I thought I'd post this here, in addition to replying to a poor user on Linuxquestions, because it's a rather difficult scam to deal with. It's an Ebay scam, so if the mods feel that the post doesn't belong here, just move it or encourage me to create my own topic.
#### The scam ####
A scammer sends a package, supposedly to you, but it's not addressed to you, it's addressed to someone who's zip code matches yours. The package wasn't even sent by the scammer, but by a completely innocent third party and the transaction for that tracking number/package was completely legitimate. Typically, but not always, this is done with USPS packages.
Ebay only requires that the zip code matches yours when the seller sends a package. Ebay **only** considers evidence available directly from their website. You could have the head of USPS, the prez, and the Pope, all sign a letter to ebay saying that you didn't get your package and it wouldn't matter one bit to them.
The exception to this is if the package is of a high enough value that it requires a signature.
The amount varies by country. Ebay requires that the signature match yours.
You'd think that by buying from US sellers you'd not have this problem, but that's not true at all as ebay sellers are allowed to list their locations as different from their shipping addresses (so that sellers can ship their products from a warehouse -- ebay.)
It doesn't matter if you email or call ebay CS, you'll get the same song and dance every time.
I also contacted a (US) lawyer on this matter and he basically said that there was no recourse via ebay and that he was, "shocked that ebay had this policy." It invites and empowers abuse.
As for how the scammer does this, it's easy. Just pick a random tracking number that's going to your zip code. As for how they get these tracking numbers, I haven't the faintest. A USPS employee pointed out to me that it should be impossible and is illegal to get someone else's tracking number. But it's not limited to USPS. other shipping companies are vulnerable as well.
If anyone can shed some light on that part of the process it would be helpful.
#### Avoiding it ####
You can avoid this scam by buying from trustworthy sellers. Please note that ebay automatically gives 5-star feedback unless the buyer leaves other feedback. Likewise, the scammer can farm feedback from, presumably, more local to them buyers (who may all be the same scammer), who will purchase low value items from the scammer.
So you'll want to check the feedback to see that there's enough AND that those who gave feedback at least appear to be legitimate buyers. What AI will do to this fragile system is anyone's best guess.
#### What **NOT** to do. ####
Pull the transaction by your CC/PP. Ebay's policy is that you're trying to scam them. There is no room for negotiation or even common sense here. AI would be more intelligent then ebay when this happens.
#### What to do. ####
"So," you ask, "what can I do to get this money back?" It's an ordeal. Are you ready?
1: Go to USPS and confirm that the item was or wasn't intended for your address. If it wasn't, get a printout of where it was going and have the postmaster sign the printout. Please note that sometimes the USPS personal are a bit hesitant to give out this info as it doesn't technically belong to you. You may need to get a lawyer involved if that's the case.
2: Reach out to the seller and try to resolve it that way. These scammers won't give in.
3: File a dispute on ebay which will resolve in the sellers favor even with the above evidence.
4: (This part is unclear if it's necessary, but I've had to do it every time so far.) Pester ebay for weeks about how unfair this is and file an appeal to the dispute which ebay will close with a ruling against you. Again, make *sure* that they have a copy of the evidence in step 1.
5: Continue to pester ebay and get told by ebay that you should reach out to your credit card/Paypal and file a case with them using that very important evidence gathered in step 1.
6: You get your refund from the CC/PP.
That's what's worked for me. This whole process should take about 6 months, which isn't fun, but even if it's $20, you want the scammer to be taken out.
Don't forget to report these scammers to the
FBI. Hopefully, with enough reports, either ebay will be influenced against this policy or a class-action will be filed to stop ebay from treating buyers so badly.
I hope it helps!
Home
Help
Search
Login
Register
