I suspect ruraltrade was just trying to cover all bases and get in to explain why he had not contacted ebay before he had boardies writing, "Why don't you contact ebay directly about this?"
I also suspect he may have been told about this by a 3rd party, not the older man himself, and he has been shocked and upset, so he's looking for ideas.
What is striking me is that an electrical scooter would be quite a heavy item, whereas a small box of pastry would be light, so even with tracking, it should be obvious that the parcel could not have contained a scooter.
I am wondering if they could get Auspost evidence as to the weight etc and go into ebay chat.
I know it was paid for by direct deposit but all the same, the actual sale would show on ebay and the man obviously has messages where the seller has said it has been delivered with tracking etc.
If the tracking numbers can be matched up and shown to have been attached to a small parcel, then ebay has evidence of a scam.
It's worth a try. Not saying that the buyer will get a refund but ebay may do something about the seller if fraud is proven.
The buyer may also be able to go to his bank to report what has happened, with evidence.
At this stage, anything is worth a try.
