Harp seller scam (returning before item is posted)

[cait_kelee6]

I recently ordered a harp from a uk seller who listed the harp at considerably lowered price and shipping cost. But I think he is a scammer. The reason why is because he called me from new york to ask for my email address so that he can send me photos and video of the harp. Realising that this seller is bit suspicious I requested to cancel the order and refund my money before it is even posted. He agreed and said he'll refund me by yesterday but he did not keep his word and did not reply to my msgs demanding prompt return and refund. I didn't know what to do, I opened return case before the harp was even posted and ebay said I'll get my refund once the harp is delivered to the seller but in the case I return an item before it is even sent to me for change of mind, what will happen? How can I get my money back from this seller 

Help 

[*sons_and_daughters*]

Open a dispute for item not received.

[cait_kelee6]

But I already opened return case. Can I open more than one case at once? 

[papermoon.lady]

What is the item number?

PS: You can refuse the parcel when it arrives if it is indeed posted, but it will take some time before you get your money back because it has to go back to the seller first. Do not open the parcel or you might have to pay to return the harp yourself. Just don't accept it.

[cait_kelee6]

The item is not sent yet. I requested the seller to cancel before it is posted and seller agreed to cancel and refund me by yesterday but he did not. I doubt seller will send the harp when he agreed to cancel but I am not sure what he is upto. Do you think he is a scammer? His profile says he is in uk but I received call and text from new york last night

[lynsh84]

Unless you receive the harp well before the return case times out so it can be returned to the seller you will lose the case and be unable to open another.....a very injudicious move!

[cait_kelee6]

But I have proof that it is not even sent and that I opened return case even before it is sent so they should know that seller has the harp

[cait_kelee6]

I'm not sure why ebay doesnt simply allow people to cancel order if it is not sent yet. I am not sure if the seller was waiting for me to take this move but I think I should get the refund as the harp is not even sent

[papermoon.lady]

Hmmm... It's a seller with 0 feedback. While everybody has to start somehow, to be honest I would not buy from a seller overseas with 0 feedback, particularly during the pandemic with delays etc.

I don't know... They could have a partner in NY. They are registered in the UK, but I don't know why the phone call was from NY. And communication is not supposed to happen outside eBay in the first place.

Did you use PayPal? If things go wrong, you could still open a case in PayPal.

[sandypebbles]

I did wonder if it is *possible* it is a hijacked account?

I mean the pandemic could very well explain why they opened an account in Feb and it took them til October to start trying to sell

But only stock photos as well seems odd for a genuine new seller

And spot on about the communicating outside eBay, that is a red flag to me as there will be no 'record' in eBay messages

OP, did you/can you make eBay aware of the outside eBay communication?

Are you also in the UK or here in Australia (as rules may differ)