How to avoid the "empty envelope" scam on ebay?

kiwi_fruit

Well, thing is I'm not really paranoid(maybe only a little), but consider it's useful to be aware of the things currently happening on ebay(different sort of scam), so thought would ask for an advice.
Won some tickets for over £100 for an event in two weeks. Seller had 6 tickets, selling them in pairs in 3 auctions. He's powerseller, feedback is good, although he wasn't/isn't selling any other tickets, only loads of lower priced items. I paid by paypal, funded by credit card. P&P was offered as special delivery. So is there any way to protect myself from the empty envelope scam? Any point in asking postman to witness me opening the envelope?

musicboy

interesting one, I hadn't really considered that !!

kiwi_fruit

I've heard some people warning about this sort of scam, on this forum as well. But I have no idea how can you protect yourself as paypal protection becomes useless once the seller gives them special delivery tracking number.

zzzLazyDaisy

could you claim 'goods not as described'?

StaffsSW

If they have an established recent feedback record, it's unlikely you would be the victim of a scam like this. It tends to happen with newly registered sellers, or those that have been dormant for some time suggesting a hi-jacked account.

Getting the postie to witness it would not hold any ground with Paypal, and if you went down the CCJ route, you would have to get signed witness statements etc.

It's a very very rare scam at the best of times, and even less likely with an established seller.

(contrary to popular belief, not all Powersellers will steal your life savings and burn your house down!)

Premier_2

I doubt many posties will want to get involved.

An empty envelope is quite easy to recognise, but a good scammer would probably include a piece of paper the size of the ticket.

If at all suspicious, opening the letter in front of an independent witness may be worthwhile, but be sure they would be willing to act as a witness for you in court in case of dispute.

Unfortunately, any professional scammer will probably make it difficult for you to trace them and/or ensure any assets are squirrelled away.

Probably the best advice would be to avoid any seller you are suspicious of in the first place.

jasmineswhiskers

The only other situation this might arise though is a buyer wanting to return an item for a refund. I received an item from an (originally irate) buyer who hadn't read the description properly. I said send it back for a refund - he said he'd send it recorded then I thought it could be an empty box etc. I got the postman to wait while I opened it before signing. Turned out to be ok though.

dundun

hi if you paid with a credit card your fine even if paypal dont refund phone you cc company and they will give your cash back

Premier_2

dundun wrote: »

hi if you paid with a credit card your fine even if paypal dont refund phone you cc company and they will give your cash back

What makes you think that, dundun?

http://www.wider-implications.info/case_studies/wi_03.html

custardy

jasmineswhiskers wrote: »

The only other situation this might arise though is a buyer wanting to return an item for a refund. I received an item from an (originally irate) buyer who hadn't read the description properly. I said send it back for a refund - he said he'd send it recorded then I thought it could be an empty box etc. I got the postman to wait while I opened it before signing. Turned out to be ok though.

wait till the posties have their GPS trackers
wont have time to wait

shadowspy24

You could always film yourself opening the package making sure to show the camera that it is unopened and you are indeed opening it for the first time.