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Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

Sold an extra lightning charger cable I had to build feedback on one of my accounts. Next thing I know a case is opened against me. Here is the message the buyer sent…

I received this item today, It was an authentic OPENED AND COMPLETELY EMPTY APPLE TO LIGHTNING TO USB CABLE BOX!!!! The box was obviously opened with the cable missing, prior to being placed inside the mailing envelope, which had no damage to it. I still need this item and prefer to receive it, and expect to receive the NEW UNOPENED ITEM THAT I PURCHASED,ASAP,NOT A DAMAGED OPENED EMPTY BOX. but if that is not possible, then I would require a Full refund, ASAP

lol, um yeah. I didn't send an empty box, I know that.

It isn't a ton of money, nothing make or break. Anything I should do to further investigate or escalate this? Or should I just refund him the money and hope the jerk doesn't leave negative feedback?

I found it a little strange that he would ask for a replacement, though…

Re: I think I am encountering my first buyer scammer
 

Not sure where you got your cables from, but you might want to open one or two from your stock to make sure your supplier didn't just screw you over.

And if it's not expensive, might as well take the least money losing option. So perhaps ship a replacement?

Re: I think I am encountering my first buyer scammer
 

I ship out 200-300 item on eBay per month and I do get these type of emails. I personally believe its the post office being rough with the package and then it gets ripped of the package.

The buyer should of got a message from the post office stating something about item missing or damaged during shipping.

On my smaller item, I just let them know that I'm really sorry and will send out another item asap.

I think as long as you make the situation better you will get good feedback and stay under the radar.

Re: I think I am encountering my first buyer scammer
 

OP says this was just an extra cable they had, not that they are a reseller of any kind. That email is a typical scamming buyer who targeted you because when it comes to Apple, buyers can claim any BS they want and win.

You really have no ground to stand on in this case because it is impossible to prove who is right. They will just side with the buyer automatically because Apple products carry such a huge risk anyways. Refund him, but with that irate message he sent you, you can definitely prepare for a negative. They sound completely psycho which is normally what the scamming a$$holes have always done to me in the past.

Re: I think I am encountering my first buyer scammer
 

Because he is scamming you......

Call his bluff.....

reply :

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I have sent all your details to my local Post Office for checking for possible mail fraud.

In the mean time I do not wish for you to be without a cable. A replacement cable is being sent as well.

I expect to update you with the results of the USPS inquiry into this damage package. Usually a Postal Inpsector will contact the buyer to discuss issues.
Your ebay seller xxx

Re: I think I am encountering my first buyer scammer
 

I like this response. Am i doing this in the hopes the buyer closes the case himself, or should I actually prepare to send him a replacement?

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

As GB stated, it's to call his bluff. May or may not work, but it is your best shot. People here have had success with this approach in the past. In your case, you have nothing to lose so definitely go for it.

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

But be prepared to send a replacement cable if you go this route. This message works most of the time but I had customers (possibly professional scammers) that were like, "Thank you for taking care of this and I will be waiting to get this replacement"

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

Yes I like this way to call out his bluff, very good idea indeed.

I was just confused on the part where I say I will be sending out a replacement cable.

If I get no response from the scammer after calling out his bluff, should I just let the case sit and not send him anything? Just wait for a response? Or actually send him a replacement after calling out his bluff?

Not trying to sound slow lol, just want to be 100% certain on this part. When it comes to dealing with scammers I am still new at this.

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

Nice ideas in terms of e-mail communication.

Worst comes worst, you either prepare a replacement or refund and eat the loss.

This a common scam - it sucks but that's the risk of selling these kind of electronics

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

Wait for them to reply and if the buyer doesn't reply eB will dismiss the whole thing.

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

At this point, sending a replacement would mean losing more money. There is no guarantee he won't leave negative feedback. So, it's a decision you'll have to make on your own.

But, at first, you made it sound like this was just an extra cable you had. Now you sound like you have more...what's the deal?

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

I lose these cables a lot… or end up destroying them somehow. I happened to have two.

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

UPDATE:

the buyer messaged me again (without me having responded to him), and said forget the replacement, he just wants a refund.

I guess he'll get what he's asking for.

Should I still send the message calling him out on his bluff, if only just to scare him a little?

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

Up to you - why spark more problems? How much is the amount? I would refund and move on

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

I just gave him the refund. Lost a little money, but it was under $20. More the principle of things than the money, but that's the cost of doing business on ebay. I learned that now.

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

Remember to always use your friendly block feature on this, as well as future transactions/accounts with this jerk.

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

Smart move - also make sure other product lines are better handled and attract better quality buyers.

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

Seriously, where you guys find these buyers? lol

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

OP is selling Ap.ple products. You know there are swarms targeting this crap every second just waiting for the next n00b.

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

Touché my friend.

Re: Possibly my first buyer scammer
 

usually scammers want their money back, not a replacement, but it depends.....
I often think about the postal fraud thing, but for smaller items I just refund as it is not worth extra scrutiny on the account..