Another eBay scam

JeffMTampa · April 23, 2015 10:06PM

I purchased a raw $160 Barber half dollar on eBay about 6 weeks ago; returns were offered. The coin arrived, and sure enough it had been cleaned. I went through the eBay returns process and select "it's the wrong size or doesn't fit" to be fair to the seller. They didn't have many sales and it didn't look like they knew much about coins. The seller didn't respond to the eBay messaging that I had initiated a return.

After about 2 weeks the seller messaged me through eBay saying it was OK to ship it back, so I shipped it with tracking and entered the tracking number in the eBay system. About a week later I checked up on it and the tracking number said the item was "Out for Delivery" a few days earlier, but the status was not updated. I e-mailed the seller to see if he received the coin- no response. A week went by and the USPS status didn't change. Several more e-mails to the seller didn't get a reply. I called eBay; they refused to do anything because it couldn't actually be demonstrated the package had been delivered.

A few more weeks go by, and last night I see the same 1915 D half dollar listed for sale that I had returned. Obviously the seller received the coin back. I sent the seller another e-mail; still no reply. I called eBay; they still refuse to do anything about it since there's no proof from USPS that it was delivered back to the seller. Their position is that the seller is likely using "stock" photos and refuse to investigate. My guess is the Postal Carrier is in on the scam.

Any suggestions on what to do? Has anyone else had this happen?

GRANDAM · April 23, 2015 10:11PM

I doubt that the carrier is "in on the scam" Most likely the carrier just didn't do their job and failed to scan the package.

I had the exact same thing happen once. PayPal refunded the money to the buyer.

If you insured the package file a claim and get your money from the post office. If you didn't insure,,,, well that is on you.

It sucks sometimes to be a seller on eBay and PayPal.

GrandAm

ebaybuyer · April 23, 2015 10:27PM

it usually if not always sucks to be a seller on ebay with paypal

bronco2078 · April 23, 2015 10:34PM

<< <i>I purchased a raw $160 Barber half dollar on eBay about 6 weeks ago; returns were offered. The coin arrived, and sure enough it had been cleaned. I went through the eBay returns process and select "it's the wrong size or doesn't fit" to be fair to the seller. They didn't have many sales and it didn't look like they knew much about coins. The seller didn't respond to the eBay messaging that I had initiated a return.

After about 2 weeks the seller messaged me through eBay saying it was OK to ship it back, so I shipped it with tracking and entered the tracking number in the eBay system. About a week later I checked up on it and the tracking number said the item was "Out for Delivery" a few days earlier, but the status was not updated. I e-mailed the seller to see if he received the coin- no response. A week went by and the USPS status didn't change. Several more e-mails to the seller didn't get a reply. I called eBay; they refused to do anything because it couldn't actually be demonstrated the package had been delivered.

A few more weeks go by, and last night I see the same 1915 D half dollar listed for sale that I had returned. Obviously the seller received the coin back. I sent the seller another e-mail; still no reply. I called eBay; they still refuse to do anything about it since there's no proof from USPS that it was delivered back to the seller. Their position is that the seller is likely using "stock" photos and refuse to investigate. My guess is the Postal Carrier is in on the scam.

Any suggestions on what to do? Has anyone else had this happen? >>

Was the address in an apartment complex? I've noticed lots of laziness from postal carriers when it comes to bad scans at apartments.

AUandAG · April 23, 2015 11:49PM

Are you just checking the tracking off ebay? Have you tried to check the tracking on the USPS website?

I'm sure you have.

bob

derryb · April 24, 2015 12:19AM

When ya gotta have proof that something was delivered, pay the extra for signature confirmation.

koynekwest · April 24, 2015 12:25AM

I think I'd contact the manager/supervisor/postmaster at the delivery unit to see why it wasn't scanned as "delivered." I don't know how much can be done at this point but you might be able to get the carrier in some hot water.

JeffMTampa · April 24, 2015 12:46AM

Thanks for the replies. I didn't spring for insurance or signature- that doubles the cost of the return. I called the local Post Office several times and got nowhere- their attitude is just "oh well". Unfortunately I paid for the item with my PayPal balance, so I can't even file a credit card claim.

I can't leave negative feedback on the transaction, so the guy get's off without even a ding. I bid on the item again to get the sellers attention, but I doubt that will have an effect.

I guess what makes me angry is eBay's refusal to look into it even though it's obvious what's going on.

Manorcourtman · April 24, 2015 12:46AM

Get the Post Inspectors involved. File a report. It can't hurt and may expose a problem Postal worker. Sorry for your problem, we all feel your pain.

LindeDad · April 24, 2015 12:54AM

Not getting the Signature Service on the return cost you a lot more than double the postage.

derryb · April 24, 2015 1:02AM

Note that many USPS carriers are getting a new type hand held scanner. This may initially cause a lot of delivery confirmation problems.

19Lyds · April 24, 2015 1:29AM

Oh yeah! Sure sounds like a "scam" to me................

BustHalfBrian · April 24, 2015 1:38AM

Why would you not get Signature Confirmation?

telephoto1 · April 24, 2015 2:21AM

<< <i>I doubt that the carrier is "in on the scam" Most likely the carrier just didn't do their job and failed to scan the package.

I had the exact same thing happen once. PayPal refunded the money to the buyer.

If you insured the package file a claim and get your money from the post office. If you didn't insure,,,, well that is on you.

It sucks sometimes to be a seller on eBay and PayPal.

GrandAm

>>

This. PO workers miss scanning tracking numbers all the time, UNLESS IT'S SOMETHING REQUIRING A SIGNATURE (subtle hint!)

vplite · April 24, 2015 2:21AM

I know it is easy to pick on USPS employees, and I'm sure most are efficient hard workers.

But I'm sure there are crooks too.

I cannot believe than none of the three half dollars that disappeared from envelopes I mailed ever showed up. I did get an email from the PO Inspectors thanking me for filing my report.

Good luck.

asheland · April 24, 2015 3:08AM

TopographicOceans · April 24, 2015 3:42AM

You should get his contact info from eBay and call him.

I wouldn't have done anything differently. Sometimes things just don't work in the system.

Hopefully you funded your payment with a credit card. Contact your issuer to dispute the charge.

MonsterCoinz · April 24, 2015 4:39AM

Create new eBay account.
Bid $1M on each of his auctions.
Don't pay.

That will get his attention, I promise.

MsMorrisine · April 24, 2015 5:27AM

Link to current auction?

ebaytrader · April 24, 2015 5:54AM

Keep calling feepay pointing out the item being resold, and cry until they make you a courtesy refund. Don't feel as tho you're asking for something special. They're doing them by the thousands daily.

Currin · April 24, 2015 6:10AM

Unfortunately, eBay policies are full of loop holes that scammers use for their advantage. If you buy eBay enough, you need to expect some bad deals. You just hope it is not bad. The worst I have been burnt is $125. If you have high blood pressure, I would suggest just move on and consider a lesson learn. If you are like me, more you deal with this more frustrating it becomes.

coindeuce · April 24, 2015 11:29AM

You could have returned it by certified mail and elected for a digital return receipt, which would have required a hand signature by the addressee. Even if Paypal won't accept certified mail tracking as proof of delivery, it certainly would be the foundation for a mail fraud complaint with the US Postal Inspector. And it is cheaper than insured with signature confirmation.

BTW - is it the listing from Michigan City, Indiana ?
I see that they sold the same coin previously on March 15. . .

numisma · April 24, 2015 1:04PM

Did you pay with PayPal? If so, file a claim with them. Sorry for the problems you experienced. We have had similar experiences lately.

GrumpyEd · April 24, 2015 2:56PM

I thought they can only use stock photos for modern coins not ones this old.

Complain to ebay again, tell them he does not say stock photos and that it is the same coin and that proves it was returned and you want a refund. If the person you talk to won't do it then ask for a supervisor. Keep asking.

Also, save screen shots of both auctions so you can show that it's the same coin.

segoja · April 24, 2015 3:01PM

Keep pushing

Lastly buy the coin back again, then file another complaint....if it's really true its the same coin.

KennyBerger · April 24, 2015 3:11PM

My guess is the Postal Carrier is in on the scam.

Unlikely.

streeter · April 25, 2015 3:34AM

link the auction

Or the auction #

grote15 · April 25, 2015 3:36AM

The carrier simply forgot to scan the package as delivered and the seller noticed that and took advantage to steal the coin back. Signature confirmation is helpful but carriers also occasionally forget to obtain a signature, too. I would insure the package being returned because that way you'd be made whole by the PO if the package does not show as delivered. Also, if you file a claim with the PO and it is determined upon investigation that the recipient is being untruthful about receiving the package, they may be in more trouble than they bargained for, too.

coindeuce · April 25, 2015 11:28AM

The seller has ended the relist of the 1915-D Barber half, with the reason that it is no longer available. Apparently they don't realize that all of the information is still readily viewable. I would suggest that the OP contact the police in Michigan City, Indiana with the necessary information.

JeffMTampa · April 26, 2015 2:50AM

<< <i>The seller has ended the relist of the 1915-D Barber half, with the reason that it is no longer available. Apparently they don't realize that all of the information is still readily viewable. I would suggest that the OP contact the police in Michigan City, Indiana with the necessary information. >>

Yep, the seller ended the item likely after they saw that I bid on it again. Here's the link to the ended listing:

1915 D eBay

I e-mailed the seller several times- no response. The lack of reply sure leads me to believe this is fraud, not a mistake.

JeffMTampa · April 26, 2015 6:00AM

After looking at this thread again this morning I got upset again. I saw that the seller had several listings for coins ending today- my brain began coming up with a scheme. I put snipe bids on 3 of his items ending within minutes of each other, totaling a little more than what I was out. My plan was to win the items and pay for them. Assuming I received them I would cancel the sale with the credit card company, claiming counterfeit merchandise. I figured I could send back any 3 coins to him with tracking/ signature to demonstrate I returned the items. I would get even!

Then I looked at my eBay message center- 2 messages, both from this seller!!! He acknowledged he received the coin back in writing on the eBay website! The guy wondered what my problem was- he claimed eBay had already removed the funds from his account.

I immediately got on the phone with eBay again. The guy on the phone said eBay had closed the case after a week or so claiming I didn't enter the tracking number (even though I had), releasing the sellers frozen funds. EBay read the guys messages to me and agreed that the guy received the coin back and I was due a refund.

Amazing, this actually is working out!!!

Obviously I cancelled all my snipe bids- I didn't want that junk anyway. I'm wondering who whispered in his ear today that he better communicate with me or something bad would happen!

Another eBay scam

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