Scam

[ahousefullofjs]

I’m looking for advice on how to proceed.

I sold my iPhone for $650 to a buyer located in Miami. 3 days after receiving it they reported it ‘not as described’ requesting a return, with a message that they were having problems and wanted to ask questions. 
I responded that I’m happy to answer any questions or help them troubleshoot. 
I got no response. I sent additional messages stating the same each day. (At this point, I hoped that the buyer was just having trouble figuring out how to use the phone and when I didn’t get a response, I assumed they figured it out.)

Ebay then forced the return accept. So, I went ahead and sent a return shipping label. 
2 more days went by, before I received notification that the item was being shipped back to me from New York. (Strange since the buyer was in Miami.)

It was supposed to be delivered today. (Also strange because I get email informed delivery from USPS showing all mail to be delivered each day and that package wasn’t listed.)

Tracking of the return label showed it was delivered today, but it wasn’t. Or at least it wasn’t delivered to me. 
Ebay says I now have 2 days to refund to buyer. 
What do I do? Will they force me to refund? 

[robbie31415]

You need to go to the USPS and get them to give you some sort of statement that the tracking doesn't match your actual address.

I've seen multiple posts where the original item was shipped from Miami and the return was shipped from New York.

You probably should also file a police report. Both of which need to be sent to eBay.

[monica-sells]

you were tracking your own return label that you gave your buyer...and that label shows 'physically' delivered? (or is it just not on 'todays' informed delivery list?)

I am only asking because I have had items delivered that did not show up on the informed delivery list for that day...

(it came from a different carrier other than my normal route guy)...that was strange

[robbie31415 · Accepted solution]

Here is one of the threads. It was about a phone too.

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Returns/How-to-escalate-reopen-closed-claim-I-am-out-600/m-p/33769068

[12345jamesstamps]

Usually best to walk into a post office with tracking number and talk to a clerk to get your questions answered.

I usually get answers to that instead of by phone or online.

Google the buyer's address in Miami to see what it is. 

[robbie31415]

This One is an Xbox that went to Miami with new york return.

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/Seller-using-reship/m-p/33928853

I have a feeling they are connected.

[ahousefullofjs]

The label tracking shows delivered. I was here when the mail carrier came by. No package. 

[ahousefullofjs]

Thank you. 
I’ve been buying and selling on eBay for such a long time and have never had any issues. This is so frustrating. 
After filing a police report and visiting the post office……At what point do I call eBay? It seems they really want me to refund they buyer. 

[monica-sells]

The OP was "tracking" the verified USPS Tracking Number from the label that was generated for the return.

Is it possible for the scammer to alter that bar code label somehow?

Tha similar posts all used the old send back something to the zip code scam....

that's the part I don't quite understand, if the OP tracking for the real return is showing delivered....

[robbie31415]

There are a couple scams, some opt to buy a cheap USPS label and ship to same zip code.

If they used the eBay label, it can be altered with an address that is close where they photoshop edit the address and cause a misdelivery.

Unfortunately the second one is harder to deal with because the system will reflect it got delivered to the correct location.

[ahousefullofjs]

Wow. Thank you for sharing. This is exactly what is happening to me. It’s really disturbing how common this scam is! I’m so glad this guy finally got it resolved but 3 failed attempts is crazy. 

[robbie31415]

Np, it sucks to be scammed.

A recommendation I have all communication with eBay should be done on facebook.com/eBayForBusiness

It's your best bet to get the highest trained CSR reps eBay has.

The phone and chat ones are notorious for telling you what you want to hear to get you off the line.

[ahousefullofjs]

Update;

I can’t thank you enough for your help and guidance on this issue. 
I went to the post office, where they confirmed that the return shipping label was indeed altered with a different name and address in my home town to force a refund by eBay. 
I contacted eBay through both Facebook and Twitter with all the documentation I had and a brief description. 
Within a few hours, they closed the return, no refund issued to the buyer and are restoring my payment and account as well as reporting the buyer. 

[monica-sells]

two thumbs up.....glad to hear it....

Here is hoping the USPS Postal Inspector investigates this "crime"

The potential penalty for a federal mail fraud crime is very high. Each offense can result in a felony sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. However, the penalty can be harsher if the crime involves specific victims or elements.

Mail fraud fines are also very high. A conviction for a single count of mail fraud can result in a fine of up to $250,000. For fraud involving financial institutions or federal disaster relief, fines of up to $1 million per offense are possible.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@ahousefullofjs wrote: ... I contacted eBay through both Facebook and Twitter with all the documentation I had and a brief description. 

Within a few hours, they closed the return, no refund issued to the buyer and are restoring my payment and account as well as reporting the buyer. 

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Wow, it's great to hear that good news. Thanks for letting us know.