What to do when you get a bootleg DVD from eBay, I want my dosh back!

[Deactivated] on 02/10/2013 - 19:09

I need the collective sage advice of you, I bought:
JUSTICE LEAGUE - COMPLETE SERIES from a seller on eBay,
like this one:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/The-Justice-League-the-Complete-S…

but there were some weird things:

I was expecting it to come in a metal tin box as those sold on Amazon.com it came on a rigid paper sleeve instead.
http://www.amazon.com/Justice-League-The-Complete-Series/dp/…

The colour of the DVD's are not as deep as in this unboxing video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0f-nEqLwww

NONE of the DVD's are double layer, just single 4.35GB

When inserted in the computer the DVD's are named 'NEW' (without quotes)

On the ring of the DVD's the name of the actual DVD is printed as: Justice League S1-1 D9A and Justice League S1-1 D9B

DVD info states they were burned with NERO but the data side looks just like a legit DVD not blue or similar

In all, it is a very good bootleg I don't think any untrained eye would know the difference between the real DVD unless they knew what to look for.

I told the seller to give me a full refund but he wrote back saying he'll do it when I've sent them back, I'm afraid he can then do the dirty on me if I do this, as the DVD's are the PROOF and my only bargaining chip, also if they had been cheaper maybe I'd turn a blind eye but I paid $80 for them, might as well have gotten the real stuff from Amazon.
So what do I do, contact eBay or just launch a PayPal claim as Not as described?
Thanks.

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Comments

  • meroveus on 02/10/2013 - 20:38
    +11

    You need to lodge a dispute with ebay: "Item not as described".
    That ebay listing is very deceptive since it contains a photo of the top of the tin box.

    Since the DVDs are burnt not pressed, they are counterfeit so you are not allowed to post them.
    Instead of posting them back to the seller, ebay will require you to destroy them and provide photos as evidence they are destroyed.

    • macrocephalic on 03/10/2013 - 15:46
      +3

      Yes lodge a dispute with ebay. Immediately start the process to get your money back through paypal. If paypal fails then threaten to lodge a charge-back on the transaction with your bank.

      The seller sold you an illegal item. The seller stated it was genuine. This is both fraud and a breach of copyright.

      • Flyingmoo on 04/10/2013 - 10:38

        I purchased something from EBay that was an illegal copy and Ebay don't care. The seller just has to say "post it back from a refund", which is illegal to do anyway, which they then sell to another person. Ebay don't care about shutting sellers down.

      • nikey2k27 on 07/10/2013 - 06:42

        charge back with the bank it fasted.

  • scrimshaw on 02/10/2013 - 22:44
    +1

    Use a flatbed scanner and scan them on high quality (300 DPI, color setting) instead of taking a picture for better clarity,

    You should also save a copy of the webpage as a PDF for documentation. Within the description, the seller has written "GENUINE US RELEASE". Obviously you didn't receive a genuine copy but a burnt disc, so you can lodge a claim as item not described.

    You can also read up how this guy on Anandtech dealt with his issue but unfortunately it didn't seem he got his money back. Typical of eBay scum.

  • altomic on 03/10/2013 - 00:42
    +1

    looking at some of the sellers negative feedback and it makes me question peoples intelligence.

    e.g.
    Item was received 2 days late but not sellers fault
    So good love it
    It didn't play on my DVD player only played on laptop (it was a region 1 DVD)

    Oh yeah, take it to a DVD sales shop and get an "expert" to check them out and verify that they are pirated. e.g. write a letter in support/independent evidence.

    Also send the scans of the disks to Warner Bros's piracy division and get them to verify the authenticity.

    • Tech5 on 03/10/2013 - 00:51
      +20

      Buyer:
      Member id renee111000 ( Feedback Score Of 152 )

      HEAT MAT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNT DOWN THE SHED- LUCKY TO BE ALIVE

      Pet Electric Heat Heated Heating Heater Pad Mat Blanket Bed for Dog Cat Bunny (#290938590150) AU $23.99

      ಠ_ಠ

      • altomic on 03/10/2013 - 08:16
        +3

        I lol'd at that one.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2013 - 09:59

    I also just realised two of the DVDs are SCRATCHED meaning they get stuck when played, I put some toothpaste on them but I think they are beyond repair.
    Seller contacted me and wrote that I should call his mobile to organise a refund, I mean all he has to do is 'Refund' me from his PayPal account… he's up to something no doubt.
    DVDs also make a LOT of noise when put on the DVD drive whereas with legit DVDs they make no noise at all.
    Also they have no copy protection whatsoever.

  • SirFlibbled on 03/10/2013 - 10:25

    I bought a pirated Doctor Who box set (was about $15 less than RRP so price wasn't a real indicator and the seller had a lot of positive reviews).

    The box turned out to be pirated. I contacted the seller who immediately refunded my money as they know they're selling pirated goods and they hope that you wont neg them. But I did anyway.

    Obviously this seller wants it back but you'll need to probably do a paypal claim to get your money back. Mention that it's illegal to post counterfeit goods (particularly internationally). Don't leave feedback until it's all over and then neg them. If you feel particularly vindictive you can contact others who have bought the set from the seller and let them know its fake too :)

  • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2013 - 11:00

    You won't believe this, the seller wants to collect his booty and then refund me… this is what he wrote:

    I'm up in your area, can u send me your number and I can give u full refund including post and I can pick them up

    Doing this would be very dumb and besides he's going outside normal channels, eBay and PayPal, my guess is he KNOWS they are FAKE…

    • SirFlibbled on 03/10/2013 - 11:02

      Ask for a refund before he picks them up. You could have a chat with the cops to see if they can be bothered meeting him when he turns up but they obviously wont.

    • leeroys_dad on 03/10/2013 - 11:04

      do it, then lodge a dispute with paypal for double refund!

    • riley94 on 03/10/2013 - 21:17
      +15

      Don't give him your address!

      Edit: I'm a moron, of course the seller already has it.

      • nismo on 04/10/2013 - 19:39
        +9

        Unless the receiver gave a PO box for the delivery..

        Edit: looks like I'm a moron too. The seller already said he was in his area!

  • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2013 - 11:27

    The PROOF that they are bootlegs:

    http://www.dvdloc8.com/viewdvd_45216.html

    The REAL deal are all DUAL-LAYER DVDs, his boxset are all single layer…

    He just wrote to me:

    I buy these from America as far as I am aware these were told to be genuine. What u are saying makes no sence to me. If I pick them up I can do a refund in front of u. I don't understand why u are being so difficult. Pretty much u are trying to bribe me so u can keep them and get a full refund. If u want to keep then I'll refund u the $60

    Note: He wants to give me a partial refund minus the postage… should I leave NEGATIVE feedback now or wait? also there are others that bought these boxsets off him who probably haven't realised theirs is a cheap knockoff…

  • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2013 - 11:30

    Just got this slightly threatening email:

    I'm out at the moment with my daughter at hospital she had broken her leg and I don't have my Paypal details in my phone. So threaten me all u want I can't do anything now!! I will be home in the afternoon. So leave neg feedback and I won't Co operate with u.

    WHAT TO DO NOW????

    • SirFlibbled on 03/10/2013 - 12:09
      +8

      How convenient that his faughter just happened to break her leg today.

      • altomic on 03/10/2013 - 15:52
        +18

        she probably threatened to neg him for selling her a bootleg barbie DVD…..

  • drdolphin on 03/10/2013 - 12:20
    +1

    Don't send them back to him - it is ilegal to post counterfeit items in Australia.

    Clearly he knew all along they were dodgy, and wants to pick them up to stop you taking any further action (ie police). Contact the copyright holders (I assume Warner Bros) and see what they want you to do.

    Personally, I wouldnt be interested in meeting him (nor believe his story about an injured child - every dodgy seller has an ill or injured partner, child or parent!), so just say its not convenient for you and you want the refund immediately before you take the issue further. Sounds like he's running a biggish counterfeit DVD rung and the police enjoy breaking these!

    or tell him you'll meet at the local Police station. Then there is no chance if him doing anything to you!

    • one man clan on 03/10/2013 - 12:30
      +2

      This.

      Have you started a paypal dispute? If paypal try to tell them to send the goods back, raise the first point in this post - they'll back down and you should get your money back.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2013 - 13:17

    I already launched a PayPal dispute as 'Goods not as described' and also left him negative feedback but calling all the other people who bought this particular DVD boxset to contact me as they were bootlegs.
    Still don't know what else to do… hopefully all the other eBay members whom I personally contacted by sending them a message {the ones that bought this boxset from him in the last few weeks} will realise they were sold a fake and shut this guy down and get their cash back… fingers crossed all goes well!

    • SirFlibbled on 03/10/2013 - 14:36
      +12

      I wouldn't have negged him until I receieved the refund to be honest. Just piss him off more than necessary.

  • djones145 on 03/10/2013 - 13:21
    +3

    tell him just give me a refund and you will dispose of the DVD's
    it is in your best interest to do that cause if not i will:
    - negative you on ebay,
    - message al other people who have purchased this that it is fake
    - send message and post to ebay the dvd so they can vertify it is fake
    - also message warner bro's with proof
    - call federal police
    - contact A current affair, 730 report, channel 7 news, tday tonight, anyone who wants to listen
    - post on ozbargain
    - tell anyone/ everyone in this world how ur a bad seller
    - call batman

    this list can go on! i'm unemployed so have a lot of time on my hands :P

    • rustynail on 07/10/2013 - 11:28

      I like the call Batman option.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2013 - 13:28
    -1

    Contact the NSA, FBI, CIA, haha!

    • sourdawg on 07/10/2013 - 10:03
      -1

      Umm, they already know

  • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2013 - 18:42

    If this guy has sold over 30,000 items with 99.5% positive and no neg comments for bootlegs (unless I missed them) - there's a real possibility he was scammed and genuinely didn't know they were bootleg when he sold them.

    With 30,000+ sales, would he really risk his eBay reputation/ store to sell some dodgy disks?

    Maybe I'm completely missing something here - but couldn't this just be an innocent mistake?

    • umoddbro on 03/10/2013 - 19:14
      +2

      That is not the seller who sold OP the DVD… OP just randomly took a similar deal and linked it.

      • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2013 - 19:33
        +1

        Ok, that's what I was missing - thanks for the update

  • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2013 - 18:55

    Sorry, this is the link to the actual item, but surprise, he had one left to sell, yet the sale has been pulled no doubt he got scared:

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/JUSTICE-LEAGUE-COMPLETE-SERIES-UN…

    Also, I've just been contacted by PayPal they have ruled in my favour and will refund my money… but I have to send the item back to the seller, which sucks, and provide PP a tracking number… at my expense… I hope it's not too much postage.
    Probably send it tomorrow, unless some of you have a better idea.

    • harlaqu on 04/10/2013 - 00:28
      +9

      Call PP up, and explain again that its illegal to send the goods. I had a similar thing happen to me. The goods cost $40 and shipping back to the seller was $21. I said I would provide proof of disposal but I will not ship them and they agreed and went ahead with the refund right at that moment. Never had to provide proof to them though.

  • Briefcase Mong on 03/10/2013 - 19:44
    +1

    what is a boootleg ?

  • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2013 - 20:02
    +1

    A fake, the word comes from the prohibition era when people made their own alcoholic drinks.

  • epicaricacy on 04/10/2013 - 01:50

    One positive feedback giver has written;

    'Disc's play well but picture printed on discs & cover look like burnt copy'

  • lala1911 on 04/10/2013 - 05:34

    As far as I know, PayPal is wrong in this situation. Counterfeit goods are illegal in Australia, so instead of sending it back to him they should be destroyed and disposed of appropriately. Try explaining this to them so you don't need to waste your hard earned money on postage to this scumbag so he can resell them to an innocent buyer. Disposing them and getting a refund will surely rub it in his face.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/10/2013 - 06:43

    How did you provide proof of disposal?

    • Malarkey on 04/10/2013 - 09:37

      Step 1: Take dvd's outside onto drive way.
      Step 2: Smashy smashy with a hammber.
      Step 3: Upload photos of busted dvd's with a piece of paper with your username and date on it.

      I once ordered a rifle stock from America (I'm a licensed shooter) and they sent the wrong stock. It was cheaper for them to get me to destroy the stock and them send me a new one instead of me posting it back.

      They had me take photos as I cut it up with a handsaw

  • p1 ama on 04/10/2013 - 08:38
    +2

    Just work on getting your money back rather than threatening or vindicating the seller.

    Yes, he's doing the wrong thing, but sending threats his way will not improve your chances of getting a refund.

    If he's willing to operate outside of eBay or PayPal - i.e. give you a cash refund in person, that is okay, it's better than no refund and at least you get your money back.

    Just tell the seller politely that you want to have your money back as you are not after a counterfeit and just let him know that if he refunds you, you won't leave negative feedback…etc.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/10/2013 - 10:35

      and don't forget that the guy knows where you live.

    • Weezle on 04/10/2013 - 23:45
      +3

      That's like saying "why buy a car from a dealership, why not just steal one instead"?

      I seriously hope you weren't being serious with your comment.

      • _Bruce_ on 05/10/2013 - 08:18
        +3

        While I am 100% against sus888's position, I get very upset when people buy into the copyright violation is the same as theft fallacy. They are different, don't make them the same.

    • Shwayne on 08/10/2013 - 20:17

      We don't care what moral lines you cross, but keep it to yourself.

      Whether or not you're a pirate is your own decision, you should not encourage piracy.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/10/2013 - 09:26
    +2

    You made a mistake when you selected "Goods Not As Described".

    There is an option that says "Counterfeit Goods".

    This option entitles you to a refund WITHOUT having to send fake goods back.

    Many people have already mentioned that it is illegal to send counterfeit goods. That's why PayPal KNOW that if they tell you to do that they are breaking the law and that's why you would get your refund without having to send anything anywhere.

    Once someone sends fake goods they are immediately in the wrong and without any further process you are entitled to a refund.

  • g12345567 on 04/10/2013 - 09:40

    Fake dodgy copies. Happened to me once on Ebay. Luckily I managed to get my money back.

    Compressed dual layer dvd to single layer.
    Poorly printed artwork and discs.
    Not in original packaging.
    Very cheap price.
    Dodgy plastic or cardboard sleeves.
    Very bad spelling and grammar on cover. Especially for Asian copies.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/10/2013 - 09:48

    I actually ticked the box 'Counterfeit goods'… Told PP it was illegal to send bootleg stuff through the mail, I got a automated response instead, pretty hopeless…

    • one man clan on 04/10/2013 - 10:05

      Try calling them. As others have explained, this happens regularly and they won't make you send it back.

      • Flyingmoo on 04/10/2013 - 10:41
        +1

        I tried lodging a complaint, calling and email paypal for when i got counterfeit goods and i kept getting the "post it back to them" response, even after explaining it is illegal to post it back.

        In the end it was just too much hassle for the 20 odd bucks so i gave up

    • Forfiet on 14/10/2013 - 15:41

      Tell Paypal(on the phone) if they try to force you to post it, they you will report them to the financial ombudsman.

  • ethereal88 on 04/10/2013 - 12:17
    -7

    Should have just downloaded it from a decent private tracker, which I bet is what this seller did, then prettied them up and flogged them off.

  • Garagesale on 04/10/2013 - 20:08

    Paypal are a pain to deal with.
    Easiest option is just to dispute the transaction with your bank.
    Send his detais to warner brothers as they are very very keen to deal with these kinda guys.

  • exc3113nce on 05/10/2013 - 08:25

    If you go through PayPal you will need a verified expert/ dealer to confirm that it is a fake - this could be costly.

    From past experiences, let the seller know the consequences of dealing in counterfeit goods, really encourage the seller to stop ALL activities. This not only will help you in retrieving your money back but will stop further buyers from also facing similar circumstances.

  • akyeeeahdude on 05/10/2013 - 10:50

    Agreed - Ebay are very slow to action this but they will actually move, provided they get enough complaints.

    Same thing happened to me, bought a box set off a seller which had perfect feedback 200+ and it was the worst pirated copy you could imagine. A 4 year old would be able to tell it wasn't right.

    Complained about it and the seller eventually agreed to refund my money less postage but kept arguing and they agreed and said they would if I would post it on to the next buyer for them. I agreed, money was received and then I said I would send it to the authorities and complain to Ebay that he was selling pirated crap.

    Lodged a case with Ebay who only really acknowledged they'd received the case and didn't act on it. I threw the pirated copy away and a couple months later the seller was kicked off by Ebay (more people started having the same problem).

  • striker5950 on 05/10/2013 - 19:49
    -3

    no offence dude but who buys DVDs anymore, from ebay:/

    • scrimshaw on 06/10/2013 - 00:42
      +1

      Some people just like collecting DVD's. I know we live in the age of online HD video streaming (and dare I say, BitTorrent) but people still buy DVD's mostly as a bookshelf filler or ensuring their most treasured TV series get immortalized in the best way possible.
      Though I have to say it's a fairly silly hobby since DVD's have hardly any resale value, they take up a lot of room and eventually end up getting thrown out when you move.

  • t_c on 05/10/2013 - 20:13
    -1

    so if the eBay seller is just a importer/reseller and he bought those dvd's say in bulk at $30 a piece, if you claim a refund and don't return his property isn't that the same as stealing the $30 of him?

    • _Bruce_ on 05/10/2013 - 20:25

      Not at all. Reseller was defrauded of $30 by the original seller. They can take it up with them in you hypothetical situation.

      • t_c on 06/10/2013 - 19:17

        hardly hypothetical, the OP posted

        'He just wrote to me:

        I buy these from America as far as I am aware these were told to be genuine'

        • _Bruce_ on 06/10/2013 - 20:17
          +1

          He can claim whatever he likes. Still isn't the OP's problem.

        • Forfiet on 14/10/2013 - 15:47

          And apparently they are a pretty obvious fake, if he dosen't know what he sells thats his fault!

    • aerona on 06/10/2013 - 10:21
      +20

      Shouldve taken everyone's advice. Now there will be a new victim.

      • auzbargain on 06/10/2013 - 17:09
        +14

        Not to mention the money lost on shipping…which you did with tracking as well. Plus its illegal to post counterfeit goods. Why post on the forum if you are going to ignore the advice anyway?

        • meroveus on 06/10/2013 - 19:35
          +3

          The OP also did the wrong thing by leaving neg feedback too early - should have left that for last.
          Get your money refunded, THEN leave neg feedback.
          This is why the scammers get away with so much on ebay.

    • Tnetennba on 07/10/2013 - 00:03
      +6

      WHY? EVERYONE ON THIS THREAD SAID NOT TO DO THAT.

      You actually just committed a crime by posting counterfeit goods, and allowed the seller to get them back! He'll just go and resell them now. This is frustrating to see.

  • Circly on 06/10/2013 - 18:32
    +3

    you stuffed up OP. Why would you send it back? Should have kept hassling PP.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/10/2013 - 21:46

      Here

    • Weezle on 06/10/2013 - 23:55

      lol it means money.. shakes head

  • icollected on 06/10/2013 - 22:57
    +2

    You just have to call PayPal and tell them that it is a fake and illegal for you to send it. PayPal will then tell you to get it verified as a fake (take it to any JB Hi-Fi/electronics store), any staff can just write "this is a non-genuine product", sign it and stamp/staple on the store's business card to the document.

    Had that happen when I bought Windows 7 CD on eBay. It was only $10 cheaper than RRP and the picture was of a genuine box.

  • eltito on 07/10/2013 - 09:57
    +7

    OP are you an idiot? No offence, but everyone was telling you exactly what to do here and on two different occasions ( neg feedback left early and posted the item back) you didn't listen. Why post, If you're going to rush the situation anyway and not listen to everyone else here who have given you advice….and many from experience. This sounds harsh but I have no sympathny for you if you become a victim.

    • Circly on 07/10/2013 - 11:35
      +1

      yeah i was really suprised to read that he both negged early AND sent it back. What part of illegal to post fake good do you not understand? a number of people told you to keep annoying paypal and eventually they would refund you without postage. Now your gonna have to hope the other dude refunds you your money, except you have pissed him off in the emails AND negged him.

  • Lucky13 on 07/10/2013 - 18:40

    Ok so what you should do and Ive done it before is lodge an 'Item Not As Described' in Paypal, you have a certain amount of time to do it in too like 30 days or something so dont leave it too long. Lodge the 'Item Not As Described' in Paypal, the person you bought it off will winge in some message and then theyll be told by Paypal to refund your money after youve returned the item. Advise you do it this way cos its through the correct channels and youve got Paypal guiding everyone through it. So just lodge a Paypal 'Item Not As Described' and go from there. Its pretty simple actually and should have your money back within 2 weeks?? I guess.

    • Ughhh on 07/10/2013 - 18:47
      +6

      I think you're a bit late to the party…

      • Lucky13 on 08/10/2013 - 01:52
        -4

        Oh so he did something else? D'u mean I have to read the whole thing to find out :( Anyway thatd b the best thing to do IMO

  • kzrocky on 07/10/2013 - 21:06

    Agree to meet the dude behind the shelter sheds at school for the swap.
    Make sure that you have your dad with you, and plenty of his mates.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/10/2013 - 16:59
    +1

    PayPal gave me a full refund, glad is over, as for the stuff I sent back, after the negative feedback I left him, I doubt he will put it for sale, ever.
    Elvis has left the building.

    • Lucky13 on 08/10/2013 - 17:21

      Glad it ended well and you got your money back :) Maybe just get it from a reputable place like JB Hifi, they have some pretty good specials

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