$1750 Scam on eBay?!! Is this seller tricking me into a SCAM?

[Deactivated] on 03/08/2018 - 21:38
Last edited 04/08/2018 - 20:27 by 1 other user

I am going to post transcript of my case dispute here. Also, at the end I will copy and paste what seller is saying.

This is my email to Paypal dispute resolution team.

I ordered Nikon D750 24.3 MP DSLR Camera Black (Body) - Brand New with 2-year Warranty on 30th July 2018 from this eBay seller store called Digital_oz_e. This store was opened on 19th July 2018 (according to the information available on eBay.com.au)

The seller once made a request quoting "Perfect. If you could place the bid of the amount on the item, I can end the listing right away and sell it to the highest bidder (you).

Would a bank transfer be possible? If not, PayPal is alright, but sometimes what happens is that as we are a new seller, the PayPal payment gets held by eBay which can cause problems for us at times. So, if a bank transfer could work for you, that would be great. Otherwise, PayPal is all good" (see Evidence 5)

Before the item was posted by the seller.

On their listing on eBay, the Item's location was Melbourne but it was posted from from New South Wales (different state) (see evidence 1 and 4 in attachment)

Before the item was posted I messaged the seller and requested to recheck my name, address and phone number and also advised strictly not to use safe dropping option because its a high value item. Also, requested to send a photo of the package with address if possible as I was a bit suspicious about the seller because PayPal details of the seller shows an Indian retail website and email address and that website doesn't sell cameras etc. (See evidence 2 and 6 in attachment)

I also asked seller to tell me about DealsNshop (this is an Indian website which doesn't sell any camera gear, I asked this because some suspicion was forming in my head about the seller) but I never got any info on that (See evidence 9)

The item was posted on 01/08/2018 using Australia Post and I was given this tracking number <removed>.

After the item was posted

1) Today on 03/08/2018 at 0810 I got an email from Australia Post that a delivery is coming (no time frame was mentioned)

2) at 0932 I got an email saying shipment has been delivered.

3) At 0943, I called Australia Post and told them who signed for this shipment because we husband and wife, both start work early in the morning and no one was at 0930 when the package got delivered. Operator suggested to open an investigation case as this is a high value item and provided me with a case number # <removed>

4) Called PayPal and requested to hold the payment to the seller because of suspicion of fraud or scam. Also, messaged Digital_oz_e on eBay to look into this matter at around 1020

5) Called Australia Post again at 1027 to get some more information and got told that seller choose safe delivery option at the time of posting the package (See what seller said in evidence 2 and 8). I requested if the delivery man can go back to collect the item from the address (by that time both myself and operator could only see the suburb it was delivered in which was Hadfield 3046 and not the full address) and take it to the local Post Office where I can collect it from after work. They lodged this request but couldn't give any guarantee that this will happen today. I was also informed by the operator that the package has been sent using a 500 gram sachet (See attached evidence 7) and while she (operator) was on call I looked for the weight of the camera on Google and it turned out to be 750 grams (just the camera body with out the box and its accessories) so how can the whole box fit in smaller size sachet (See evidence 10) Such fragile and expensive items are sent in Postage Boxes not sachets.

6) I rushed back home by requesting an early day off to collect the package from the door steps and recorded my self on video from Glenroy station to my home (its a continuous video of myself talking about the matter and showing the property and mailbox) There was nothing there outside or around the Unit number 2 (where I live) and I also checked Unit 1 and 3 and the mailbox had no card or anything left in it. I know people in my neighbourhood and they are all from my community so I know they won't steal a parcel. (happy to send you the video upon request)

7) I called Australia Post again at 1336 and got some further information from them. They told me that they don't know the exact location where the package was dropped off but all they can see are the GPS coordinates which are showing that it was delivered somewhere on North Street, Hadfield (I live on <removed> Street). The operator tried to call the delivery head office three times but they didn't pickup his call. However, he sent them an email about the matter. I requested the delivery address but they wouldn't provide me the address as this is against their policies and they don't encourage people to go the addresses themselves anyway.

8) Its 1605 and the seller has failed to update me on this issue. (All it takes is a call to Australia Post Office)

These are a few indications of eBay store scams. Please hold my money back until this matter gets resolved.

What I am going to do next?

1) I will happily cooperate with eBay and Paypal and If I have been scammed or tricked in to a fraud then,
2) I will also go to Police station to file a report and
3) request Australia post to send me a report of their investigation

PS: Please do not ignore the attached files as I am attaching them to support my case.

Best regards,

(All the evidences are image of our conversation on ebay and images from other resources)

SELLER RESPONDS AT 2100 ON EBAY

Hi,

Alright, I've heard back and this is the current situation:
What has happened is that the company has shipped the item with a hold on delivery as your PayPal payment has been held from us. The item is still within the AU post system and has not been "delivered". It has been marked as delivered in the tracking as it has reached the destination city/post office. The post office will send out the item to your delivery address as soon as PayPal releases our funds - which is expected to happen in 2 business days.

We understand that this is not your fault and the payment has already been made and deducted from your side, but I hope you understand the situation. We are trying to get our PayPal funds released ASAP. It would really help if you could take back your PayPal request as this would allow us to access the funds and send out your item for delivery quicker. If you do so, we hope to receive the payments within 2 business days and you should receive your order a day after that.

We sincerely apologize for this. I hope you understand!

Regards

Please don't start that I should have asked the seller to get an insurance. I didn't expect all this. In his reply whatever he is saying was never communicated or agreed upon.

Update

  • Seller's eBay account has been suspended and all items have been taken off except the ones currently being processed.
  • Seller has approached me on FB saying he is a young University student who recently started this sales job for this company https://photo-specialists.net/ He is sorry for whatever happened and also thinks this company is scamming him too.
  • Seller then strikes back in response to the eBay's dispute quoting "Please bear with us for the weekend. We aim to clear this issue by Monday and get your order to you as soon as possible."
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Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2018 - 21:48
    +64

    Do you have your post available in hard back?

  • vinni9284 on 03/08/2018 - 21:49
    +8

    TL:DR would be nice :P

    Edit: Always use the eBay platform to communicate with the seller so there is a trail/proof.

    I hope this gets resolved as i really feel for you.

    I had a similar circumstance where I spent $2.5K on an item and it never got delivered. I reckon the seller had no intentions of selling the item and wanted a temporary loan until PayPal claws back the money. They understand the process/claim system.
    It took me 6 weeks to luckily get my money back via PayPal.

    I will NEVER spend over $500 ever again on a private seller.
    Anything over $500 will be spent on a registered/reputable seller that has a bricks and mortar shop.

    Good luck.

    Cheers

    • NotJustChickenDinner on 03/08/2018 - 22:31
      +8

      tldr;

    • Broke-Ken on 04/08/2018 - 12:10
      +17

      TL:DR The old "send a dummy package close to buy's address" scam.

      This store was opened on 19th July 2018 (according to the information available on eBay.com.au)

      Personally, I would have moved on once I saw that.

      • MetaphorOZB on 06/08/2018 - 11:18
        +1

        Yep - for any high-value items, ALWAYS buy from a reputable seller.

  • datafellows on 03/08/2018 - 21:51
    +32

    You did right by not sending bank transfer. Don't close the request even the seller asks you to.

  • Godric on 03/08/2018 - 21:52
    +6

    Can i get cliff notes pls

  • Donaldhump on 03/08/2018 - 21:55
    +37

    My PhD wasn’t this long

    • Godric on 04/08/2018 - 01:09
      +14

      That's what she said

    • smartazz104 on 05/08/2018 - 18:11
      +2

      That's why you scour OzB for deals.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2018 - 22:35
      +2

      No wonder it was rejected.

  • robbyjones on 03/08/2018 - 21:56
    +9

    Don't release the funds, buy the camera elsewhere.

  • CyberMurning on 03/08/2018 - 21:57
    +27

    Too long to read on Friday evening. I will just decide you got scamed.

  • Master Bates on 03/08/2018 - 22:10
    +6

    @twoperspectives: What’s the other perspective?

  • maxia80 on 03/08/2018 - 22:10
    +46

    Just for the seller's reply,

    I don't think that the seller has power to ask AUSPOST with a hold for a parcel because of the Paypal transaction is on hold.

    It has been marked as delivered in the tracking as it has reached the destination city/post office…….. It's pretty impossible. I do online shopping A LOT and it always show delivered only if it's delivered.

    It really looks like a scam.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2018 - 22:56
      +2

      Australia post would have informed me about this but they didn't. So yes, this is a scam as it seems to be.

    • foxmulder on 03/08/2018 - 23:05

      I'm interested on what happen to that delivered item then? Few days ago on different post, Auspost do the same to onine tracking with arrangement to seller to have it sent but it wasn't. This is not right.

    • mgsydney on 04/08/2018 - 11:03
      +14

      Complete scam. What does Australia Post have to do with PayPal and any funds held there?

      If he purchased and paid via bank transfer theoretically he would still use Australia Post.

      I have noticed that he just opened a store on the Amazon Australia Marketplace. And has a measly 12 followers on Facebook page.

      there was a way that you could access the seller details as in name and address when they registered with eBay so try that out so you can report to the police. But something tells me you'll be pushing s*** uphill.

  • qwerty on 03/08/2018 - 22:43
    +13

    The seller has been around for less than a month and sold to all fresh accounts and all of his items are high end > $800

    I wouldn't be shocked if the tracking is for a box of with a brick in it

    • jonnochen on 04/08/2018 - 11:40

      Brick<500g

      • rompastompa on 04/08/2018 - 13:05

        What about a lead brick?

  • foxmulder on 03/08/2018 - 23:00

    Why not just go to local big name retailer and just buy the item from them. Online retailer especially new seller can be very risky to handle your money.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2018 - 20:07

      Always buy from a business with actual ABN or store which has store front for high priced items.

  • askme69 on 03/08/2018 - 23:06
    +3

    When Auspost tracking for me says it's been delivered, the item is either delivered or I have a card to pickup at the post office.

    • Love a bargain on 07/08/2018 - 13:05

      it would say something different if they've left you a card instead of having actually delivered it.

  • spackbace on 03/08/2018 - 23:32
    +14

    Looks like a scam, smells like a scam…

    And wow you spent that much money with a new seller… Oh dear

  • Ryanek on 03/08/2018 - 23:35
    +2

    I am going to post transcript of my case

    I got this far

  • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2018 - 23:46
    +1

    Should I report this case to the Police?

    • foxmulder on 03/08/2018 - 23:56
      -1

      You have the seller own wordings on what happen to that item that meant to be delivered but in fact in holding. Chat with eBay customer service or if you call at least have the conversation recorded. See what they can offer you as this hold up is unusual.

      • Turffe on 06/08/2018 - 20:10

        There is no hold-up, it's a common scam. The seller sends a dummy 500g satchel (empty/worthless items) to an address close to the buyer but a few streets over. When the buyer doesn't receive anything, the seller can blame it on Auspost since the tracking system doesn't display the actual address it was delivered to - just the suburb + postcode.
        The excuse the seller gave in this case about Paypal holds is to stall the buyer in hopes they don't pursue it until it's too late.

    • Quantumcat on 04/08/2018 - 12:56
      +5

      The police don't care about civil matters. They'll just refer you to ACORN.

      • random110 on 04/08/2018 - 16:55

        Fraud is a criminal offence

        • Quantumcat on 04/08/2018 - 20:52
          +6

          Maybe, but they won't take it seriously. Been there, done that.

        • foxmulder on 04/08/2018 - 20:54
          +1

          @Quantumcat: These days it's not that hard to paper trail a criminal, police should have taken more work of this kind of cases to help civilian.

        • Quantumcat on 04/08/2018 - 23:29
          +5

          @foxmulder: it might be easy, doesn't change the fact that if the police don't care they don't care. You'll just get referred to ACORN.

        • namenotspecified on 05/08/2018 - 00:04

          @Quantumcat:

          You realise that ACORN is just an online tool for reporting cyber crime? The reports are referred back to the police anyway

        • Quantumcat on 05/08/2018 - 01:10
          +5

          @namenotspecified: the point is the police won't do anything. Nothing ever comes from ACORN reports - probably just for collecting patterns. You guys can keep going at this if you want but at the end of the day the police will not do anything. Best you can hope for is a police report to give to your insurance company.

    • Tempus Fugit on 05/08/2018 - 21:48

      Forget about contacting the police their not interested in getting involved with ebay issues, i got an item that didn't work so I looked at the sellers reviews and i found that I had written five positive reviews for the same item before I received the item so I contacted ebay and asked them to investigate the sellers an keep me informed of the investigation they said they couldn't do that I said WTF why? There's a lot of sellers selling items for under $20 hoping that you can be bothered enough to get some justice.

  • birdsinthetrap on 03/08/2018 - 23:55
    +8

    @twoperspectives

    DUDE same issue same seller for me. It's a SCAM. That message to you was copy pasted to me too!

    Look at my thread!!

    https://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Buying/Aus-Post-parcel-says…

    • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2018 - 00:06

      Our case is very similar. Do you have sellers info on your Paypal A/c?

      • birdsinthetrap on 04/08/2018 - 00:13
        +1

        No it's not similar, it's literally the same store. Digital oz e.

        Paypal says DealsNShop

        • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2018 - 00:14

          Yeah its them DealsNshop.

        • birdsinthetrap on 04/08/2018 - 00:18
          +3

          @twoperspectives:

          I've contacted AU Post and they said that they didn't add signature on delivery which is absolutely ridiculous for something so expensive (mine was $799), yours is even more. They said that this one will be hard to track down for some reason. It was sent on a simple prepaid satchel. Not how it's supposed to be.

          I then opened a missing item dispute through eBay. I'm going to tell them tomorrow that someone has been scammed by the exact same seller and the message sent at 2100 is IDENTICAL.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2018 - 00:18

          Did you order the Pixel 2 XL? lol

          I am calling Ebay in the morning once again.

        • spackbace on 04/08/2018 - 00:21
          +3

          @twoperspectives:

          Claim it all through PayPal (not eBay) asap, and have a credit card charge back ready

        • foxmulder on 04/08/2018 - 00:21
          -6

          OP has asked seller and seller admit somehow he has arrangement with AusPost to delay shipment to wait till payment clear, I suggest you ask the seller so that seller can give you the same respond - at least then you're in better position.

        • spackbace on 04/08/2018 - 00:22
          +11

          @foxmulder:

          seller admit somehow he has arrangement with AusPost to delay shipment to wait till payment clear

          You know that's bullshit, right?

        • birdsinthetrap on 04/08/2018 - 00:23

          @foxmulder:

          I did the same thing, and they told me the same thing. "The parcel is on hold by AU post until funds are cleared, etc.".

          I already opened an eBay case and hopefully will get their money back guarantee. If not, going straight to paypal/the bank.

        • birdsinthetrap on 04/08/2018 - 00:23

          @twoperspectives:

          Pixel 2. Yep. FML.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2018 - 00:29

          @birdsinthetrap: I knew there was something wrong when I saw that they were selling a local stock pixel 2 xl with warranty for $7xx..

        • pizzahut on 06/08/2018 - 10:00

          @Spackbace:

          No , you claim it through ebay and if you lose you claim through paypal, you can actually have two chances this way.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2018 - 18:27

      @birdsinthetrap, The seller has communicated with me on FB. Can you unable PM's?

      • Love a bargain on 07/08/2018 - 13:09
        +2

        Why would the seller be able to track you down on FB?

  • Savas on 04/08/2018 - 00:49
    +69

    How do ozbargainers get scammed so much?? Makes the community look stupid.

    • Thatsgold on 04/08/2018 - 18:29
      +3

      Lmao great comment

    • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2018 - 22:42
      +2

      I'm not stupid, just intellectually challenged that's all.

    • mister_snrub on 06/08/2018 - 11:29
      +3

      Sometimes the allure of a bargain overcomes common sense.

  • BlazinPast on 04/08/2018 - 03:06
    +6

    Get in contact with PayPal and they can freeze/reverse the funds. He's a new seller meaning that he can't retrieve funds for up to 21 days. Open a PayPal case and it'll be hard for him to wiggle out of it.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2018 - 07:47
    +4

    I replied back and he removed all the listings including his store.

    First of all Mr. Swapneel, did we agree upon this or was this ever communicated to me that you will ask AU post to hold the item till you get the payment? The item got delivered mate but not to my address. It has been delivered to some other "xyz" address upon your request and that is what the tracking number provided to me is indicating. Australia post is not aware of what you are talking about in your message. Secondly, Australia Post don't offer such services as you are mentioning if they did they would have informed me when I spoke to them today while opening an investigation. You did not inform about any arrangement with AU post at the time of providing the tracking number. I do online shopping and this is not how things work.

    At this stage, it seems like this trick is being played to cheat PayPal and the buyer. Tracking number shows item as "Delivered" therefore, PayPal will transfer money in two business days into the sellers A/c. but in reality Item has been delivered to an "unknown" place upon sellers request and all these cases and disputes will take a couple of days and that's what the real motive is here.

    Since the item has not been delivered to the buyer nor the buyer has signed any delivery, PayPal has been advised to hold the payment because of suspicion of a possible SCAM therefore, Dispute will not close upon your request. I have lodged an investigation with AU Post and will possibly hear from them on Monday and unfortunately afterwards, I will have to go to the Police to file a report against you.

    PS: Never send High Value items which weigh more then 800 gram in 500 Gram Sachets and Never Copy and Paste the same message to all the buyers

    • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2018 - 12:06
      +28

      Nice message but in future, don't educate scammers. Despite their despicable nature and probable nil worth as a human being, they are surprisingly adaptable when it comes to stealing.

      Want to make them lose sleep? Don't give them closure. Just tell them you are fully aware that this is a scam and he should be on the lookout for sirens. Maybe avoid immigration checkpoints for a little while.

      That really gets under their skin.

      • abb on 06/08/2018 - 10:19
        +4

        Tell them you've backtraced their IP and will be coming with some mates from the local two-wheeled transport enthusiast organisation

        • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2018 - 10:58

          … maybe.

          Can't rule anything out.

  • jiberz on 04/08/2018 - 07:47
    +2

    The last part raises a question. You see sellers trying to unload the responsibility of delivery security onto the user. Aren't we covered by law that if the item is not delivered or not as described, we can return it at sellers expense? I have always stood my ground and never paid for the returns. On the subject as a whole, sounds like a typical scam. Ebay is just loaded with fake items/scammers/false claims on pages these days.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2018 - 07:54
      +1

      I have the sellers details like Facebook intagram and his personal website. Is there anyway i can file report against him with Police?

      • Quantumcat on 04/08/2018 - 12:59

        No, police have no interest in civil matters

        • gromit on 05/08/2018 - 10:56
          +1

          fraud is not a civil matter.

        • Quantumcat on 05/08/2018 - 11:52

          @gromit: do you have any experience dealing with the police in these sorts of circumstances? No? Then you can't tell us what will or won't happen. I do have experience. All I got was a reference number to give my insurance and told to lodge the event at ACORN. Nothing happened after that despite following it up repeatedly over the next couple of months.

        • gromit on 05/08/2018 - 22:27

          @Quantumcat: I didn't claim anything of the sort (though yes I have had dealings with the police for these type of matters where my mother was defrauded, police actually charged the scumbag as he was doing similar to a lot of people), But I was just pointing out that this type of fraud is a criminal matter not purely civil at all.

        • GregMonarch on 07/08/2018 - 02:42
          +2

          Well I've had experience. A woman was selling non-existent gift cards on ebay. When none of the buyers received their gift cards, she claimed it was her sister using her ebay account. This was back when ebay users could communicate with each other through ebay even without a transaction going on. So one of the other buyers contacted me, took my details and everyone else that had been ripped off and gave them to VIC police. We all confirmed the fraud to VIC police when they contacted us. They then took her to court for fraud. VIC police phoned me to ask I go to my local NSW cop shop to give a verbal statement which they typed out to be sent to VIC police and given to the judge during the court case. By then I had received a partial refund from paypal, which went into the statement. The court ordered the scammer (not her sister) repay that amount to paypal, and pay the difference I didn't receive from paypal, directly to my bank account.

        • Quantumcat on 07/08/2018 - 06:08

          @GregMonarch: that's a good ending. She had multiple victims though, not one on one.

        • gromit on 08/08/2018 - 16:05

          @Quantumcat: nearly ALL these scammers have multiple victims. The key to getting anything done is reporting it. ACORN does take action, as per my mothers case where she was contacted several months later by police and asked to make a statement and provide as much evidence as she could. The key is though they can really only take action when there are sufficient people reporting it and then the police will require sufficient evidence before prosecuting as criminal unlike civil action requires proof beyond reasonable doubt. ACORN doesn't prosecute or have any avenue to provide you any information on the case as all they do is collect, collate and pass it on to the authorities to investigate where sufficient information is available and assuming the perpetrator is somewhere where action may serve a purpose (e.g. no use prosecuting someone sitting on the end of bank account in Nigeria),.

      • abb on 06/08/2018 - 10:20

        What makes you think those details are legit?

  • GaryQ on 04/08/2018 - 08:35
    +21

    I've never seen someone try so hard to give their money away

    • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2018 - 20:29

      It was just a left click on "Pay Now" button

  • Drj55 on 04/08/2018 - 08:59
    +1

    Obviously this is a scam. But I don't quite get what's happened with aus post. Was a package actually delivered? Where is it? How come aus post doesn't know where it got delivered? How is this part of the scam?

    • terrys on 04/08/2018 - 09:20
      +3

      It looks like a "dummy" package was sent to an accomplice's address and signed for there.

      • Miss B on 04/08/2018 - 20:08
        +3

        Doesn't even need to be an accomplice. Just send a low value item to someone in the suburb. Find a random name and address in whitepages. No signature required for parcel.

        • HighAndDry on 06/08/2018 - 14:03

          Yup. Someone somewhere is wondering why there's a Auspost satchel with a brick in it on their doorstep.

    • Melb69 on 04/08/2018 - 09:29
      +2

      Reading the posts I believe an item was sent to a different known address to get the tracking to say item delivered. Then what fall back does the seller have. As soon as the seller convinces the buyer to go direct bank transfer your money is done. This is why Ebay is now turning into the portal of legit stores. These private sellers or shops are filled with risks. You need to look at the feed back carefully. This is why its so important as a buyer to leave detailed feedback of your experience. Ie where item came from if not as per the sellers address or defect item or not as described.

      This seller will just open another ebay account deals plus 2. At least seller paid through pay pal. That is your only line of defence. Well you could go credit card, but its just a pain dealing with the banks. Especially if item is supposedly delivered,

  • PissLUR on 04/08/2018 - 09:59

    Was the price too good to be true?

    • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2018 - 12:34

      Some reputable Grey import sellers are putting up this dslr for that price i.e $1750

      Local shops like JB hifi etc have these one $2500

  • mgsydney on 04/08/2018 - 10:53
    +5

    Make a claim through BOTH eBay and PayPal. You didn't receive the item. I'm not sure why you have contacted Australia Post so frequently, when I have had issues Aus Post and eBay tell me thy can only deal with the person who sent the item.

    Bottom line is you are inappropriately being asked to withdraw a dispute. DO NOT DO THIS. Inform both eBay and PayPal that he/she is asking you to do this in breach of seller obligations.

    Make your dispute clear that this has ALL the hallmarks of fraud, and you utilised PayPal for security given the amount. Act soon because he will close his account or fall off the radar. I guarantee it.

    Too much dodgininess on eBay now. I've stopped using it.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/08/2018 - 13:01

      His account has been suspended.

    • Quantumcat on 04/08/2018 - 13:02
      +6

      Make a claim through BOTH eBay and PayPal.

      Terrible advice, one will automatically close because you've opened a case with the other and you will lose the ability to open a case with them at all.

      The correct sequence of events is ebay first, then if case closed not in your favour, PayPal, then if still no good go to the bank for a chargeback.

      • mgsydney on 04/08/2018 - 15:03
        -2

        Have done both - did not experience this. The seller in both circumstances did not respond in any event and time is of the essence. They access each other's systems and the eBay staffer I chatted with did not see an issue.
        Wasnt terrible for me.

        • HighAndDry on 06/08/2018 - 14:07

          No, eBay dispute automatically closes if a Paypal dispute is filed, and the timeframe for lodging a Paypal dispute is much longer than eBay, so best to lodge an eBay dispute, and only IF that's not resolved, then go to Paypal.

  • fifoo on 04/08/2018 - 18:58
    +3

    As others have mentioned, this is fraud. dummy package sent to get cleared payment. if you withdraw your paypal dispute, you are essentially let your money go.

    I would suggest, make this message available to Paypal so they know what the seller is trying to pull here. If paypal doesn't take action, charge back via CC.

  • double dukes on 04/08/2018 - 19:23
    +1

    Alright, I've heard back and this is the current situation:
    What has happened is that the company has shipped the item with a hold on delivery as your PayPal payment has been held from us. The item is still within the AU post system and has not been "delivered". It has been marked as delivered in the tracking as it has reached the destination city/post office. The post office will send out the item to your delivery address as soon as PayPal releases our funds - which is expected to happen in 2 business days.

    We understand that this is not your fault and the payment has already been made and deducted from your side, but I hope you understand the situation. We are trying to get our PayPal funds released ASAP. It would really help if you could take back your PayPal request as this would allow us to access the funds and send out your item for delivery quicker. If you do so, we hope to receive the payments within 2 business days and you should receive your order a day after that.

    We sincerely apologize for this. I hope you understand!

    Regards

    Definitely scam. Auspost doesn't hold parcels for sellers like that. Seems like amazon scammers are trying to use the same tactic on eBay but doesn't fully work because PayPal holds payment for new sellers.
    Pretty sure they used the tactic of sending you a fake parcel to a place near your address, so it gets "delivered" by auspost but you'll have no package and they can win the case by saying its delivered on tracking. This is what they do on amazon since amazon doesn't care as long as it says its delivered.

  • Dr Techno on 04/08/2018 - 20:06
    +3

    Just reading the start of the seller willing to close an auction early is enough to trigger my alarm bells. For a high priced item like this, I would only purchase from a well known store on ebay. I purchased my DSLR from Good Guys ebay during a 20% sale.

  • Danger on 04/08/2018 - 20:09

    There are always two perspectives..Ohh. wait..username checks out

  • dylo on 04/08/2018 - 20:16
    +1

    I blame Gerry Harvey

  • w3b3d1g1 on 04/08/2018 - 20:33
    +9

    The moment they start talking about direct deposit being preferred…. Scam.

  • l005e on 04/08/2018 - 20:54

    Total scam, hope you have success getting your money back

  • Retchey on 04/08/2018 - 21:45
    +1

    If the deal sounds to good to be true.
    …….. You all Know the rest….. Good luck

  • Ryxxi on 04/08/2018 - 21:49
    -7

    lol, why do people buy expensive ass stuff from ebay seller ?!?! If its a deal it will be on this site.. even if you receive it how are you going to claim warranty?? People have too much money these days.

  • filakhtov on 05/08/2018 - 00:02
    +5

    Hey @twoperspectives,

    I'm a long term eBay user and have been using it from multiple different countries and got into all sorts of good and bad situations.
    I know how tempting it is to snatch an item for the good price. Sometimes that actually works, other times, like yours it fails.

    First and foremost advice I can give you: Don't panic.
    Secondly: well done on using PayPal and not getting yourself into the bank transfer problems.

    Do all your communication via eBay. Open the case using the "I haven't received my item" and describe the situation.
    You have enough protection time from eBay and PayPal that you can collect all necessary evidence and report things properly.
    Go to the post office, provide your information, ask where an item was delivered and who have signed for it.

    It won't probably be a fast and pleasant experience, but once you have been through it - gives you confidence for you further purchases.

    I wish you best of luck in resolving this case as fast as possible and to your satisfaction.

    Regards,
    Garry

  • NeoBeum on 05/08/2018 - 01:37

    ebay has turned into backpage

    need good dose of antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral; every visit

    I use Smurf accounts for PayPal now because manky sellers fish after sales

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