BEWARE! - Thinking of selling something on Ebay?

Lazydayz71

MidlandsGlory said:

I don't think there is an easy answer that doesn't leave either side at risk. But a bias towards the buyer of course 'protects' the selling platform as buyers can go elsewhere, sellers have limited other options.

I can't think of an easy answer either, but as Ebay are charging 10% fees and making thousands/millions of pounds from this business, then the onus should be on the them to come up with a solution, to ensure selling on their platform is safe and secure.

RFW

Lazydayz71 said:

MidlandsGlory said:

I don't think there is an easy answer that doesn't leave either side at risk. But a bias towards the buyer of course 'protects' the selling platform as buyers can go elsewhere, sellers have limited other options.

I can't think of an easy answer either, but as Ebay are charging 10% fees and making thousands/millions of pounds from this business, then the onus should be on the them to come up with a solution, to ensure selling on their platform is safe and secure.

They haven't earnt much, or possibly anything from this transaction though, I'm sure they'd be happier with the 10% rather than just the listing fee, if there was one.
As a business Ebay has to make a general choice, do they favour buyers or sellers. The buyer is the consumer and legally has the most rights and if they lose all the buyers their site is gone. It's seller beware, unfortunately.

[Deleted User]

Have you called the buyer? I would, and tell them that they have committed an act of fraud and inform them of the steps you have taken or are taking. Even try recording the conversation on loud speaker. This might help you further down the line I don't know but it's something I would consider. 

[Deleted User]

This is a well known scam on ebay. Even experienced sellers this has happened too.
Was your feedback for selling low? I know their feedback was ok but sellers can no longer leave negative feedback.
Not that it helps much but I just leave a positive feedback but type in the comment section 'BE WARNED SCAMMER' or something to that effect.
If you have decent feedback and have been an Ebay seller for years etc they normally pay out.

custardy

Lazydayz71 said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

That there is unfortunately the crux of the matter, and is the one situation where a seller can do their utmost to protect themselves and still lose.

Yes and that's exactly why people need to be made aware of the risks involved.

As far as I know, it's impossible to protect yourself from a scam like this.

As one newspaper article reported: Ebay sellers are sitting ducks for scammers.

As is pretty much always the case. What research did you do on this?
Why do you feel your thread here makes people aware?

You will get pretty blunt replies on a forum as its the same old same old.
Someone is wronged and comes on a forum spouting about it as if its new news. Sadly its not.

NBLondon

Flyonthewall said:

2. Can you tell me how I prove that the item I had returned is not the item received by the Buyer?

Do you have any serial numbers for the camera you sold or a receipt? 

And this is the key question the OP has not answered....

Does a £300 camera have a serial number?  If so, photograph of it in the listing.   Photograph of returned item showing a different serial number sent to eBay.  It's not foolproof but it gives you ammunition to challenge eBay.

It's a well-known scam from some dodgy buyers who have a broken X to buy a replacement and then return their broken one.  

RFW

Deleted_User said:

This is a well known scam on ebay. Even experienced sellers this has happened too.
Was your feedback for selling low? I know their feedback was ok but sellers can no longer leave negative feedback.
Not that it helps much but I just leave a positive feedback but type in the comment section 'BE WARNED SCAMMER' or something to that effect.
If you have decent feedback and have been an Ebay seller for years etc they normally pay out.

Don't do that. Leaving positive feedback isn't a good idea irrespective of the comment. Follow all channels to get money back but leaving feedback like that isn't the way to go.

theonlywayisup

The first thing ebay will expect of you is that you challenge the buyer.  Did you send the buyer a message explaining the returned camera was not the one you had sent?  

Any appeal (which I understand you have made and lost) requires specifics for ebay to tick off as being done.  Whilst they aren't listed that I know of, the first port of call when you disagree with the buyer/seller is to send a message saying why and outlining your evidence.  Without that why would ebay think anything was wrong?

Lazydayz71

custardy said:

As is pretty much always the case. What research did you do on this?

Having experienced the scam first hand is extremely good and reliable research! 

Lazydayz71

custardy said:

Why do you feel your thread here makes people aware?

Hi Custardy, it's pretty obvious isn't it?

People reading the thread will be made aware there's a big hole in the protection for Sellers that can be easily be exploited.