Think I’m getting scammed, what can I do?

[carl-kac]

So I think I’m getting scammed. Didn’t think about it before ordering. A couple hours after placing my order I started feeling uneasy and skeptical so I did some googling and figured out I’m probably getting scammed. This item is listed significantly below MSRP. And the seller hasnt responded to my cancellation request. 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F253766619249

I’ve read stories where eBay sellers will do this, ship you a box of rocks or something so that way to return it and get a refund you have to pay return shipping that costs the same if not more than the purchase price so basically they get away with your money and you get nothing. The seller hasn’t shipped yet, and I requested cancellation but doubt I’ll get a response. This seller has had an account since 2008 but this is his first sale and he has no feedback except for feedback as a buyer. I’m thinking of ways to get around this. 

1. Can I request, as the recipient, a signature confirmation that way I can reject the package with USPS?

2. Can I just reject the package in general even if they drop it off while I’m at work?

3. If I don’t get a response from the seller and I receive my item but it’s really a box of rocks can I just dispute it with my credit card company?

Or am I just screwed on this one? Lesson learned lol. 

[dtexley3 · Accepted solution]

If you don't get your item, file an INR (Item Not Received) and you'll get your money back.

If you receive something different than what you ordered you file a Item Not as Described (INAD or SNAD).  The SELLER MUST issue you a return label and you ship the item back.  If they don't issue a label you call eBay and they will force the seller to refund you.  Please read up on the Money Back Guarantee (MBG).

Reading Google horror stories is not always the best information available.

[dougsue123b]

If you get anything other than what you bought file a not as described case. DO NOT file an item not received case.

The seller has to pay return shipping on a not as described case. Ebay will refund your money. 

If no tracking is not shown delivered then you file an item not received case.

If it doesn't show up and tracking shows delivered then you have a problem, come back here and ask again, I am not experienced in that case.

[sam9876]

It sounds like you don't have any idea how eBay works.

[lovesagooddeal2008]

If i had a feeling i was being scammed, once the package arrived, for my protection i would have someone film me breaking the seal on the package.  Just in case i needed proof for ebay.  Good luck i hope they are legit

[carl-kac]

Thanks for your helpful input. I don’t use eBay very often. I’m an Amazon shopper. So you’re correct. I don’t have much of an idea on how eBay works which is (*here’s a shocker*) why I came to eBay communities to ask people who *do* know how eBay works. 

[carl-kac]

Ah, perfect!! Thank you! I didn’t see that on the buyer protection probably just because I was panicking haha. Seriously, thanks so much! This puts my mind at ease.

[dtexley3]

---

@lovesagooddeal2008 wrote:

If i had a feeling i was being scammed, once the package arrived, for my protection i would have someone film me breaking the seal on the package.  Just in case i needed proof for ebay.  Good luck i hope they are legit

---

eBay won't accept video evidence, so that's a waste of time.  All the buyer needs to do is follow the MBG guidelines and they will be fine.

[dtexley3]

---

@carl-kac wrote:

Thanks for your helpful input. I don’t use eBay very often. I’m an Amazon shopper. So you’re correct. I don’t have much of an idea on how eBay works which is (*here’s a shocker*) why I came to eBay communities to ask people who *do* know how eBay works. 

---

I hope you stick around to shop more.  If you do continue here in the forums you'll quickly learn which posters to skip over when looking for help.

[plantaddict]

Amazon does sell products of it's own, however there are plenty of sellers that sell on Amazon the same as they sell on eBay. Most likely a lot sell on both as well as on etsy. But yes a buyer is always protected by the MBG, here it's the seller's that get the shaft. And if the seller didn't respond being a weekend, could be they don't work on the weekend or maybe they was just busy.

[buyselljack2016]

@carl-kac

Follow dtexley advice.

You will likely receive nothing. I have no doubt that the seller account was hacked.

No one is selling that item, at that price, with free shipping.

The listing may should be pulled soon by eBay, which will change how you have to get your money back. Don't hesitate to return here to ask about the "how to" if that happens.

[carl-kac]

I actually reported the listing to eBay, will I receive notification that it has been reviewed?

What does the hacker gain from this if eBay is just going to give all the buyers their money back? Does this mean now my credit card should be cancelled?

[buyselljack2016]

---

@carl-kac wrote:
I actually reported the listing to eBay, will I receive notification that it has been reviewed?

What does the hacker gain from this if eBay is just going to give all the buyers their money back? Does this mean now my credit card should be cancelled?

---

The  account that this was listed on was compromised. Account was not a seller. No activity in over 1 year.

Your card should be fine. Your payment would process through PayPal, and the safeguards in place there keep the scamming seller away from your info.

You, and the 20+ other potential buyers should all be notified by eBay when the listing is pulled telling you how to get your refund.

[kuban89]

In a perfect world, yes. But not as easy as you make it sound.
I've had cases where package apparently delivered by some third party working for USPS who mis-delivers to wrong address, loses, steals or throws away the package, but reports it as delivered. eBay's response: Sorry. Package appears as delivered, case closed. I realize it's tough to prove and the seller is not directly at fault, but you never got your purchase, you lost your money and eBay does squat.

[7606dennis]

---

@lovesagooddeal2008 wrote:

If i had a feeling i was being scammed, once the package arrived, for my protection i would have someone film me breaking the seal on the package.  Just in case i needed proof for ebay.  Good luck i hope they are legit

---

Actually, a video of you opening a package would be of no use as evidence for either eBay or in legal proceedings.  However, eBay's MBG would take your word for the item not being as described in most cases.