eBay Buyer Swap Out Return Fraud Goes Wrong!

[@FlippinAintEasy]

The username to add to your block list is: hiddencreekgardens2013 I simply forgot that eBay does not display the entire username unless you are involved in the transaction.

[@ACDC4LIFE]

It’s amazing this guy has 100% @850 feedbacks & has been with eBay since 2013, I wonder if he shares his account with other family members I’ve seen that in the past ! One lady years back told me her ex-husband was using her eBay account & had bought a item from me. *I currently have 14 blocked buyers on my account how many do you have ?

[@Brooks0511]

Thanks blocking now

[@squirls1025]

I appreciate your content and looking out for us sellers. It is hard enough out there trying to make a living without being scammed by people like this. Fighting back and filing claims against these types of people is always worth it, even if nothing gets done initially. If nothing else it shows a pattern for when the authorities finally decide to do something about it

[@psg1975]

What a bad person ... I am surprised he hasn't hit you with a negative yet since it seems to be his modus operandi. You can tell from the feedback he left (and the sellers replies) that this is not his first rodeo ... Here are some seller replies to negative feedbacks I found on his account: "Wouldn't give away the product, so leaves Negative even with above comment???" "I am an honest seller. I'd be happy to correct any errors in your order." "We think get item by free is unethical behavior!If anything pls contact us first" "Dear friend,I have solved this problem for you.Pls be honest." "Timely refund processed w/shipping. Messages ignored. Buyer 'kept' iron & box :("

[@OnizukaSenseSay]

Hmmm.... When I try to search for your item number on ebay I couldn't find it. Also, a google and eBay search would not lead me to this user. I had to use bing to find their profile. Yeah, they have left a LOT of negative feedback. Honestly more than one or two negatives left (only when for good reasons) are a red flag for me. Thanks for the name I definitely want to block people like this.

[@jochildress5003]

It’s totally worth the hassle and expense to bring buyers like this to justice. I applaud your efforts.

[@christeneotoole3841]

You definitely did the right thing, Jon. We just can’t let buyers get away with scamming us. Otherwise, they will continue to scam others. Perhaps, EBay will listen more closely if other Sellers do the same thing. Customer Service did really help me with a similar case. It depends on who you get to help you.

[@Sunshine33333]

Makes my blood boil and its not even my transaction, so sorry this happened Jon. I SO hope eBay is watching this video.

[@lynnharris7119]

He is so patient & kind, I'd want to put them all over social media , it might not be the right thing to do but I think I would. You know their probably stealing other stuff too.

[@dwightrenfield2241]

They aren’t. They really don’t care.

[@constitutionalright827]

Ebay could care less. This is not new, they do nothing to protect sellers more often than not.

[@weirdmark]

Oddly, EBay takes money from the seller and goes to extreme lengths to protect the buyer even when the seller provides obvious proof the buyer is pulling a scam.

[@ggamer77]

Us sellers are their customers.

[@prawny12009]

eBay will rip off buyers too. I once had a parcel that didn't arrive, tracking number seemingly showed it was delivered but when I clicked "show more details" it was on its way back to the depo. The delivery guy had marked it delivered before knocking the door, a common thing during lockdown apparently. Both seller and eBay initially basically just said tuff shit it's been delivered until I challenged them proving photos of the more details screen.

[@inkedBc]

Facts

[@joshuacurrier4743]

The only problem with blocking someone is that if theyre persistent enough or just wanna be a dick theyll just create another account. I had a problem approximately 10 years ago where I eventually had to call the buyer and verbally express to them that they were only 2 hours away from me. They tried to scam me and when they didn't win they got mad and started creating problems for me. Basically told them if you dont stop I will show up on your doorstep. They went away. Silly part is in thier Facebook profile pic they had a broken leg so I asked if they wanted the other one broken 😂 they tried to say that stalking was illegal but I reminded them that so is scamming people.

[@lynnharris7119]

Omg😂 good for you, what a turd😂

[@alexanderdiaz0512]

This is why I went on Amazon and purchased tamper stickers with individual serial numbers. I specialize in game systems and most have been opened for cleaning so no original warranty sticker. I place one externally and internally since I clean what I sell. Before someone returns one of those, they have to take a picture with their request. People love swapping motherboards.

[@adammonahan687]

Stickers on consoles can not void a warranty though...

[@adammonahan687]

Do you take pictures of every console with the stickers on them? Cause if you yourself don't have pictures before you sent the item then it's your word vs theres

[@alexanderdiaz0512]

@@adammonahan687 of course. They are listed with them. And they have to picture it when returning.

[@alexanderdiaz0512]

@@adammonahan687 huh? I'm selling used consoles. My only concern is someone swapping the internals or the entire system. Why are you talking about warranty stickers not voiding warranty? If I sell you a console and you open it, you're not returning that item.

[@FlippinAintEasy]

Based on the current system in place, if you used this or any other method, your only proving to yourself that you were scammed. I’m learning that special markings and proof of a swapped out item makes no difference to eBay.

[@deltaray3]

Some buyers are definitely criminals. This has been the case since the beginning of commerce, but I think more people try to take advantage with the increase in the past couple decades of allowing customers to easily return things perpetuated by Wal-Mart's policies in the 90s and now online with Amazon. I worked as a cashier at wal-mart back in the 90s and remember them telling me stories about people bringing stuff back like old sewing machines in new sewing machine boxes and still getting a full refund. I also knew someone who had a shrink wrapping machine at home and bought a new CD-ROM drive, then put a brick in the box, shrink wrapped it and returned it. Can you imagine the next person that bought it?

[@DRventura333]

Yes, it is the worst kind of scum, when they purchase our perfect items and switch it out with their broken dirty item and try to do a false return. Thank you for including the scammer's name ID; we have blocked them as well.

[@antwhite684]

I was in a situation where I thought someone was trying to scam me. Some very expensive printer ink and paper for photo IDs. Person said I shipped a coffee maker I stead of his item. I contacted Ebay before even responding to him. I don't even sell items like that. Turned out I reused the "box" of a coffee maker.He never opened the box to look inside.I noticed the issue after a couple days of going back and forth and asked for photos. I'm glad I remained polite and professional the entire time.

[@CranstonSandwich]

I always worry about that when people open returns. I’m getting a lot of returns lately too… that’s definitely a swap out! Would love to preemptively ban that person from my store

[@cassandra7377]

I’m really sorry that happened to you, but glad you weren’t out hindered of dollars on this item. I am glad that you did make this video so everyone can learn the process.

[@dwd080376]

Yes i got a buyer that swapped my authentic Coach bag for a fake and accused me of sending them the fake one. I had video of my packing and lots of detailed photos and video of me opening the return. Ebay sided with me based on the pictures i didnt even need to submit the video. But it was a frustrating and upsetting process just dealing with the buyer. Ebay was great.

[@judyeddy656]

Thanks, people like this get so used to pulling this kind of thing on Amazon they figure they can get away with it on ebay as well. Really sucks that ebay is going to help them complete their theft.

[@LivePastHealthy]

I applaud your efforts to bring these people to justice for all of us smaller business owners.

[@robertfrye5161]

I have seen things like this. There are some real dirtbag buyers. I was selling an item with a similar glass vessel which goes into a plastic base. Smelling a rat before shipping, I took it apart and with an etching tool put a number on it. Took pictures. When I got it back, broken, there was no number, oops

[@kimbercafe11]

Something I wish someone had told me when I first started selling on ebay is to NEVER EVER sell anything too expensive until you have a good amount of feedback. I was scammed multiple times with swapouts in the beginning and lost every case I opened because I hadn't yet built a reputation. It came down to my word against theirs so I had to eat it on every one of those cases. Years later with many many feedback under my belt buyers still try it but ebay sides with me every time because after 10 years on the platform it's clear that I'm an honest seller. Just a little tip for those who are new to the game ♡♡♡

[@ddg8176]

Thanks for the tip.

[@moneyman8772]

I have been on eBay for 9.5 years with 100% feedback with thousands of sales and eBay still never sides with me on returns

[@kimbercafe11]

@@moneyman8772 Wow. I think there must be more to that story.

[@inkedBc]

I’m just learning this lol happened to me my first sale already lol 😂 and I put Atleast insurance on what I sell just in case something gets lost and it’s under 100 dollers . Somehow try and report it as lost or stolen . But this dude did the same thing to me with a pokemon card . Basically cried about the centering not being perfect and he only collects perfect cards lmfao 🤣 I literally put 5 pictures up of this card and close pictures so you could see the card was in great condition fresh out a pack with no damage . And I also listed card as near mint which means can still have flaws . A Gem mint card goes for more and would be a perfect card most likely graded . So I was explaining to him that near mint means the card can still have flaws meaning centering was not perfect but not bad at all and the card in near mint condition was 100 dollers . So he put down item not a described saying I didn’t out in discription that the card was off center in the print lmfao 🤣 so the picture should have shown the centering which blew my mind that he didn’t look at the pictures because they show it lol . So he said I was being difficult and a horrible seller and gave me bad review and blocked me . Just because I was explaining to him that the item was as listed and had no damage no scratches perfect corners everything was lovely about it centering off only a tad bit . So as a collector I know this is a card that’s only near mint and can have things that are not 100 perfect about it . I just expect it to be in good condition no dents or dings and I can make judgment on photos as far as centering and corners if I’m buying . So this was total scam lol dude changed card and I just did the 50 percent deduction and had to bite the bullet because they let them cry about anything . And I noticed these ppl scout for new sellers a lot .

[@craigwinans1948]

Always file a police report for fraud. Even if yours goes nowhere something will be done if more reports are filed. Don't enable thieves by being too lazy to report a crime. And always add EBAY as aiding and abetting the crime. If EBAY gets enough of those, they'll stop allowing this to happen and crack down on the crooks.

[@preciado1980]

Reason why I do not leave feedback from buyers until they’ve sent me feedback.

[@deni2622]

Thank-you for taking the steps. If we all did this when swap out thefts are so clear…the crimes against us wold surely be cut down.

[@marksprinkle]

You have their address. Sign them up for every mailing list you can.

[@BoomerElectronics]

Thanks for the video and the IC3 link. I reported a buyer who I believe scammed me in a similar manner. This type of behavior is completely unacceptable, and as decent human beings the least that we can do is take the time to report the potential fraud. I also messaged the buyer in my case telling them that I am fully aware of what likely transpired and that reports have been filed to hopefully dissuade them from doing the same to other sellers in the future.

[@shizzyb308]

Im here because im having this experience on only my second item sold. Dude kept haggling on the price, we finally settled and now he's saying my item is fake. And the picture he sent look a little off from what i have in my inventory. I just accepted the return and i will inspect it upon getting it back. If i can tell its swapped i will initiate a report to eBay, though it sounds like ebay doesn't really help the sellers much

[@BoomerElectronics]

@@shizzyb308 Yeah, that's definitely rough and probably an uphill battle since it sounds like you're a new seller. I did make a video detailing my experience and received the advice below in a comment: Buyer opens INAD/item defective return, I accept and take the item back, test the item (gotten back at least 4 "broken" VCRs and they all work fine out of the box), look for any damage or tampering, if it is in ANY condition other than the way you sent it - wait for the case to close in the buyers favor, then appeal with eBay stating the item arrived back in a different condition. The strike against my account from eBay having to step in will be removed and I have been refunded every time. I'm not sure if it helps being I'm a top rated seller on eBay, but I also do not accept returns. I plan on going more in line with this advice next time, and maybe it'll be helpful for you. Best of luck.

[@shizzyb308]

@@BoomerElectronics thank you, will definitely try out your advice

[@jackiemccall5394]

Thanks for the information. I just blocked this buyer. As resellers, we need a way to let others know about con artists. You can't leave them negative feedback. If this person was a reseller, he/she should be ashamed of themselves. They know how hard reselling is without scammers. Thanks again dude.

[@MadKrazyHitz]

I'm sorry this happened man. I'm soo tired of ebay's crap always giving it to the buyer they dont give a rat ass about us seller's. We make them money not the buyer's ebay is a walking lawsuit that's about to explode and go bankrupt

[@chriswiley5184]

I think you 💯 did the right thing. Thank you for sharing how to block the person. Mean people stink. Information is a valuable tool. Thanks Jon! Say hi to Jenna 😊

[@FlippinAintEasy]

Will do

[@morganbrickwall7902]

I have given up on ebay, the fraud is so systemic it is just a waste of time.

[@greendoorinvestments]

good job, I say keep it up we need to fight back even small ones. we had something similar, I'm just learning about this new way, thanks

[@canvasofcollectibles1853]

Same exact thing happened to me a few weeks ago. Called eBay and they told me to take pictures to prove the fraudulent return and send them to the buyer along with the following message - "Due to fraudulent return refund will not be issued. eBay has been notified". I did that and never heard a peep from the buyer. It tied up my funds for 30 days but I never had to issue a refund.

[@dirtisbetterthandiamonds]

Go get em!! My husband is a retired sheriff and even they had an internet fraud department that was always busy thanks to these people!

[@DontlookNoW_]

So go across the country and get ‘em?? Your husband them don’t do shytt!!! I got scammed numerous times no action! Stop the cap

[@juliadawn33]

So they are using Ebay to replace their crappy stuff for free because they know Ebay usually sides with the customer. I did see another seller that says that if anyone asks for a refund and he knows what he sent out was in good working order and what they are going to try to send back is likely something different he will tell them if you return the item I sent you and it matches exactly what I sent you including the bar code or serial number (he takes a pic of the serial number and bar code for his listings) then I will issue you a refund when I get it back. It seems to make them think twice about sending back if they know that they are going to try to pull a fast one and scam. It may not always work but maybe sometimes it does and in the incident he was talking about it did. And I am seeing this scam more and more in videos too. Sellers say they get back a crappy or broken item or the item they get back is completely different from what they sent.

[@timelesscottagegifts7240]

Thank you so much for this information. This just happened to me a couple of weeks ago. I sent a brand new never never-opened blood pressure monitor to a buyer. About a week later he said it was defective and sent it back. He sent me a used cuff (it was gross), he kept the power adapter, he kept the booklet and I don't know if the monitor was the same one I sent him. I'm so mad! You're right, it's theft plain and simple!

[@Ademirb123]

I can feel your pain since I have been in the same situation. I sold a MacBook pro on eBay and the buyer swapped the motherboard from my computer. My computer would not turned on and screws were missing

[@farmlifethrifter5732]

Thank you for sharing. I still consider myself an ebay 'newbie' even though I'm 3 years in. I like hearing all sides. Glad to have the info.

[@blitheringrando1410]

That's god awful. I was annoyed that someone returned an item with a shipping label on its packaging and a dent in the box, but this is straight up fraud. Good on you for defending your business

[@crystalr482]

People are such scammers! It happened to me and Ebay sidded with the scammer buyer! SMH - we lose our orig inventory! Thank you for sharing.

[@ACDC4LIFE]

I just had the same problem buyer sent back a different item with a broken button mine was new sealed in the box I blocked him & reported.

[@jaketimbs3583]

ANGUS YOUNG FOREVER!

[@ACDC4LIFE]

@@jaketimbs3583 ❤👍🏽

[@5797029]

Your experience was the same as my last "brick in a box" return. The two previous ones were no refund at all to the buyers. Ebay covered me 100%. The scammers probably won also.

[@Angelica-1940]

It’s great that you took the time to make the video; it’s frustrating for say the least be in this situation and EBay keep the fees and the buyer no problem and nobody it’s making responsable EBay for this situations as seller we share fees then we need to share looses too.

[@fightlikabrave]

THIS is why, even as a new seller i leave offers ON, BUT i do not accept any offer without checking the potential buyers "feedback left for others" FIRST. That way you can see if they leave normal FB or have a history of leaving negative/frivolous feedback before accepting any offer. Furthermore, if they DO have history of leaving negative FB on sellers, they get BLOCKED.

[@FlippinAintEasy]

Yes i shalt look for that but did not check this time.

[@53philp]

A guy who sells on Amazon sold a fancy looking clock. One video was him unboxing some returns and when he opened the box for the clock, he pulled out an old worn out shoe. Pretty sad but at the same time the look on his face was priceless 🤣

[@Pleiades55]

From my experience as a seller, it happens all too often! Thanks for your video, if more people expose the cheats, perhaps eBay will support the sellers a bit better in the future!

[@jrb7756]

Thanks for the video... I just had a swap out in July, buyer returned an old damaged tarnished totally different style set of napkin rings than they special occasion brand new ones ordered... I've only been selling not quite two years yet, I returned the money before checking the item cause I never had this happen and trusted the process... I'm out $28 plus shipping and returns admin fees on Amazon... they don't even have a block buyer option... on Ebay last year buyer returned a new with tags DKNY purse after using it without the tags no filling and dirty dusty on the inside, Ebay told me I didn't have to return the money my pics were clear and obvious, to go thru the report process then they returned the money 😮 ...Buyers like these are scummy and disgusting and vile... I need to get a thesaurus to adequately vent... its a disgrace.. thanks for putting them out there for us who don't have a channel ✌

[@dianepropson2508]

Is there enough money left to be made in the accessories to list them? Thanks for sharing this story and yes, this guy is blocked.

[@FlippinAintEasy]

I was wondering about the lid. To be honest I don't know what that round piece is. I will check into it and maybe post it in my other store.

[@joypadlad]

Pretty sure I had a swap out buyer recently too. It was a toy that was new in the box and sitting in storage for decades and when he opened it, he said it was missing two large pieces of it.

[@ConcernedCitizen-fx7du]

I’m going to look that number up. I’m a new seller and I just got my first return on some Versace glasses. The buyer received them yesterday and today opened up a refund saying they don’t fit. I’m pretty livid right now and I’m thinking this will be a swap also. I can’t wait to get the return package back to see. I also just had a buyer who I excepted an offer from on some jeans. 24 hrs go pass and she still hadn’t paid. I sent her a reminder and she didn’t respond. I waited another 24 hrs and messaged her and told her that the jeans she wanted are no longer available she then paid for them and I cancelled the order. I’m only reselling because I have a patent product coming out I could never see myself doing this for years. People are scammers and crazy! Kudos to you and all sellers who do this for a living

[@aeioufromebay]

In my opinion, this just proves it again ... Flipping AIN'T Easy !!!

[@hokanut]

I've been scammed by sellers at least twice, maybe more. Many items over the years have said delivered by usps and never arrived at my address. Those could be a scam by the seller sending an empty box to a random address or it could be a third world postal service not caring about their jobs. No way to know for sure. All scammers on both seller and buyer sides need to be busted. Using usps to defraud someone is still a felony.

[@bca2070]

blocking that p.o.s. right now. We need a blocklist of these people somewhere

[@timelbrecht9562]

It’s my biggest problem with eBay. Most times they will take the buyers side even when wrong. eBay should look at this buyer. If they have done this especially more than once they should be banned. Not fair to sellers.

[@DixieChiweenie88]

Same thing happened to me. I sold a used vintage Nikon F100 camera for $245, I checked everything on the camera to make sure it was working properly, and everything was in working order. The buyer requested a return saying the battery tray clip broke when they opened it, and they sent me a picture. I know that it worked fine before I sent it. So they received a new battery tray that coincidentally is had to find for that model and expensive to replace. So they got a new one for the price of shipping $13.00. Unfortunately I can’t prove it.

[@robhunt8378]

It's just too easy and low risk for the buyer to pull off this type of scam. I don't have a business on ebay, I just sold old stuff in there from time to time when it's still in good condition and somebody else can use it but I feel is just not worth my time anymore. For items over a certain value there needs to be some sort of impartial arbiter, say for example at the post office, which for a reasonable fee at the very least verifies and certifies that what you're sending is what you listed.

[@fearlessleader1436]

I’ve been buying and selling on eBay since the year 2000. I’m a hobbyist and sell my toys after using them. Whenever I had a problem its was always taken care of if I was in the right. They tend to trust me because I’ve been at it for so long. Sorry this didn’t work out for you. You should have kept going until you got a better outcome than what you settled for. There are a few bad apples out there, but thankfully most people are honest. You really should have tried talking to a more informed person. Some employees don’t know how to think and are just following the script. Like you said, keep going until you get a sympathetic ear.😮😮😮

[@MarkH10]

I sell on eBay, and I appreciate the things you guys all experience. My 10 year old computer needs an HD upgrade. In searching that our you can find what I have, which is a 1 Terabyte HE for less than $40. Once upgraded I plan on making all my packing into video format for both YT distribution and for protection, and I will add a simple notification in my ads. I too, had the 'arrived broken', even though it was never used, in the original container, and then bubbled and big boxed. It was just a $12-15 item, and that is when I devised my plan. Storing those videos on a 1TB HE partitioned just for that purpose will fill that HD in a decade or 2, if I never clean the HD. I personally, intend to just put up monthly eBay packaging videos as a storage, share method. In this case I would refer this history to eBay, as well.

[@Psylliumhead]

Just the fact that they accept half and not the shipping proves they’re scammers. Anyone returning a real scam item wouldn’t accept that.

[@gdejackmo]

Ebay needs to let sellers leave NEGATIVE feedback for buyers! If I get a bad buyer I leave negative feedback under a positive title.

[@FlippinAintEasy]

They tried that before and sellers took advantage of it and abused buyers who left legitimate negative feedback. eBay won’t ever go back.

[@gdejackmo]

Well when a customer leaves me false negative feedback they tell me to deal with it. So why isn't it the same.

[@nancygarcia4733]

I watched you video, I feel you did the right thing, for eBay buyer is always right and for me is wrong, they should stick to the facts, your pictures show clearly you merchandise was in great condition, what the buyer sent you don’t match at all. Thank you for taking the time and follow through. You are our hero, on behalf of other sellers and myself, I say thank you. My store’s name is: Chica’s treasure box.

[@FlippinAintEasy]

Thank you so much!

[@busboyta]

The buyer totally tried to scam you. You definitely do similar things that I do to try and breakdown everything. Thank you for the content. I would offer them the least amount of refund that is allowed by ebay. Thanks for the bad buyer username too.

[@northernlights2038]

Same happened to me in April buyer bought $1000 DVD cleaning machine they received it and gave the email back of what’s this. They showed me pictures of an old decrepit machine stating that that’s what they got they sent it back. I filed the reports and Ebay said the buyer did nothing wrong, and gave them the money back.

[@bobdole870]

Going through this right now. I sold a tail light housing for $50, it had a couple of scuffs on it and was listed as such in the description. Sold it for less than half the average price due to the minor defects. Bozo buyer initiates a refund request and immediately tries to call me from my number listed on the shipping label. I text him asking for a picture of the entire housing lens (his picture he uploaded to eBay didn’t show hardly any of it), and what do you know, the scuff marks are totally missing and there are scuffs in places that weren’t present on the item I shipped out. I’ve now asked him to send a full picture of the back side, as there are a set of white numbers painted on by the factory that I highly doubt will match, and the damage would be visible from the back side also. Dead silence ever since I told him to stop texting me and respond through eBay. I only netted $26 on the transaction, but it really makes me angry that these poor excuses for human beings are so willing to rip other people off. This clown improperly removed and broke his tail light, and wants me to give him a free one. If nothing else, I’m going to waste a bit of his time for screwing me over.

[@retroventures7665]

I use Sold As Is / No Returns Accepted in each listing and fingers crossed I have never had a swap out return.

[@Tim99-lg7kn]

You can list sold as is no returns accepted except the buyer only has to ask for a refund under the terms that item does not meet the description which forces a return

[@xillisWillisx]

Some people just suck. I've had this happen to me as well b4. You're not alone.

[@Ben77788]

Problem is eBay doesn’t care.

[@romanadventures78]

Jon unfortunately this happens more nowadays, had this happen to me couple of years ago, this is definitely theft and there should be strict repercussions for those types of buyers, so they will not get off the hook, hopefully IC3 will help, unless Bob from ebay works there :)))))) kidding. I blocked that buyer. Thank you for the info. It is definitely very useful about steps to take if this situation comes up. Have a great day.

[@Janpre2001]

DO IT! I saw a video by another reseller who was talking about Amazon returns and how people swap out items returned because they know Amazon does not even get the returns back. The stuff goes to an Amazon resell shop.

[@ThrifterPickerShipper]

Gonna go block right now. Thanks for the heads up!

[@themadscientist40k]

If there’re no consequences they will never stop

[@tjl_8117]

I’ve had a swap out by another seller before (hobby seller) a few months back regarding a z-wave dimmer. The POS literally took a picture of his old one and upload it to the return. The codes on the dimmers didn’t match each other and eBay still sided with him. The scams and false claims I’ve had over my 12 year span have came from other sellers.

[@LluviadeOrugas]

A very experienced seller on different selling platforms is trying to do something like this to me right now. BJK Toys Collectibles from PA messaged me yesterday morning, a Sunday and almost two weeks after receiving the item, saying that the rare Disney figurine I sold to them arrived broken, and want a discount. I knew right away that I was being scammed because I packaged it extremely well. Anyway, they sent me a photo showing the damage but because at that moment, I was nervous, I didn’t notice that it was a clearly different figurine from the one I sold to them. I asked them for more pictures especially one that showed the bottom of the figurine since it had the price tag of the store I originally purchased it from and the damage. Today is the following day, and I still haven’t heard from them yet. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[@ausgamecollector]

I had a similar situation where the buyer returned my item but claimed “item defective; does not work”, they refused to provide photos of using the item. I reported that buyer to ebay and provided photographic evidence that it was in full working order and undamaged. EBay’s seller policy actually covered the return shipping and seller’s fees in this instance, meaning breaking even.

[@joopie46614]

I've looked at the buyers account and they still seem to be active under the same username, still making purchases and being left feedback, looks like ebay didn't really do anything when it comes to them, but at least it worked out in your favour (sort of).

[@elizabethvisciano6817]

Go for it Jon! you're right, that's stealing!

[@ccrbonline1752]

The pictures before they sent the switched item back clearly show that they were not sending the original item back. EBay needs to intervene, but they won't. This happened to me many years ago with an LV bag. I presented my case to eBay, even showing a substantial weight difference between the package I sent the buyer and the package I got back, the buyer used my original packaging for the return. eBay did nothing. That was the day I left eBay. I no longer sell or buy on eBay as a result. There's too many sites competing with eBay for them to be this disassociated with their sellers.

[@fenderbacker4265]

Thank you for the information! I just blocked this buyer and I hope all of your viewers do the same!!!

[@SonyaAllstun]

Someone needs to start a discord and post these peoples username and first and last name

[@ronniedorward7784]

Unfortunately, I've had some one or two swap-outs although not high ticket items, I often wonder about buyers with 0 (zero) feedback who are rude etc if they have been previously taken off ebay but re enlisted with different personal details, accounts etc.

[@NickolaySheitanov]

80 bucks for that trash is the real crime here

[@littletommy16]

Yeah, I would've filed the claim. The pitcher is obviously used and at the very least tampered with at the bottom.

[@Junkinsally]

I know not many sellers are like me, but I'm a real "B" when it comes to customers like this. I would have messaged them this "I know where you live and I'm coming for my blender. Have it cleaned as ready! I will be bring your clearly used and broken one back to you. 😉" I've sent similar messages before. Then I would open a case stating I didn't get what I sent out. Since eBay is foolish enough to allow people to steal using the money back guarantee, they can fund it!

[@TheRealSweetMoxie]

Going forward are you able to etch a sort of serial number so people can't do this?

[@J0hnnyTheKid]

Out of 5 years I only lost one case out of 160,000+ transactions. It was due to usps first class tracking number wasn't moving which the buyer got the item and list it in his store....shame ebay reps seen it and didn't do anything about it. Oh well moving on. Yeah! $30 isn't much of a lost. I'm going to block that buyer. Good luck with your store brother.

[@magicalworldofthrifting]

Blocked the buyer. Thank you! Someone recently did this to me with a video game.

[@seeker751]

Sorry this happened, I had it happen for first time in thousands of transactions as well in Dec.. to another BIG SELLER!!!! A return total switcheroo , not even attempting to fake a similar item. I called ebay, they put the case in "review." But after 24 hours I was so mad I called back and must have went ballistic enough they closed it BUT the buyer still got refunded and I kept my money. I was not going to do the 50% refund. However, if I were to do it again, I would do 50% refund. This buyer had sent me "weird" messages prior and once they got the item they turned up the crazy dial - but i saw the big feedback score, and thought ok, well they cant be totally wacko - WRONG.

[@My_Paper_Route]

When this happens do you tell the customer in messaging that you are on to them, and that it was a swap out. Or do you avoid any messaging directly with them, and just go through the Ebay steps.

[@FlippinAintEasy]

I sent an initial message to them when they filed the return. I never received a reply. This is what many scammers do, they do not directly communicate with the seller probably because they know they are in the wrong.

[@aldunk2360]

I had the same thing happen a few times on eBay. what you got to do is do the 50% refund, then call eBay and tell them you want to file a claim on the buyer sending you back a wrong item and that it was a false use of return. if done correctly you'll have a rep message you in your eBay inbox for evidence of your claim. if the rep you talked to files it correctly lol this may take a few try's lol ...but once reached out by a rep then follow the procedure given and provide photos of the evidence and also write in the message portion. once someone from eBay reviews it then you'll be refunded for the difference. ive had this happen 3 times of the 3 years selling on eBay. almost expecting it to happen once a year at this rate. but all 3 times ive been refunded and the buyer reported. now are they kicking these buyers off eBay? idk id hope so but probably not likely as it almost seems like eBay wants this to happen so their reps have something to do lmao

[@FlippinAintEasy]

The rep did give me an email address to send my info to. Normally I would just move on but just to find out I may send an email to see what (if anything) will happen.

[@canadianbacon7609]

Hey Jon, what is that email?. We want to do something. It’s been a month and a week them saying (outsourcing)that we would get our 50% back and nothing

[@lynnharris7119]

That's straight up stealing! Grrr that's so obvious, what a shame people do stuff like that.. pathetic

[@kellya152]

Wow, so sorry this happened. Thanks for sharing this information. Blocking now.

[@brendayankoski8325]

I sold for many years, not a big seller, but, I have been here for many years. I listed parts of an ice cream maker, but not the heavy freezer liner that would cost more to ship than it was worth. I got a message, requesting I list that part, as she "lost" hers. (It was sitting by the door for several days, awaiting a trip to dump, and not leaking.) I did. She purchased, and then, of course, it was a bad item - leaked. The packaging was all good. It was her bad part, that wasn't "lost" it simply had a leak. I contacted ebay, explained my side, didn't know about the mail fraud site, or I would have gone there....Instead after threats from ebay if they stepped in, etc. I did a total refund and they are now eating home made ice crream (and choking, I hope!) This was heavy, and she got me as INAD, so I had to refund the shipping. It sure left a bad taste in my mouth!! People can be slime! I am sorry this happened to you. I have been verry lucky, but, have read many similar buyers scams, on my groups. SMH

[@merrilew]

I’m just finding this video now and realize it’s a year later but I just got ripped off for $35 for lipstick. I’m going to try this. I wonder if it will still work

[@rectify2003]

Scammers disgust me Thumbs up for you

[@mrfrisky5887]

it happens every so often.. gotten shrewd out of a couple thousand dollars in watches & other items

[@VicktoriaTacos]

There is no way to find the buyer's name from the item listing.

[@ThisIsHarderThanIThought]

sold two cpu's to a tech buyer. he received the cpu's and msgs me and said they are defected. he filled a return thru ebay. i got both cpu's back and it wasnt the cpus i listed. numbers on both cpus are dffierent from my original cpus. i filed a complaint, attached photos of the orignal vs the returns...yet ebay sided with the buyer LOL seller protection??? anyway i called out the buyer thru ebay messeging about the cpus he returned me and different numbers on the cpus...buyer never responded to three of my msgs

[@jenn7240]

That is awful! Makes me so 🤬I'm kinda going thru the same but not sure if they are doing a swap out. This has happened to me twice...with sneakers. I have a open case currently but refuse to play Ebay games any longer. I refuse to do any refunds or returns especially since this scammer I'm dealing with now openly admitted his wife wore the shoes (which were brand new...tags attached) and now he says they arrived damaged. If I do not win this time I'm done with Ebay. They are all for the Buyers. I've been a seller for 12 years but the stress and aggravation is too much. I also take lots of photos before I mail anything off but that doesn't even seem to help anymore. Grrrr

[@computersmasher]

As seller's its time we start threating legal action against buyers that pull this kind of crap, this needs to stop, and possibly a class action lawsuit against Ebay for condoning and encouraging this type of behavior.

[@harrymultimedia]

i sold a drone to another buyer on Ebay, he returned the drone kept the accessories, and swap out the battery ..Ebay promised to give me my money it worked out for me but its a hassle ,plus that same is selling the same items on Ebay as well i can see my battery there , so many messed up people in this world

[@FlippinAintEasy]

Maybe file a police report with their local PD

[@ayeargan8519]

Absolutely worth the time and money to stop these buyers.

[@biffboffo]

I didn't get a good look at that mystery piece, but it may be used for filling with oil if you're trying to make an emulsion.

[@residentevilfan4]

What i helps is keeping track of a serial number. It helps prove you are right otherwise.

[@hustle-n-grow]

Honestly, John, I'd just refund half their money minus shipping, report them to ebay and move on with my life🤷‍♂️ I've gotten to the point where I've accepted about a 2% return rate across the platforms I sell on and less than 1% will be fraud. I just focus on pushing out more product. Oh, and at least on ebay you can block the buyer!

[@FlippinAintEasy]

Without the channel being a factor I would have done the same.

[@hustle-n-grow]

​@@FlippinAintEasy I get it. I appreciate your content👍

[@crystalmcilree2317]

This just happened to me with a shady buyer!