Postal fraud?

Grinch6912

Hi
I’ll outline the issue briefly:
I’ve received 30+ Packages over past 6 months ish from eBay sellers, all addressed to a person I don’t know and who has never lived at my address (I’ve been here for 10+ yrs) The items are all tiny..like single paper clips bought for 99p. I’m presuming it’s some type of scam but I’m not sure what. Royal Mail are no help. They simply say they’re required by law to deliver this rubbish, leaving me with a legal obligation to try and return. Action fraud aren’t interested. Trying to deal with eBay is like trying to cycle through a very boggy bog. Is there some way I can stop this? Does anyone know what the purpose of this scam is?

thanks

knightstyle

Could be a seller trying to get their sold count up?  Don't try to return, just message the seller to tell them to arrange collection within 7 days or you will destroy the item.
I would cancel the ebay account and set up a new one.

user1977

"Brushing" is what it's called - the seller does it, and can then leave glowing "verified purchase" reviews for all the items. Obviously they just use the cheapest items as they don't care what actually happens to them. They're not trying to defraud you, just using your address as a random one to post the stuff to. And given the circumstances, I wouldn't worry about your legal obligation to return the stuff!

Explained here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-54055669

pbartlett

since the seller controls the fake accounts, why do they even have to.post the stuff?

Grinch6912

Thanks for replies. I don’t think it’s the sellers, because I’ve received items from different ones all over the country. The constants are:
same recipient 
similar small, low value items 

sheramber

Return to sender  marked 'not known at this address ' and put in post box or return to post office.

dj1471

Grinch6912 said:

Thanks for replies. I don’t think it’s the sellers, because I’ve received items from different ones all over the country. The constants are:
same recipient 
similar small, low value items 

Could well be someone selling positive reviews, with multiple sellers as customers.

One of their many eBay accounts is setup with that name and your address.

You could try contacting eBay to see if they can help.

Le_Kirk

Grinch6912 said:

Trying to deal with eBay is like trying to cycle through a very boggy bog. 

dj1471 said:

You could try contacting eBay to see if they can help.

Seems the OP has tried that!

greyteam1959

Print some labels up with the wording  'Return To Sender. Not Known At This Address'

Cross out your address with a felt pen or similar.
Stick a label on the package & put back in a postbox.
And then forget about it.

ElefantEd

Collect all the paper clips into a set, put them on ebay and voila! Instant profit!