eBay

sshrivastava · ‎11-26-2017

I use eBay sparingly and only when I have the odd item to sell. Buyer paid promptly and the item was shipped to him and received. Three days afer I shipped the item, and the same day buyer received the item, I got this email from eBay:

"Our records show that you recently contacted or received messages from [redacted] through eBay's messaging system. This account was recently found to have been accessed by an unauthorized third party, who may have used the account in an attempt to defraud other members. We've taken action to restore this account to the original owner, but wanted to let you know to be suspicious of any communication you may have received from them. Nothing is wrong with your account at this time – this message is just being sent as a precaution. If you have received any messages from that appears suspicious, please feel free to forward them to us at spoof@ebay.com for review."

Three days after receiving the above email from eBay, and three days after buyer received item, the buyer sent me a message through the eBay messaging system claiming that the lens I sent to him is not working, had a camera shop look at it, and it will cost $300 to repair. He is claiming the item is not as described. The lens was in perfect working condition when I sent it to him.

Prior to shipping, buyer asked me to not use USPS due to "thefts". That should have been my first clue to something nefarious. Being cooperative, I used FedEx instead. Unfortunately, now I cannot report this person to USPS for mail fraud.

I have forwarded his communication to spoof@ebay.com, as eBay's email instructed. I even called eBay regarding the situation and spoke with their representative. eBay instructed that I should not respond to buyer's message and to let buyer file a claim through eBay as the proper avenue for dispute resolution. eBay said that they have not yet heard back from the real account holder after the unauthorized access, so cannot confirm whether the person who purchased my item and is messaging me is the real account holder.

Does anyone have any other suggestions on what I should do? Thanks in advance.

phcd1 · ‎11-26-2017

@sshrivastava wrote:
Thanks everyone, I appreciate the good advice and help. I am not going to respond for now and see what happens. I've contacted eBay and they are investigating.

I wouldn't bet on that.

arun7500 · ‎11-29-2017

@sam9876 wrote:
"If the OP does nothing, they will get a defect for an unresolved case."

False.

The buyer has not filed a SNAD complaint.

Of course not. The buyer is going to follow the partial refund scam route first. Then if they cant get the OP into the 90% return bracket, they'll file a SNAD.

sshrivastava · ‎11-29-2017

The buyer just sent me the following message:

"I still have not heard from you regarding the repairs to your lens. Why don’t you kick me back $300. for repairs and you’ll never see the lens again. Much better to settle the issue this way instead of getting eBay in the middle of it where your rating will suffer as a seller. I assume your reputation is important to you since you’re involved with real estate!"

It's clear from his message that he is trying to extort me for $300. Will eBay see it the same way? I'm inclined to not respond and let him open a case. Suggestions?

airsheep · ‎11-30-2017

Definitely keep that email; it's more proof that the ~~scammer~~ buyer is trying to pull a fast one. That's your proof, in addition to all the other notices, that he is trying to extort money from you. Keep it handy to forward to Paypal and ebay should they file a SNAD with either.

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