Ripped off with fake item now PayPal wants 'expert' opinion

[kustomizer99]

So yes, I was recently ripped off by a seller on a non-genuine item. I got conned.

I put in a complaint to PayPal and after several weeks of silence they now tell me I need to have the item verified by an independent expert as not being original, and I'll then need to fax them all kinds of notarised supporting documentation.

Has anyone else had to go through this after being scammed? I'll probably just let it go, it was only $35, which will still be missed, but it seems more trouble than it's worth.

[kustomizer99]

It wasn't the listed item, he said he had another item available and described it as an original Aussie R&L Company issue.

So based on his false description, I sent him some extra cash for that in addition to the eBay listing I won.

I'm thinking now I probably have no leg to stand on....;\

[kustomizer99]

'an expert can see the listing from which you bought the item and as for showing someone any old photo the same could be said about the real item, you could show an expert any old toy.

trust has to come into it'

I know, it's really just PayPal making people jump through hoops, as there is no way it can be conclusive.

[*new2vintage]

I'm not sure about it but with it being an off ebay purchase you are probably right.

[*new2vintage]

You can try to open a Paypal dispute about it. All Paypal payments for goods are supposed to be covered.

[kustomizer99]

'You can try to open a Paypal dispute about it. All Paypal payments for goods are supposed to be covered.'

That's what I did, but now they've come back with this demand for an expert appraisal.

The thing is, I recently bought some comics on eBay that turned out to be badly overgraded. Paypal took my word on that (and it was absolutely true) and I was granted a refund in that instance.

But this is the first time I've ever been caught out and purchased a fake. It must happen a lot though, especially with all the Chinese knock-offs about.

[phorum_junkie*]

I suspect that if the extra item was not specified then you have no chance, if there is no original ebay description or photo to go on then even with an expert opinion I suspect the seller could wriggle out of it.

If you just added extra then it was effectively an off ebay transaction anyway.

[kustomizer99]

'If you just added extra then it was effectively an off ebay transaction anyway.'

I do wonder about that, it was still attached to an Ebay transaction -- but I see your point.

All I can really do is get a fellow collector to verify the item is fake, but I strongly suspect PP will simply rule against me on the basis of it not being an actual eBay listing.

Well, lesson learned! And another huge loop hole exposed, where scammers can take advantage of the system.

For my part, the seller did have a good track record, so I thought all was kosher.

[i-once-was-bump]

so did you buy the item in the photo?

was it a genuine item?

i don't think you should be leaving such feedback if the listed item is genuine, that is the only ebay transaction and you cannot use ebay to punish a seller in an off-ebay transaction.

[kustomizer99]

I did buy the item in the photo, and that IS genuine -- yes.

[kustomizer99]

'i don't think you should be leaving such feedback if the listed item is genuine, that is the only ebay transaction and you cannot use ebay to punish a seller in an off-ebay transaction.'

It was the same transaction. The seller reeled me in and duped me on that same Paypal and eBay transaction.