Does this sound like a potential scam to you?

[baymc]

I purchased a small electronic item from a local seller and when I received the package I discovered that while the images in the listing matched the item I received, the brand name and model number did not.

The brand name and model used in the listing are for a completely different (slightly more prestigious) product made by a different manufacturer, whereas the brand name and model number of the actual item I've been sent are not mentioned in the listing at all.

Essentially, I received what is in the picture, but but what is in the picture is not what is in the written title of the listing. I suspect the seller is using the better brand name to capture customer searches on that brand, and then selling this other inferior product as if it is an equivalent for the one mentioned in the title of the listing.

When I realised what had happened, I initiated a return via eBay (item not as described) and posted the item back to the seller.

To my surprise, I then received the box back to my own address a few days later, because someone had written 'return to sender' on it. I verified with Aus Post and they told me the return parcel was collected by someone (the seller?) at the other end and must have then been put back in the post 'return to sender'.

I questioned the seller and got some confusing replies that seem 'polite,' but brief and avoiding some of my questions.

The seller has now sent me another postage label (as a .png) in an eBay message for me to post the item back. The new return label they've given me has two different interstate PO boxes for the sender and recipient and no name for either sender or recipient. I've checked the tracking number from the new label and Aus Post returns a result, so I'm pretty sure it's not a fake tracking number.

The eBay return is still 'open' for a couple of weeks from now, and I've been sent a message from eBay asking me if I've got my refund yet. I don't know if I should raise a case with eBay, or just do as the seller has asked and post the parcel back using the seller's label.

The whole interaction, if not a scam, feels very unprofessional.
What does everyone else think might be going on here?

[sugar249]

Not sure about a scam as such.

But as you have posted the item,  and Ebay are asking if you have the refund,  just say no you don't have the refund.    I wouldnt trust the .jpg's the seller has sent you,   so maybe I am saying it may be a scam, but it may not.

But its is definitely a not as described.

[imastawka]

Did you upload the original tracking to the case, and if so, does it say delivered (back to the seller)?

If not, upload the tracking and I would tell ebay I haven't received the refund and ignore whatever jiggery-pokery the seller is up to.

Really weird behaviour.

You can't name the seller, but can you give us the item number?

[springyzone]

I think it sounds very weird and could be a potential scam. I'd do as others have suggested and upload that original  tracking if I were you. And let ebay know that nope, you have not been refunded.

That's the truth.

It would be interesting to check out the item number as I have noticed some sellers use prestigious brand names in their titles, which I am sure is to draw in the views and hits in searches, but when you read it all, they will say in this brand's style etc. So not that brand at all.

But if your ad definitely said one brand and you were sent another, that is certainly not as described, even if the photos match what was sent.