Tracking number says delivered, GPS scan says different location, but eBay still closes my case

[rswjep212618]

Bought an iPhone XS Max from a seller (0 feedback - red flag 1), which I thought I got outbid on but apparently the seller cancelled the bids ahead of mine and closed the auction early (red flag 2). Tracking number sent after a week and then said delivered. Which is odd because I was home at the time and nobody came to get my signature. So I followed up. My mail carrier had no such package requiring signature confirmation. I went to the proof of delivery on the USPS site. It stated my address as the destination but then it was signed by some lady with clearly different name and the written address is illegible. So I went to the post office. They gave me a printout showing the destination was my street address, yet the carrier route assigned to the delivery was not my carrier, as well as the payment and weight details (it was a Flat Rate envelope weighing 0 pounds 0 ounces - Red Flag 3). Then they looked up the GPS for the scan. It was sent to a local restaurant blocks away with the same zip code and last 4 digits. That different carrier confirmed over the phone that a flat envelope was delivered to the location. So I provided these information, the proof of delivery with the wrong name, the GPS information given to me by USPS showing it was not my house that the signature scan was taken at, and the USPS Intranet Tracking record showing different carrier route and the weight of the package. eBay still closed my case in favor of the seller because the destination address was correct and it was delivered, claiming their "expert" said it was delivered to my address despite the USPS supervisor and all documentation saying otherwise. What can I do?

[kare-bearb]

This is a common scam.

Did you fund your payment with a credit card?

If so, contact your cc co to see if they can do anything for you.

[rswjep212618]

Debit, will that make a difference?

[kare-bearb]

You can try talking with your bank, but debit cards usually don't have the same chargeback rights as credit cards.

[lintbrush*]

Did you actually speak to someone at eBay?  Have you tried appealing it?

This scam is horrible, and it happens all too often.  I really think eBay should accept your valid, USPS proof.

Have you gone to the location and retrieved the package?  Did USPS give you an image of the actual label?

[lex-talon]

This kind of thing has been happening more frequently. It happened to me last year.

There are 2 things you can try.

1. Open an insurance claim via usps.com

2. Go to the restaurant and retrieve your item.

[3714508518 · Accepted solution]

This is a scam by the seller?

I agree, you really need to speak to someone at eBay, do an appeal over the phone. Make sure you have a couple hours of free time though. 

Some helpful tips when you call:

-Insist that this is a fraud case and you need to speak to someone in the US

-If a  rep CS says they cant do anything, ask for a supervisor.

-Tell them  you dont like being put on hold ( sometimes I think they are fielding multiple calls)

-Request to stay on the phone. Dont fall for the call back, email back, supervisor is in a meeting, etc. Say you will wait. The reps must be penalized the longer you stay on the line, after a while they start being able to do things they originally were not able to do.

Goodluck!

[camerastop]

Just wanted to post and let you know your situation is really frustrating.  I've seen and had all the scams against me (just had one happen to me, which is why I'm here).  You've jumped through all the hoops so I'm hoping you can get in talks with someone over the phone that is actually intelligent and can put 2 and 2 together for you.  Keep calling, don't give up.  Your situation seems SOOOOO clear cut (it is, obviously, not sure why you're dealing with oblivious reps).

[rswjep212618]

I spoke to the restaurant, they received it but tossed it since it was nothing. Just an envelope.

[rswjep212618]

I did over their messaging system, to 6 different reps with some telling me to do paypal filing. I haven't found any phone number provided. I appealed and it was closed immediately with the same **bleep** reason. USPS did not have an image of the label at that time but they have a manager out looking to see if there may have been.

[rswjep212618]

I tried going to the restaurant. They tossed it. It's was just an envelope. I already contacted usps.com. First they'll try to find proof it was not sent to my address and then if paypal doesn't do anything, they'll elevate it to insurance.

[rswjep212618]

Unfortunately, they told me to go through paypal and I went there instead. I don't know of any number provided for this case.

[rswjep212618]

I tried with paypal now since one of the reps said there's nothing they can do.

[rswjep212618]

That might be an option to do but I'll see what PP says.

[rswjep212618]

New twist: The morning manager from the restaurant and USPS both sent me a pic of the label. It is clearly addressed to the restaurant despite the tracking number being the same! Sent by an A Smith and the photo clearly shows a flat envelope. Too bad eBay already denied my case and its appeal. I hope Paypal is smarter and sees this proof for what it is.