been the moment you opened the package if it contained all the stuff you said it did.

 

As to multiple tracking numbers from the seller.  I'm not sure what that accomplished other than confusion.  What you concentrate on is what you received verses what you ordered and the tracking number and method of shipping on the package you actually received.  All this other stuff is just fluff that adds unnecessary confusion.

 

Once your package is received by the seller, DO NOTHING.  Don't email anyone, just WAIT.  You have already gotten Ebay involved.  If the seller doesn't go ahead and refund you within a short period of time, Ebay will force the refund.  

 

FYI there is NO PROBLEM for any member of Ebay to source stuff on Ebay to sell on Ebay.  There are all kinds of sellers that do that all the time, you just don't usually figure it out as they will use a different account to buy with.


mam98031  •  Volunteer Community Member  •  Buyer/Seller since 1999
Message 6 of 46
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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS

The only reason I mentioned the reasons why I know he is a scammer is because I guess I was still open to the idea of something happening to the package on the way (by the delivery service) even though its a longshot, but then I found proof that clearly stated otherwise.

 

Of course there is no problem in flipping stuff on eBay, but it is sketchy when you cannot provide proof of purchase of the items you are trying to sell, especially when your buyer doesn't receive the said things in the package.

 

The multiple tracking numbers was maybe used to create confusion regarding the whole transaction or maybe  part of the scam, I didn't know, the only reason I mentioned it was because I was hoping someone here would maybe shed some light on it.

 

Yes, I am going to take the advice given here and stop communication, which I already have. I just didn't want any more surprises popping up, hence made this post.

Message 7 of 46
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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS


@vinayrajsb wrote:

The only reason I mentioned the reasons why I know he is a scammer is because I guess I was still open to the idea of something happening to the package on the way (by the delivery service) even though its a longshot, but then I found proof that clearly stated otherwise.

 

Of course there is no problem in flipping stuff on eBay, but it is sketchy when you cannot provide proof of purchase of the items you are trying to sell, especially when your buyer doesn't receive the said things in the package.

 

The multiple tracking numbers was maybe used to create confusion regarding the whole transaction or maybe  part of the scam, I didn't know, the only reason I mentioned it was because I was hoping someone here would maybe shed some light on it.

 

Yes, I am going to take the advice given here and stop communication, which I already have. I just didn't want any more surprises popping up, hence made this post.


I won't provide a buyer with proof of purchase on any of my items.  IMHO they have no right to know what vendor I use, nor will I willingly give them that information.  I know for electronics that is a bit different.

 

The seller if they had any experience seller would know that providing multiple tracking numbers only causes the health of their selling account issues with Ebay.  So they didn't do themselves any favors doing that.

 

There doesn't need to be any more surprises.  Just let the claim run its course.  You will get your money back.  Sign up for the tracking updates from the USPS website and just stay on top of it.  Ebay will make sure you are taken care of once the seller gets the item back within a reasonable amount of time.


mam98031  •  Volunteer Community Member  •  Buyer/Seller since 1999
Message 8 of 46
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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS

Alright, right about now I just want to have a safe return and refund. I've had several transactions in the past but this one was too weird. Anyway I shall follow your advice and hopefully everything turns out okay!

Message 9 of 46
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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS


@vinayrajsb wrote:

Alright, right about now I just want to have a safe return and refund. I've had several transactions in the past but this one was too weird. Anyway I shall follow your advice and hopefully everything turns out okay!


We will be here for you if anything else happens.  Just come on back and let us help you through anything that may come up before you react so that we can assist you in getting the best outcome.


mam98031  •  Volunteer Community Member  •  Buyer/Seller since 1999
Message 10 of 46
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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS

@mam98031 

 

Thank you for responding and clarifying the tracer aspect with USPS.  I got the tip from your other post.  😊 🏆

Message 11 of 46
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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS

Hey,

So the seller asked eBay to step in and now my refund is on hold. I'm having less trust in eBay money back guarantee now that I see all it takes is for someone to mail you junk and tie up the money. What is my best course of action here? 

 

It just shows me the sellers statement about me asking him to mail it to my friends address which was the shipping address in the order anyway. Do I get to present my side of things with them?

Message 12 of 46
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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS


@vinayrajsb wrote:

Hey,

So the seller asked eBay to step in and now my refund is on hold. I'm having less trust in eBay money back guarantee now that I see all it takes is for someone to mail you junk and tie up the money. What is my best course of action here? 

 

It just shows me the sellers statement about me asking him to mail it to my friends address which was the shipping address in the order anyway. Do I get to present my side of things with them?


Try not to worry about it.  Ebay is pretty quick with these decisions and it is highly likely they will rule in your favor.  It isn't surprising that the seller is trying to battle this.  Let us know what happens.


mam98031  •  Volunteer Community Member  •  Buyer/Seller since 1999
Message 13 of 46
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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS

Yeah initially they were supposed to get back to me in 48 hours but it's now extended to 17th may, that is why I'm worried.

 

I shall keep you guys updated. I'll try not to worry about it but 1200 bucks is a lot of money for me 😞

Message 14 of 46
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Scam? Tracking not updating in eBay or USPS


@vinayrajsb wrote:

Yeah initially they were supposed to get back to me in 48 hours but it's now extended to 17th may, that is why I'm worried.

 

I shall keep you guys updated. I'll try not to worry about it but 1200 bucks is a lot of money for me 😞


That is odd.  This isn't about the tracking not showing delivered it is an INAD.  Let's see if we can get someone to tell us why this would happen.

 

tyler@ebay 


mam98031  •  Volunteer Community Member  •  Buyer/Seller since 1999
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