Buyer Switch-A-Roo

[Laritha]

I sold a television on eBay, and shipped the item to the buyer VERY securely.

Buyer claims the TV came broken, although I know for a fact it was in excellent condition and packed securely.

Upon getting the TV returned, I noticed it wasnt the same TV that I shipped. Same make and model, different serial number.

Will eBay believe that I was scammed by the buyer and not honor their refund? The buyer has more history on eBay than me so I'm nervous.

[JRaynor101]

Big question here would be how much was it?

On something the value of a TV I'd ditch complaining to eBay and just go to the police and a lawyer, and I'd make that position clear to an ebay rep.

Keep in mind, you can dispute the case - if the buyer didn't sent it back with signature/proof of postage, open a claim right back at them and say not received = no refund.

[Sandy D]

I video everything more then 200-250 range.

It is illegal to them to do this.

I would be filing a complaint with their local sheriffs office for theft.

If it is costly they will go out an investigate in most cases.

This happens a lot.

[unkown5454]

Definitely happens a lot, but I don't see it much with such a cumbersome type of item. You see this with small electronics 24/7.

[joesshooze]

Seriously, think about it file a police report on a stealth account. That's crazy! Sounds like if you were to use stealth info that would be filing a false police report. Just try explain to the cops why you have a gazillion gift cards and a brief case full of TracFones? I don't think so.

[Sandy D]

Originally Posted by joesshooze

Seriously, think about it file a police report on a stealth account. That's crazy! Sounds like if you were to use stealth info that would be filing a false police report. Just try explain to the cops why you have a gazillion gift cards and a brief case full of TracFones? I don't think so.

You have no clue what you are talking about.

There are always ways to do things if you use your head a bit.

So who is going to check your briefcase and unless you are stupid as heck why would you show them a case of tracfones.

Why are you so paranoid about everything.

And I never suggested doing anything illegal at all and never would.

Duh...

Do you or have you ever sold an item for someone else or have been a trading assistant? Guessing not.

[exxomscp]

I've been through a similar situation.. There's not much you can do in the eBay / Paypal realm unless it reaches certain conditions. At this point, you have to use their policies to your advantage if available.

What is the shipping provider? Did you have to sign for the package?
* If yes, you're screwed because you accepted the package as-is. This counts as a successful return via their policies and you should look into another option to recoup your costs or dump the account.
* If not, you can claim you did not receive the item (NOT that the item was delivered with different contents) and play double dirty. This is enough to contest the case and win.

Sandy D is correct. If you file for theft in their area, they will investigate and the report will remain on file.
However, how far they will investigate is anyone's guess. Some investigators are just plain lazy (I do not have faith in the police myself).
A P.I. is better possibly to gather evidence if it is worth the trouble, but if the item was below a certain amount, forget it..

I am one that believes that photo / video / email documentation will not win these types of cases as they can be easily ⊗⊗⊗⊗d. EBay is only interested in seeing if policy was followed.

Since most of us sell using stealth addresses, is this address your real address?