Possibly lost a lot of money!

RadicalRooster_2

Hi,

I have gotten myself into a bit of a problem. Usually I am very good at shopping spotting problems, and haven't had any big ones in the three or so years I have been shopping online.

Now whilst this issue starts on eBay, I would like to point out the transaction is out of eBay so would class as a private sale.

I saw a camera on eBay as a bidding auction with no reserve and no bids, I notice the seller said he needs a quick sale, but will only accept bank transfer as his Paypal isn't working. He has been a member for 2 years, has sold before with 100% positive feedback.

I email him enquiring how much he is looking for and we agree on a price of £500. I thought he would accept my offer by changing to a 'Buy It Now' and it go through eBay like that, but he ends the auction. Not what I was hoping for but I wanted the camera and we had agreed on a price, so I pay him and he says he will send the next day.

A few days go by and still nothing so I ask for a tracking number, to which he replies 'I don't have a tracking number as I sent it standard First Class.'

I couldn't believe it as the Post Office usually ask how much the item is worth and whether you want to insure it! I looked back at the advert and postage is free, but doesn't say what form; this is why I presumed anyone with common sense would use Special Delivery!

So I ask if he has the receipt which he doesn't. So he can't even prove he has sent it.

I have checked out his name and address and it all works out ok. I also have his bank details still from the transaction.

He is still replying to my emails, and I have said that if I don't receive anything by Friday I am going to have to go through the Small Claims Court.



I know there is some disruption from the flights, but I have received other First Class parcels fine this week.

I know we shouldn't have traded outside of eBay, but I think we are both to blame on that. But still this is now a private transaction and as I have been reading I still have rights.

As far as I am concerned I have proof that I have paid him, he has no proof that he has sent the camera at all!



So I am wondering, what's the best way of getting my money back if it doesn't turn up over the next week? I have read it is the seller's responsibility to make sure the item gets to me and can prove it since they paid the Royal Mail and have a contract with them. So should he give my money back and try and chase the item himself?

Please don't rant at me! I have learnt a valuable lesson I know and it won't happen again.

cyberbob

I'm afraid you've lost your money. Your only option is the small claims court and that won't guarantee you getting your money back

As soon as someone says their Paypal doesn't work alarm bells should ring. You have no protection as a buyer via bank transfer.

Sorry no good news but will be amazed if you either get the item or your money back. Good luck

soolin

I agree, your only recourse now is small claims and as this is a very common scam I suspect the seller is hiding behind false details and won't be pinned down anyway.

Your first action needs to be to get a full name and postal address of your seller and make sure he lives there, without that even small claims is not posisble.

Evem if you win in small claims they don't automatically get you your money back.

amcluesent

That's £500 you won't see again.

>I have read it is the seller's responsibility to make sure the item gets to me<

Yep, IF you trade via EBay!

C_Mababejive

Its early days yet. Keep everything crossed and you might get your camera.

If a week passes,start worrying.

All the signs were there for a suckers auction.

RadicalRooster_2

Thanks for your replies.

I am kicking myself at how stupid I have been. I have never fallen for one of these despite seeing them a lot of eBay.

Would it be worth contacting my bank saying I may have been subject to fraud?

I have looked him up int he phone book and his location given on eBay matches with his name. It's not solid proof but unless he has stolen someone's identity including address and bank details then it's a start.

I am hoping it's just late especially with the planes and being standard First Class; when he said that was the method he used, I started to doubt it.

hermum

Where is it going from & to? When did he say that it had been posted?

BLT_2

I wouldn't stress too much yet, if it is from overseas the flight backlog will be immense. I am still waiting for an item I ordered from Hong Kong. Does seem strange not to send an item of that value recorded delivery however

custardy

BLT wrote: »

I wouldn't stress too much yet, if it is from overseas the flight backlog will be immense. I am still waiting for an item I ordered from Hong Kong. Does seem strange not to send an item of that value recorded delivery however

recorded delivery is inadequate for this type of item

emerald_starcat

If the seller is genuine then he is just as naive as the OP by sending it 1st Class. It should have been sent Special Delivery.

Are they selling anything else?

Sorry OP, but you have learnt a very hard lesson - what were you thinking!!

RadicalRooster_2

It's coming from Berkshire, I live in Somerset. Maybe it has to go to Bristol which are concentrating on international mail? He said he sent it on the 19th and said I should receive it on the 21st.

I still can't believe he didn't send it Special Delivery! I just sold my old camera and a lens last week and both times I asked the best postal method! It was worth the £20! If I knew he was going to send it standard First Class, then I would have paid extra to have it sent Special Delivery!

They have sold things in the last. Last few things were clothes, so not very high value. They aren't selling anything else at the moment.

I know I know! I have inquired about offers to sellers before and it's all gone smoothly through eBay! It just all seemed to add up; a second hand camera, good price as he needed a quick sale, Paypal not working an excuse to get the money quickly, quick responses to my emails, not willing to send till payment cleared.

As I did the transaction online through my bank's service, can they do anything?