Non receipt of goods

Caterina

Hi

I bought a rare vinyl record (£47.50!) on Discogs (which acts only as intermediary and does not offer any protections), paid with Paypal and the goods never arrived. I contacted the seller several times and never got a reply.

Yesterday I also discovered that the same person was selling - or pretending to sell - the same LP on Ebay and someone else got stung, paid and never received their goods - but they got a refund because Paypal gives a refund guarantee to Ebay buyers.

As Discogs do not give any financial guarantees I went through Paypal but discovered that their guarantee only cover Ebay purchases and they do not protect other purchases (other than recovering money from the seller's account - as if this one would leave any money in his account!).

What legal recourse do I have, this person must have some sort of financial record in order to be able to receive money via Paypal. Can I take them to the small claims court, or can I go to the police with this issue, as it seems to me that this person is making a fraudulent offer then getting the money and not sending the goods?

Any suggestions gratefully received. Thank you.

KeithP

Caterina, that's an amazing coincidence isn't it?

I mean, twice this year (and its only March) you have bought a rare record off Discogs and there's been a problem.

Still, last time you got a full refund. Lets hope it goes as well this time.

Do you have a real address for this person?

Caterina

Hi Keith,

I know, but the first was an accident, it was someone in the post office must have been throwing something heavy on the package. The sellers were the topmost courteous people, I had no problem at all in the end. This one is a total crook, I think we got done by someone who deliberately set off to rip off people.

I might have to take him to small claims court and even report it to the police, surely Paypal must have the details of where the money has been paid. I have an address that exists, but who knows whether it is the right one?

Will post any news here.

kymi

Hi Caterina

If this is a tangible goods, then you should be eligable for protection under paypals TOS.

Also if you paid via credit card (through paypal) then it may be possible to do a charge back through them to get your money back

Good luck
Kymi

Caterina

HI Kymi,

Thanks for your suggestion, I raised a complaint via Paypal and as predicted the "seller" did not respond, so I shall continue with that procedure, then go via the credit card route. Meanwhile I think I shall also report this to the police because I think this must be a crime - will post here how it goes.