Simple PayPal scam (worked on me)

jmbkb4

1. Bought $50 card.
2. Paid via PayPal
3. Never received card.
4. Filed PayPal fraud charge -- claimed "never received"
5. Seller sends out an item w/ delivery confirmation number and records this with the claim details in PayPal.
6. I receive package, which contained commons from 2005 Bowman
7. PayPal cancels claim, as they now have proof of delivery.

Pretty simple, huh? I was recently the "buyer" in this scenario and had absolutely ZERO recourse with PayPal at the end of the day. Why don't more crooks adhere to this astonishingly easy scheme?

digicat

ebay id on this guy please? I want to avoid these scum.

iamthegreatcornholio

i was under the impression that the "quality of goods" policy has been fixed.

but you are correct, you could order a diamond and receive a poop, and they'd consider it a dispute over the quality

EagleEyeKid

I thought that packages/items had to be mailed out within 7 days....but then again, it doesn't really matter cos paypal doesn't check up on that; plus the delivery confirmation never actually states when the package was dropped out or whatever. Always something new PP....sheesh.

Don't feel too bad.....I was taken for $216. I was the seller and sent a registered package to Germany. Jerk files a claim on the 12th day (probably the day he received it) and then unregisters himself on ebay the same day. I find out that Germany doesn't bother scanning packages like registered mail and just delivers it as regular mail. That's the loophole this scammer found and is using it to his advantage big time. No more int'l sales for me.

jmbkb4

Problem is, you have to initially file a claim as "not received" or "significantly different than described." This cannot change mid-claim, so you are screwed if the con artist ships you a box with a turd in it (or 2005 Bowman commons, whatever).

It was not via eBay auction, so I can't post you a link.

storm888

5. Seller sends out an item w/ delivery confirmation number and records
this with the claim details in PayPal.
6. I receive package, which contained commons from 2005 Bowman


The only way to avoid that is to have your mail-carrier "flag"
an item that is the subject of the dispute. I do not know if
the USPS has a scheme to accomplish this, but I do know that
your carrier can do it.

You tell the carrier what is going on, and you tell him what the
address of the sender is. When he sees the item, if you are not
home, he will leave you a note and take it back to the station;
when you call for the item, the PM will allow you to open the
item in his/her presence.

That seller went to a lot of trouble to scam you for $50. I guess buyers
have to go to even more trouble to avoid being scammed. It is important
to note that this scam will also defeat the PayPal $250 signature/insurance
"rule," unless the USPS watches you open the package.

storm

jmbkb4

Package was sent with no return address, and I receive a lot of cards in the mail. Sometimes I think my mail lady hates me anyway, having to scan and get my signature so much.

I have to admit, it is a good scam. PayPal has to fix this before somebody gets taken for a helluva lot more than 50 bucks.

Wizardsguildcards

did you use a credit card??

storm888

If you used a credit card through PayPal on this transaction,
I am sure that the Visa/MC "police" would like to hear your
story.

They might also decide in your favor on the chargeback,
regardless of what PayPal says.

storm

jmbkb4

<< <i>did you use a credit card?? >>


I probably used my bank account. Even if I had used my Discover, I'm not sure PayPal would have rolled over for them. Have you had success with this?

Thanks!

iamthegreatcornholio

<< <i>I have to admit, it is a good scam. PayPal has to fix this before somebody gets taken for a helluva lot more than 50 bucks. >>



and the opposite could happen too... you send someone a valuable card, and they claim you sent a stack of worthless cards.

i guess the only solution would be to open all packages at the post office in front of a mailman. i can see it now, they'll be a "certified opening fee".

storm888

"Have you had success with this?"


YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

storm

storm888

"i can see it now, they'll be a "certified opening fee". "







storm

Stone193

Wow!

This is getting depressing.

I may have to take another vacation.

RichG

JMB:
Even though I have never gotten burned by the way you did, I have always been worried about exactly what happened to you. In order to protect myself as much as possible I'll pay using my credit card. This way I don't have to rely on paypal to take care of me.
Rich

Wizardsguildcards

This scam is one that has been going on for a while except for it usually happens on a SNAD complaint and the buyer sends back an empty box with DV thus keeping the item and getting the money.

If you used a CC you could file as SNAD and Paypal would be forced to roll over for them. 95% of the time when you go to your CC company Paypal ends up rolling over for them. Just remember do not go to your CC company without trying through Paypal first as they can and will suspend your account for that.

Knuckles

Only pay by PayPal if the seller has a hefty amount of positive feedback with a good % (98-100%) AND if he/she has been on for a good length of time..

What would have happend if you paid by Money Order? are you able to put a stop payment on it like you would a cheque?

This type of crap is only going to get worse.

- Garret

Hubcap

No one has mentioned the same scam if you are the seller accepting Paypal, legitimately ship the closed auction item and then the winning bidder says it is not what they won. Paypal will side with the winning bidder and you are out the money.

RichG

Kuckles:
As a seller, I never will send the item until the money order clears (I make this clear in my auctions). Before I cash the money order, I'll write the serial number down and 1-800 number and call 3-5 days later to make sure payment has not been stopped.
Rich

cohocorp

who was the seller?

ZUP

I always pay by credit card on high dollar items, and when I receive them in the mail, I take out my video camera and carefully film the entire unopened package, then I continue filming as I open and pull out the card inside. I figure that if I have videotape documenting the initial package(making sure to show it is not opened and resealed by me) being opened, then it may help if I ever have to go to my credit card company for a chargeback. Not to mention I'll bet the seller would be willing to rectify the situation, if I sent him a copy.