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Best way to avoid scammers?
 

Hello, I have recently started selling higher value items then normal.

Out of 70 high value sales (400+ total sales) I have had 8 "item not received cases" and 4 orders purchased on hacked account.

To prevent people from making purchases on hacked account I was thinking about increasing my shipping time to 2-3 working days. As it seems if a account is hacked it is normally reported within the first 24 hours. But im sure that will reduce my sale rates?

So far I have won 100% of item not arrived cases due to Royal Mail and DPD tracking.

However the most recent scammer went from saying his item did not arrive, to he received empty box. eBay has now asked him to create a police report.

My fear is that he could just go to the police station and create a false police report. If he does that, will eBay automatically side with him?

Should I just refund him and take the loss to preserve my account?

Re: Best way to avoid scammers?
 

how much can you afford to lose?
I would call his bluff and see if he will go to the police ?
If he does come back with a police report,I am afraid you will have to refund him.
Did you insure the item,if so,you should use that report to file claim.

Re: Best way to avoid scammers?
 

whatever you are selling,the rate of INR,INAD,UA are too high,Paypal may do something too with your account.

Re: Best way to avoid scammers?
 

I believe eBay have recently updated there policy, if the tracking number is added to the order before delivery, it prevents the buyer from opening a INR case. So thats what I will do in the future.

As for the empty box I can afford to take the loss. Might be the best option to reduce the chance of my account being suspended.

If he does report the matter to the police would ebay automatically limit my account?

Re: Best way to avoid scammers?
 

-----------Ebay seller protection under Money back Guarantee program is that seller provides online viewable tracking from a commercial carrier,if tracking shows delivered by the time Ebay reviews the case,then seller wins.
If tracking shows in transit but has made progress,Ebay will extend the delivery date.
It is wise for the seller to contact the carrier and find out why the delay.
Once Ebay closes the case,you would have to deal with the buyer without Ebay.
Ebay would not limit the account just because he files a police report .
You should really consider insuring your high value items

Re: Best way to avoid scammers?
 

You should really review Ebay and PAYPAL seller protection on INR,INAD and UA disputes

Re: Best way to avoid scammers?
 

In a sense, it's impossible to avoid them. This is because of the return policy.
But you can certainly minimize it.

Adding tracking, increasing your handling time as you said are some of the most useful things to do .

Tracking is one of the most important ones of coutse.

Re: Best way to avoid scammers?
 

and insure your shipment for INR,but ,nothing can protect your from ITEM NOT AS DESCRIBED

Re: Best way to avoid scammers?
 

Thank you everyone for your help and advice.

With any luck I can reduce the attempted scam rates.

If a buyer comes across genuine normally I have a new unit shipped out and deal with the carrier in my own time. But its just so frustrating when its a obvious scam