Bought fake Otterbox case

[stramashed]

Hi, I'm looking for some advice. I recently bought a "brand new Otterbox iPhone case" only to find that it's a cheap counterfeit.

I've contacted the seller, opened a dispute through PayPal and escalated it to a claim. They've offered me a refund but I need to pay shipping and track the item (which will cost more than the $10 I paid in the first place!).

My issue is that the Seller has admitted to me that it's a "copy" - a 1:1 otterbox case is mentioned in the listing. I was under the impression that fakes are against eBay policy and therefore I should be entitled to a refund without returning the fake for them to sell on to another mug customer?

I've reported it to eBay customer support as "item significantly not as described", however they keep insisting that I contact the seller to discuss a refund, and completely ignore the fact that it's counterfeit. The PayPal dispute has also sided with me but again I must return the fake item at my own expense.

Any advice appreciated.

[bsal6160]

Some things just do not lend themselves to be bought off ebay.

Computers, mobile phones and phone cases. Go to a real store and buy a real case is my best advise.

Learn from your mistake. Leave the seller a neg f/b and move on.

Fakes against ebay policy.....pal....90% of the stuff on ebay is either a copy or fake. Its buyer beware all the time.

If it looks to good to be true, if it sounds to good to be true, if the price is to good to be true.............

[yarmak]

Otterboxes are around / up to $50.FInding one that is selling for $10 should have scremed fake to begin with

[auction_assassin]

Otterboxes are around / up to $50.FInding one that is selling for $10 should have scremed fake to begin with

It was also free postage, so the seller must have a good contact :^O

A genuine case like that copy they purchased sells for $39.95 on the otterbox website

[kopenhagen5]

You could try saying, when I receive the refund I will close the case against you. They may just refund. Then report listing afterwards.

[typhoon4u]

Ahhh....so you want to keep the fake otterbox AND get a refund....

Is it worth $10?.....If it is....be happy:-)

[phorum_junkie*]

If the seller has admitted in an email that the item is fake you could, if you think it is worth the time and effort, call Paypal and say you want a refund without return as the seller has admitted it is fake, ask to speak to a supervisor in the resolution department if you get nowhere with the first person you speak to.

For the small amount you paid, and you must have known you were going to get a cheap fake, I would just neg them and move on.

[stramashed]

Thanks for the responses - some helpful, some not...

I recently paid $15 for a genuine otterbox, so there are some bargains out there!