why is a photo needed to return a fake item?

[pboal.aus]

bought an ssd from a supposed Aussie seller; it arrived (return address is a mail sorting centre) but it wont format or work.  No external damage, so what is a photo going to show?  Don't expect a response from the seller anyway as, since I purchased the item, it seems a number of others have had similar experiences with fake items (going by comments)

[padi*0409]

Who want's the photo ?

Have you opened a dispute with eBay ?

What is the item number (RHS of the listing page) ?

[jellybirddesigns]

Open a dispute for Item not as Described.

You don't need to communicate with the seller.

If they want it back, they need to send a postage label or postage funds (if they are registered overseas).

Otherwise they need to refund you.

Don't close the case until you have a refund, regardless of what the seller might say.