Ebay Fraud - Help.

SiMaster

Hi Guys

didn't know which forum to post this in.. but always get a good response from the techies.

I need some advice or ideas.

Sold £500 of Argos vouchers and recieved a Cheque (value over £400). Cashed the cheque and the money went into my account so I sent the vouchers to the buyer.

As soon as he revcieved them he reported the cheque as stolen and the money was withdrawn from my account. I wasn't aware you can cancel a cheque upto 8 days after it was cashed. It didn't bounce... it was reported stolen!

Hence im down £500's worth of vouchers.

Initially the buyer said this was a mistake and would send cash, no cash has arrived 22 days after the sale and he has stopped responding to (polite) emails. I have filed unpaid item dispute 8 days ago which he did not appeal against.

So what are my options now for recovering my money. I have his address (providing its a real address).

Small claims court (does anybody know how to go about this)?

Police - for using a stolen cheque?

Any advice would be really appreciated, im down about £460 pound.

sjrinteriors

First thing I would suggest is the police. This person knew exactly what he/she was doing.. You dont just cancel a cheque like that.

I suggest you send an email to the guy who sent the cheque stating that if you do not receive the monies in your account within 24 hours, you will inform the police and hand over all relevent documents to them.

If the cheque cleared into your account, thats proof enough.

I hope you get a result, as I cant stand people on ebay that rip other off.

SiMaster

Yea already informed him of my intentions about the police yesterday - still no reply from him.

leehal

As long as the cheque is 100% legit with his actual signature I would have thought you have some rights with his bank.

Not sure about personal cheques, but if the same was done with a business cheque it is classed as fraud.

mdbarber

yeah its true not many people know but "stolen/fraudulent" cheques can be recovered much later, i think its up to 6 or 12 mths depending on location of issuing bank
Have to agree with others here this guys seems like a pro scammer get straight on to police,
did you track the argos voucher numbers?, try reporting them as stolen with argos

Fifer

I'd also take it up with the bank. If the cheque was reported as stolen, I presume the bank will require a crime number or some other evidence. I'd insist that the cheque is represented unless proof of a crime can be demonstrated.

isofa

eBay, contact someone who will deal with this direct via the Community area, then the Bank (as per Fifer's advice) and then the Police.

Keep a record of all the e-mails and so forth, plus obviously his details, address, eBay account, email address etc.

Sickening, lying, cheating people!

greyteam1959

Straight forward dead easy con.......I am just amazed that people are STILL falling for scams like this !!!!!!!!!!!

emmy05

mervyn11 wrote: »

Straight forward dead easy con.......I am just amazed that people are STILL falling for scams like this !!!!!!!!!!!

and just how is that supposed to help?

sjrinteriors

forget Ebay... if the guy is a fraudster, which it clearly looks like he is then there is no chance ebay can do anything apart from suspend his account.. You have no cover as you accepted payment via a cheque and not something like paypal.

Your bank should have written to you stating that the cheque had been cancelled.. The letter should state the cheque number and value. You need to take this info to the police to verify what you are saying. This cheque is traceable at all stages and I can assure you that the fraudsters bank will verify this to the police providing you go to them.. You really are wasting your time if you think ebay will do anything other than follow their usual slow procedures.

greyteam1959

Its not supposed to help
But people just dont seem to use any common sense these days......
Did the person that sent of £400 (!!!!) of Argos Vouchers make a note of their numbers ???
Did he photo copy them ????
No he just send them off !!!!!!!!
Un flamin believable !!!!!!!!