Confused about refunds

[alexl124]

I bought a belt that turned out to be counterfeit. I messaged the seller like eBay says to and they said they were sorry, it was a gift and to send it back for a refund. How should I go about doing this? The seller is being cooperative now, but the fact that they're selling a fake item and didn't question me when I told them it's fake means I don't really trust them. I'm not going to send it back to them (registered post with signature on delivery obviously) and just hope they are legit and do refund me; but if I open a dispute with paypal, I've heard I would have to get written proof from an approved authenticator at my expense to prove it's fake. 

Could I request the seller cancel the transaction, so that when I post at least it's in the system that I am returning it?

I'm so confused! Someone help!

[*sparklz* · Accepted solution]

You will be asked to return it by paypal.

They would only want proof of it being a fake if you wanted the refund without returning it.

Open the dispute and escalate to a claim and return to the address paypal give you for your protection.

If you return it to an address other than what is on record with paypal you will not be refunded if you open the dispute after you return it.