I have a feeling we fell for a scam - buyer claiming counterfeit on a genuine very expensive item

[bright_tomato]

I have listed my husband's very expensive phone (it's over $5000 brand new) and finally sold it at best offer for only $1300, much less than what we were hoping to get. But we really needed the money. I took all precautions - took very detailed photos, sent the buyer the IMEI number  and tracking number, insured the phone for $1300 when posted. She received the phone and literally the next day I receive a message that she believes the phone to be a copy or a fake. I am in a state of shock, I am not a retailer, I only sell my own second-hand goods and this phone was a gift from a close friend of my husband's. There is absolutely no chance that it is fake or a copy. She didn't even investigate,  i suggested that she takes the phone to a TAG store to check and she completely ignored that. I have a feeling this is a scam artist who is now requesting a return for refund and will send us back a fake phone to scam us.

My questions is, does anyone has any experience with what kind of process ebay/pay pal follows when a buyer claims the item to be fake? I listed the item with "no returns accepted" condition so I am also wondering - am I able to reject her return request?

[imastawka]

I agree.  Name calling is very bad.  What if,  bear with me,

the buyer is genuine and someone else did the switcheroo?

[bright_tomato]

I am actually now starting to think that I shouldn't have sent any messages AT ALL to them from the beginning. What I SHOULD have done in the very first place was calmly call Australia Post like I have done today and then just written one simple message stating what AP have told me: which is - go to Canada post and make an official report. And then see what actions they would take.

Too late now I guess, hindsite is always twenty/twenty.

But, on the other hand, I really don't think any of it matters as ebay will just follow standard procedure and take whatever steps they usually take. I will then provide evidence that they ask me for. I think I am done communicating with them.

[bright_tomato]

Who? Australia Post? Canada Post?

[k1ooo-slr-sales]

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@bright_tomato wrote:

I certainly will not be messaging this buyer with any suggestions. He is, in fact, a scammer and a thief so I will not be dealing with this person anymore just for my own personal safety. I will be communicating with ebay/pay pal/ police and any other authorities but not him/her.

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this was your reply when I suggested you message the buyer over the threat messages.  My suggestion was to send what I would describe as a 'tame' toned message.  Now you are sending them detailed messages while antagonising them by referring to them a 'scammer' in your message????  All this while asking them to supply you with information that will help you!!!!!!!!!  I know how I'd reply if I was the buyer and you sent that message to me.

Now I am confused

[lizzy6107]

I dont own anything of such great value to sell, but this has certainly been an eye opener.

I have a lovely post office man, and if I ever have to post anything over $100, I will pack it in front of him and get him to sign a stat declaration or like, that the item is what is declared, and corresponds with the photo I will have already taken, and keep that up my sleeve for such disgusting creatures that must be caught.

[bright_tomato]

I am not justifying myself to the scammer, I am justifying myself to Ebay. I was told by an ebay representative that this communication will be used in assessing the case. I am just outlining evidence which I think clearly indicates that I could not have posted a fake. Logically, it just doesn't make sense.

[imastawka]

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@bright_tomato wrote:

Who? Australia Post? Canada Post?

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Well obviously I can't point the finger.

But it could have been anyone who has had contact with the parcel.

Your buyer never stated whether the packaging had been interferred with?

Best leave it all to AP and ebay

[bright_tomato]

It is highly unlikely that someone from AP or CP would incidentally have a fake TAG Heuer phone handy, ready to switch it with a genuine item they were examining during a customs check. I would say that the probability of this is close to nil. If the package was damaged and the buyer had a legitimate concern that the item was switched they would have told me straight away I presume.

I think I will definitely request for the buyer to take the phone to Canada Post as was suggested by AP representative and see what they say.

[beautbots01]

Just a thought but what did Canada Customs assess that duty on.  Your Customs Declaration which you filled out when you posted it?  Would they have opened the package? 

I have read threads regarding buyers refusing to pay VAT/Customs Duty on items and leaving negs for sellers when they haven't even picked up the item. Not saying that this is the case here but there are some devious people around.

I feel for you trying to deal with this especially when it involves o/s parties.

[bright_tomato]

I just wish I could wake up tomorrow and this nightmare would stop. 😞 Have to keep reminding myself that it's only money. I think probably the best approach for me would be to pretend this money is gone and deal with that. Because it is really taking a toll on me mentally.

Thanks very much again to everyone who provided support and valuable advice. I will be switching off from this for the time being in order to preserve my sanity.