Scammers alerts!!! How to avoid?
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Scammers - be aware!!!
A scammer who opened 3 different accounts and purchased items from my shop. She then claimed the items are "faulty" by providing fake photos (dark & blurry that shows nothing). Ebay accepted for her to return the items. She didn't send the real items, in stead she sent pieces of CARDBOARD on each parcel which contain valid tracking. Ebay then refunded all monies to her. That way she stole clothes worth of $800 from my shop.
Today, the same person opened a brandnew account (uses the address from one of the scammer account before) she and repeated the same activity (claiming the item is faulty)- I would expect the same thing happen in the next couple days.
Just wondering anyone here experienced the same thing and how to avoid it to happen. I checked the Set Buyer Requirements but nothing really applicable.
Please assist!
al_145936
·6 months agoThis happened to me on my selling account and it seems to be some form of scamming syndicate.
Back in December, the scammers bought 6 items over 6 different transactions over 3 days.
Every transaction, the buyer account was created back in July, registered in Australia, but 0 feedback.
The Buyer's Name was different to the recipient's name. It's not unusual for me to have a transaction where the Buyer's Name is different to the recipient's name (people buying as gifts) but to have so many transactions over 3 days, was very strange.
I processed the orders, sent them out, knowing that should the Buyer make a chargeback, I'll be covered by eBay. I wasn't expecting the scammers to open Item Not as described requests, totally trashing my Service Metrics. Just like the OP, the scammers upload blurry photos. They will send back padded envelopes with pieces of cardboard.
Of the 6 returns, I have received 3 of them. The scammers used eBay's AusPost labels. As soon as I received the padded envelopes, I contacted eBay on Facebook, they are definitely more skilled and recognising the scams. eBay covered the Buyer's refund. I had to go sign a statutory declaration declaring I received a piece of cardboard.
The next return, the scammer used their own their own AusPost eParcel label, which was received by Australia Post but declared lost in transit, there was an actual tracking even through the sortation centre. The scammer opened an eBay claim claiming they used DHL to send the item, where the tracking showed delivered to a suburb that is nowhere near I lived. eBay once again covered the refund.
The next 2 returns, eBay provided the scammers a Hubbed postage label for the Buyer to send with Aramex. These returns haven't arrived. The scammers opened cases for both of these. One of the cases there were no tracking scans on Aramex so eBay closed the case in my favour.
The final case, the scammer once again claimed they used DHL, which showed delivered to a totally different suburb, BUT they opened this case very late in the process where there was a recent tracking scan on Aramex. This case remained opened until strangely there was a delivered scan on Tuesday. Surprise surprise, there's no item that's been delivered. And, to add to the strangeness, the delivered scan is at the same time as the other Aramex parcel. Also, there's no onboard with driver scan for both of these items.
So, I'm trying to seek a proof of delivery safe drop image from Aramex for this 6th and final return, which I haven't received yet. eBay has the case on hold on Monday afternoon, but I fear that eBay will close this case in the Buyer's favour and issue the refund out of my funds.
Since the return scams occurred, I've cancelled around 6 orders where I suspect it could be another potential return scam. Hopefully they'll leave my account alone moving forward.
Best of luck to the OP, but please go and contact eBay on Facebook, provide all the evidence you have. The more sellers that raise these issues with eBay on Social Media, and raise cases, the more likely the scammers will get caught.
springyzone
·6 months agoI'd do all 3 things that have been suggested and I'd do them at once.
1. Appeal the first item not as described claim with photos of packaging, weight and any evidence you can to make it clear you were scammed.
2. Go on social media to outline your claim and the fact ebay refunded a buyer who sent cardboard back instead of the expensive items. Ebay cannot know you were scammed if no one tells them. All they see is the tracking that shows as delivered.
3. Cancel the current order with reasons as outlined by dave.
I am sort of amazed at either the audacity or the stupidity or maybe just the greed of this scammer. Fancy targeting the same seller after you have just recently stolen $800 of their goods. They may have a different account name but the same address is a complete giveaway.
In my opinion, if ebay finds in your favour, they should ban/block that buyer and that buyer's IP or whatever. They can do it to sellers so they should be able to do it to scam buyers like this too. Whether they will or not, I do not know. Let us know how you get on though!
*casey*
·6 months agoHave you reported the buyer to eBay ?
Have you appealed the 'item not as described ' cases, with proof of not sending you back the clothes - photos, packaging weight etc ?
https://www.ebay.com.au/help/selling/managing-returns-refunds/appeal-outcome-case-seller?id=4369&srsltid=AfmBOorhKLyzI5Hf3oFqb4or_3d0hUx15c7tKnhpZxRr2DEChCy8XKav
If no luck, you could try contacting eBay through social media
https://twitter.com/askebay
https://www.facebook.com/ebay
https://www.instagram.com/ebayforsellers/
Personally, I'd have no hesitation in letting the buyer know that a police report will be filed
*casey*
·6 months ago"That way she stole clothes worth of $800 from my shop"
To add to my previous post, this is a recent reply (7 days ago) received by a seller in your exact position.
The buyer returned a small piece of plastic instead of a $400 item
They contacted eBay on Facebook , where the staff are more experienced.
"eBay Customer Support made a decision
We reviewed your appeal and we will refund $400 to you
We made this decision because there was an issue with the returned item
Your seller peformance level won't be affected, and any feedback left for the transaction will be removed"
comeandgosummer
OP6 months agoThanks for your help!
domino-710
·6 months agoYou have the address of this person.
I would be making a police report - print up a Stat Dec - take it with me - along with the packaging and what it contained with me as proof - hoping you retained it.
davewil1964
·6 months agoBe aware of addresses. Cancel the current purchase.
Report using the option of buyer trying to circumvent blocks, assuming you blocked them.
If in doubt cancel using 'problem with buyer's address'.
Be proactive.
comeandgosummer
OP6 months agoThank you for your suggestions.