Counterfeit Flea Meds!

[auntiestreasures777]

When I saw the listings I wondered if it was too good to be true. Yet, trying to save money I took the bait. Sure enough, it was nothing but water. I've been buying flea meds for years and know the smell when I smell it. I even tested it on my finger, it was just water. Great job on the packaging but it was counterfeit. I reported it to eBay and filed a report directly off the listing. Ebay responded by saying that they could not find the listing! What other channels do we have to stop these scammers before our pets get sick? 

[sandypebbles]

Why on earth are you putting your poor pet at risk by buying such things of some random on eBay?

Best way to stop these scammers is not to buy from them

You have a choice

And you made a poor choice by choosing to buy such a thing from seller on eBay with feedback in the toilet and who lifts photos from other websites as their own

It's no different here in Australia than it is where you are in the USA

Choose to buy from a dodgy seller, you get from a dodgy seller

You saw the listing , saw it was 'cheap' and apparently your pet was not worth caring about who you buy from

As for eBay, how do you expect them to know what is in the box is water?

Their bots just look at the listing, and like you did, decided it was fine

It is not fine to put an animal at risk for the sake of saving a few dollars 

[countessalmirena]

• When it looks too good to be true, believe that it’s too good to be true.

• Click onto seller’s feedback score to see the seller’s “About” page to check country of registration. If it’s China, for instance, you’ll know immediately that you won’t be getting anything but the equivalent of snake oil.

• Check seller’s negative feedback over last twelve months to see if there’s a pattern of bad behaviour.

• Realise that there are some things you shouldn’t be buying on eBay (unless the seller is a known and reputable Australian company who happens to be selling on eBay as well as from its own website, as a rough guide).

EDIT: I didn’t check to see that you’re in the USA! In your case, “known and reputable American company”.

• Caveat emptor. Buyer beware. Be sharp; be suspicious where warranted.

• Base buying decisions upon things other than lowest price. Looking for a bargain is fine, but when the price is unrealistic, something’s off.

• Don’t cut corners with your beloved pets. My cat, for instance, is required on our vet’s instructions to eat a specific Hills’ Science diet; its’s not cheap but I love the little rascal and I’m not going to compromise his health with cheaper options. TRUST YOUR VET.

You’re not going to be able to stop scammers, but you can make choices to avoid scammers. You can try to report the scammer but eBay actually state you shouldn’t use the Report A Seller option when it’s a case of item not received or item not as described. Instead, open a not as described return request to be refunded fully under the MBG. In future purchases, avoid listings where you know darned well that it’s a risk.

[springyzone]

Hopefully you'll come back here to read the replies.

As others have said, ebay is a bit of a risky site for some products unless you're really careful.

We're all trying to save money these days, which is why it pays to double or triple check any ad (facebook ads are even worse by the way, mainly scams).

Check seller location, check recent feedback and avoid Chinese medications of any kind.

Okay, you took the bait but that doesn't mean you have to lose your money. Reporting to ebay that an item is counterfeit probably won't do a thing.

What you now need to do is open a proper ebay claim immediately, you only get 30 days from the date of arrival of the item. Make a claim for item not as described. Do not mention counterfeit.

The aim of this is to get a refund & you won't get it if you're trying to claim counterfeit. You don't want to go there as ebay or the seller may ask for proof, certificates etc

Not as described covers you for faulty or damaged goods. So don't mention great packaging either.

For example, if a product you buy is leaking or damaged, a seller can't argue with that & you'd pretty much get a refund.

That's what you want. It has the saitisfactory effect of punishing the seller too, they lose the money plus they have to pay postage costs beforehand if they want the item returned. If they won't do that, you can appeal to ebay & you'd probably be allowed to keep it. Not that you want it, but don't let a seller talk you into believing you'll have to pay to return it.

You can't stop scammers. Ebay only stops the really blatant ones.

All you can do is protect your own interests so get your refund & be extra careful in future with what you buy etc

[auntiestreasures777]

First of all, thank you for the reply, even if it is RUDE. You know nothing about me or my situation. Ebay has a "policy" to NOT ALLOW counterfeit. I asked questions PRIOR to the purchase. Was assured that it was "authentic". Should I have known it was too good to be true? Yes. Should eBay allow counterfeit items? NO. Which was my question. You apparently have never made a mistake and made a bad purchase. Kudos to you. 

[auntiestreasures777]

Thank you. I reported it to eBay only to be told they couldn't find any such item. The seller, after I left a scathing review, had the audacity to message me asking me to change my review. No way. I want everyone to know that these scammers are on here. I've been selling for 20 years and never considered selling counterfeit. I guess I was naive to think that the no counterfeit policy would protect me and other buyers. Never again will I do that. I have a small rescue group and have to watch my dollars but this was not a savings at all. Thank goodness I got my money back. 

[springyzone]

I am glad you got your money back.

As you say, the no counterfeit policy won't necessarily protect you or other buyers.

Ebay never sees the goods, it wouldn't know. And while it may refund if an item isn't as described, it is unlikely to punish a seller for selling counterfeit goods unless it has absolute proof of that.

I had to laugh at the bit where the seller asked you to change your feedback. I am glad you didn't.

I think a lot of ebay sellers are perfectly ethical but the one thing I have learnt on these boards is I need to really filter sellers/locations/ads etc with a fine tooth comb before I commit to buy.

There seem to be so many scammers everywhere these days, not just on ebay.

[sandypebbles]

Not rude at all

It is a factual reply from someone who cares about the welfare and safety of all animals

There is never an excuse to put at pet at risk

You cannot say it was on ebay so it should be fine

I ask again, how do you suppose eBay knew it was fake?

Would you buy medication for yourself or a child off a random on eBay?

.

No, I have not made a mistake that potentially endangered any of my pets

Aim your hostility at those who do thanks

ebay do not know what was listed is bogus, they do not have people going out and checking items

But you did have all the information 

You say you asked the seller, yet you believed them over all the negs from buyers warning people not to use them

Had your purchase made your pet ill or worse, then what