Customer returned the wrong and used product

[digz-94]

I've had an international customer purchase an expensive helmet from me. When they received it they said it didn't fit and because I accept returns the return was automatically accepted. Customer returned a package back with tracking and I received this 3 days ago. When I opened the package I quickly realised the helmet returned was not the same helmet I sent. It was a used old helmet I imagine they were replacing. I contacted the buyer and of course I haven't heard anything back. I contacted ebay chat support and they assured me they were going to look after me but because the item was sent to France they couldn't help and would pass on all the information to the customer support based where the customer is. This morning I have woken up to a closed case in favour of the buyer with a refund and the following message

We have examined this dispute in detail. We find that you claim to have received a different item in return.

We take fraud attempts seriously. Your claim may be considered fraudulent.

However, since we do not have the objects directly, we cannot confirm this.

Therefore, we are obligated to reject this challenge. No other dispute can be examined in the context of this dispute. 

You may still have other options outside of eBay.

Thank you for your contact and wish you a pleasant day.

I am based in Australia, "customer" is based in France. What other options are there? I have the option to appeal the decision with ebay but going off their response I don't see how it will change. This is a serious loophole and it looks like anyone can purchase something on ebay, ask for a return, post anything they want back with tracking and you will get a refund. 

[kopenhagen5]

As you point out the buyer is off shore so very little you can do.

Part of selling online unfortunately.

Naturally you should appeal the case providing photo's of the helmet you sent compared with the one returned. Good luck.

Also look at buyers feedback to see if there is anything there showing they have done it before.