I purchased a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, but it was a fake.

[cbtsmelb]

To cut a long story short,

The seller responded quickly, saying he didn't know, and is willing to take it back, and give a refund.

He's been around since 2020 with a handful of positive reviews.

But with this, I obviously now have a trust issue..

But I also don't want to say the seller is guilty..

Since someone will ask "how do you know it's a fake"..

The bezels around the screen are fat and irregular, only 1 camera, the loaded Chrome is v58 (which is ancient) and says it is on a 6+ Edge with Android 7.0.0, there is no sign of water proofing... Loads of programs will not load stating incompatible unit, weird OS version screen, some really ugly config screens..

So no doubt that this is a fake and the OS has been tweaked to make it look like an S25.

I've taken photos, and thinking of returning it to the seller, so long as it is done within ebay's communication channels..

First time this has happened, and its a lot of money..

Where do I stand on this?

Anyone with recommendations?

Is there a better ebay approach to this?

Thanks heaps in advance!

[imastawka · Accepted solution]

Return it through the Ebay Money Back Guarantee and you'll be covered.

Open a case for Item Not as Described - you don't have to say more than that.

Don't mention anything about your thinking it's a fake - just 'not as described'

Seller must provide you with a postage label.

eBay Money Back Guarantee policy | eBay

Keep an eye on the case and follow through - don't let it time out.

[springyzone]

imastawka has given you the best advice. 

I just wanted to add-open the case now, with ebay, without getting into any more communication with the seller, without even mentioning  what you are going to do.

My worry is if you communicate privately with the seller, he may ask you to return the item and promise you a refund, but if you try all this outside of ebay, yes, for sure, you could run into trouble.

So open a claim with ebay, for item not as described and don't go mentioning fake, as imastawka warned you. You could easily lose your claim if you do. Ebay won't take your word for it, but they will if you say it is not as described. So leave the F word out of it.

Once it is a proper ebay claim, the seller cannot ignore it. Just make sure you follow up & be aware the seller has to provide a return postage label.

[cbtsmelb]

Thanks both for your replies, and suggestions!

Have started a return process last night, using ebay's processes..  sending parcel back today.

The guy sounds legit, and didn't know, he's sent a return label, but if he doesn't come through, then hopefully I'm covering myself via ebay policies and processes.

[countessalmirena]

I’ll chime in with this; the reason why imastawka and springyzone are urging you to use the less specific “It’s a fake” reason is that your post doesn’t suggest you have the required level of proof to win an Item Not As Described case for that reason.

To prove that what you received is a fake, you’d need to take it to an official Samsung service centre (check Samsung official site, look for service centre in your area), and have it confirmed as fake, in writing, on letterhead.

It is simpler to base the claim on its being not as described - not matching the listing. But if you do want to go through the process of proving it’s a fake, obviously that option is there as long as you have the paperwork.

[domino-710]

You'll only be covered if you open a not as described case NOW.

[countessalmirena]

CORRECTION:

---

@countessalmirena wrote:

… imastawka and springyzone are urging you [NOT] to use the “It’s a fake” reason but rather the less specific “not as described” reason …

[cbtsmelb]

Sorry, not trying to add confusion.. 

I was stating that the guy looked authentic, etc.. to you, but have used the "not as described" option for the return reason.

[twyngwyn]

Did you  do a local pickup?

[cbtsmelb]

I dropped it off at the local post office, so have my lodgement receipt.

And a quick shout out to everyone who has replied.

I admit I didn't expect a huge influx of help, but you have all been fantastic - thanks heaps!

Really nice to see such a great community looking out for others!  🙂