My eBay Buyer Scam Story and A Real-Time eBay Return Unboxing

In this video I discuss how I fought against a scammer who went through their credit card company to scam me out of a $1200 item! I will discuss the outcome of this case and the steps I took to resolve it.
How did it torn out?
Also I open a return I received from a buyer. Will I get scammed or is this a legitimate return?

[@acehi2935]

this is why I only give ebay a checking account that has no money in it all the time. Once I receive payment it comes right out. If I loose seller status oh well, start over. I'm not getting scammed, don't care about feedback. If buyers want to take the risk it's on them. I'm not a scammer I sell stuff as described packed and shipped well. Not going to let ebay or a scammer get one over on me.

[@MrZeBeNP0K]

And what's happen if the buyer open a return case, he send back the item with damages, ebay will refund him but if there is no money on the account what happen? I sold a collection card in perfect condition (i'm a new seller with 2 positive feedback and 0 negative) and after the buyer receive it, he claims that the card was damaged. First he asks for a partial refund, so i decline. And after 1 week and some messages he open a return case. I'm 100% sure he will send me back the wrong card, maybe another card he had in the past with damages, and he will keep the new one (mine). So yesterday i walk to my bank and ask for decline all charges from ebay.. Don't know what to do...thanks.

[@corneliusjones2134]

@@MrZeBeNP0K You did the right thing, don’t let eBay take a penny. Bunch of scumartists

[@NYC316]

Possible Ebay scammers are those who first contact you, asked for a lower price, and kindly said is beautiful but it does not fit, so I did ok the return but paypal deducted immediately and the worse part the hacker/scammer kept the item and got fully refunded. Both Ebay and PayPal are reliable for the lost that was never resolve to the seller.

[@RCButterfly]

I guess I am too honest of a person because I could not imagine buying an item, returning a different item back that was broken and then try to claim the original item was not as described in the product listing.

[@jackcameback]

Been selling on Ebay for awhile now - nice vid - can relate to this although not ever had a problem with returns more with 0 feedback buyers claiming the item never arrives

[@FlippinAintEasy]

I have that as well, however all you have to do is enter in the tracking information again and that is all you need for someone falsely claiming the item has arrived.

[@jackcameback]

@@FlippinAintEasy Agreed, for more expensive items I do send tracked, however I am sending from Denmark and the cheapest tracked price is nearly $20, and a lot of buyers just don't want to pay that much, especially as my average items sold is around $20

[@Djmaxofficial]

Ofering free returns is a bad idea. I have 14 days return policy and the buyer have to pay it.

[@drdoc7508]

Selling on Ebay has become horrendous.. I quit after 18 years

[@jacobbell2462]

I got the exact same router on an Amazon return pallet from direct liquidation and I was super nervous selling it! Thank God it went well but I can't stress enough... take alot of video and pictures before shipping!

[@anamatuk6595]

How can you remove a bad feedback when the buyer said that she will but the days goes by and the feedback isn’t removed thanks

[@FlippinAintEasy]

Well, you really need to call and speak to a rep in the USA, and reason with them. If you get lucky, you may get a rep who is willing to remove it. This has worked for me once. Good luck to you.

[@emabucur5009]

The first thing I would do is to file a request to remove feedback on seller help. If it’s not removed, call CS ask them to remove it and send an email as well. Next, I’ll write on Facebook to eBay for business. Eventually one of the reps who’s looking at it will remove it. Works for me every time :-) oh, I write them on chat too :-))

[@anamatuk6595]

Ema Bucur oh that is good!thanks!how you do this with Facebook?i didn’t know about that.

[@FlippinAintEasy]

Ema Bucur I keep forgetting about eBay for business. Good info.

[@emabucur5009]

Ana Matuk You’re welcome! Look for them on Facebook. You’ll find them if you just type EBay for business. You can send them a private message. They usually reply within a day.

[@whynot8586]

I have learned so much about how to be a better eBay seller from your videos...thank you! Would you recommend a permanent UV light pen to mark your items that, like this laptop, could be susceptible to "swapping out". I am about to list a $300 item that I fear could fall victim to someone swapping out one that doesn't work. It is in perfect, new condition and has no distinguishing marks that I could use to support my case should the buyer swap it out. Any advice?

[@romowasbetterthanaikman3932]

Here is my dilemma. In mid Feb I sold a graded sports card and it was delivered a few days later. The card was expensive. The buyer holds it for 26 days then files a return request under INAD. The card had depreciated in value by $600. It’s a graded card, meaning it’s enclosed in a plastic case. So I spoke to an Ebay rep who told me to send them a return label then appeal the case. So I did that and the next day I receive an email from Ebay stating this person is a “suspicious buyer “ and their account was deactivated. So I speak to another Ebay rep who tells me that the buyer won’t be refunded as they don’t qualify for Ebay MBG. They also tell me they informed the buyer they wouldn’t be refunded. However, the buyer has a label that can’t be canceled. Because it was formally opened it has to run its course through Ebay and can’t be closed. Another 2 weeks pass. Buyer hasn’t used the label. Then when it’s scheduled to close on 4/6, the buyer ships it back yesterday. So the return will close in my favor on 4/6 and I’m going to receive the card back on 4/7. How should I handle this? Thank you in advance for any advice you can provide.

[@maresmar2865]

Very useful information, thank you for your video. May I ask how you send a shipping label for a return if the buyer has not opened a return thru eBay? Should I wait until they open a return request?

[@FlippinAintEasy]

I go onto Pirateship and set up a label with the dimensions/weight of the item from the listing and send it as an attachment through the Ebay message system. It takes some tweaking but it works.

[@jennifers6435]

Block Mac toys from west palm beach, Florida..just tried to get a 500. Partial refund on a computer

[@FlippinAintEasy]

Thanks for the heads up.

[@keepthemhonest2]

It's called a switch and not a server. I'm not sure what you mean by "mint" condition - unless the box was really completely unopened then without running diagnostics over it the physical appearance means nothing. Completely agree the guy was trying to scam you - but you need to test electronics

[@gregorydamienmech]

Is it true if you win a case on eBay, and then the Buyer later files a chargeback, eBay will protect you from that chargeback since you won the original case?

[@lindseyrose3110]

Nope. They make you fight it every step of the way

[@piewhackit2me]

Once took a chance and sold a GIA certified 1 karat diamond ring for $2500.00.Delivery confirmation signature and fully insured usps with tracking.I held my breath needless to say until it was delivered and customer was happy

[@creightonjason]

Christ your brave

[@sharonkeeling]

Do I have to set up something in my preferences to take 50% off a return if item comes back damaged or scratched.? Or is it ok just to deduct when I go into do the refund. And do we refund the shipping cost the buyer paid? Thanks for the advice!

[@FlippinAintEasy]

You have to do it when you process the refund. There isn’t a way to automatically do this and you really don’t want that. You really shouldn’t deduct money from the refund unless there is a problem with the return an most returns shouldn’t be problems. You should refund the shipping if the return was your fault but not if there’s buyers remorse or they sent back the wrong item, missing accessories or if the item is broken.

[@markhammond147]

i have fix laptop before

[@thankswillie]

honest seller,could have fallen asleep watching

[@samsungpro77salvadoreno71]

Well stop selling on eBay if you know that easy scam don't Sell nomore

[@madmax8620]

Dude...speed it up...this should be a 5 minute or less video...you scammed me outta My time!!!

[@sweettina2]

If it had been just eBay, not the credit card company, you wouldn't have won no matter how hard you fought. I sold a labelled vintage Barbie outfit that you can't fake, they opened a case saying it was "inauthentic", absolute nonsense. He sent it back with a different dress, not my mint one, and stole the gloves. EBay forces me to refund anyhow. I appealed, what a joke. I did everything right, tons of pics, details and description, didn't matter. We all realize we are sitting ducks for crooks, and eBay will not only side with them every time, they will pay them your own money to screw you over.

[@zvast]

Same exact thing happened to me: In my case, he buyer swapped my perfect item for the old one he is replacing. He sent me picture but later also sent pictures of his car, piece of rusty junk, where I can clearly see the old piece. It took Ebay around 2 -3 months to send me e mail, that the case was resolved against me and payment will be deducted from my account. What Ebay did wrong, they let the buyer's bank make that decision and told me, they can't do anything about it. How they dared to let other institution get my account number without informing me is beyond me.The worst part is Ebay itself, is their system of robot agents and limited questions that their system offers. To get a live person is very hard and you wind up with somebody in Philippines, who keep apologizing and can't find solution anyway. They washed their hands and I'm stuck with decision of buyer's bank.Ebay system is cumbersome, unreliable and caters to scammers. I stopped listed items and will not post any new ones. I will not deal with such a shady company, called Ebay.

[@tiddlesa.6125]

I sold an authentic Louis Vuitton handbag with receipt and all packaging which I purchased new from the Louis Vuitton shop in Sydney Australia. I sold it to a scammer who said it was a fake and PayPal refunded them their money so they got my handbag for free! NEVER EVER AGAIN!! I’d rather give my stuff to charity.

[@starchild692]

@Trace Keenan fuck off

[@nondescriptnyc]

OMG, an eBay buyer pulled that scam on me with a semi-luxury watch-which I sold with all papers and boxes!!! Luckily, eBay and PayPal both found in my favor, so I thought I had “won” and had forgotten about the scam. Then, I heard from VISA 6 months after the purchase that the same scammer has initiated a chargeback against me for selling a fake watch. Plus, the buyer apparently isn’t compelled to return fake items, so VISA was clear that the crook will keep the watch and get a full refund for it, if I do not provide them with compelling evidence!!! I have submitted a JPEG “appeals letter” for VISA to review, but they found in the scammer’s favor-and I lost a nice watch, for which I got nothing. As though that weren’t bad enough, I am hit with a VISA chargeback fee, as well... It is all SO unfair...

[@TheSoloExpat]

Did you do ebay Authenticator?

[@zvast]

Like you, I'm throwing a lot of stuff in trash. Not worth my time to deal with scammers, Ebay including.

[@faithfultoGod21]

I had the exact same situation from a sale back in September and they disputed the charges they wanted a partial refund and I said no because everything was in the package. They waited 60 days to say that there were missing parts and wanted a partial refund. I went through proving what was in the listing with pictures. The bank went with the buyer and he didn't send the item back. I did an appeal with eBay for my seller protection but they went with the buyer. They say there's seller protection but there isn't. I told eBay this is what is gonna make them go out of business because they favor buyers more than sellers when sellers is what makes them money. The won't do anything about these scammers and these scammers keep playing the same game over and over. It's ridiculous. That's why this year In changing my main money maker to something else and cutting out ebay's promotion listing. They don't deserve as much money as I give them.

[@williamthompson1455]

60 days? Ebay customer days told me they only have 30 days to act as a buyer. . . Why does ebay policy changes so fast. . .

[@faithfultoGod21]

@@williamthompson1455 They have on the settings on the listing that you can change the return from 15 days to 30 days to 60 days. I always keep it at 30 days. Ebay always give buyers 30 days to return tho.

[@zvast]

@@williamthompson1455 Because Ebay is also a shady company.

[@BestVideosToWatchTV]

I love this guy he’s a great businessman!

[@Scav-Goblin]

a TWELVE HUNDRED DOLLAR ROUTER!? WTF?! lol i didn't even know they MADE THEM that expensive!? Does it pay your internet bill for you annually? does it crawl into bed with you and give you a Tug job to help you relax at night?! I MEAN IT, WTF LOL WHY WOULD A ROUTER COST THIS MUCH!? My mind is just absolutely blown away at those exist!

[@prissweb]

never put your eggs in one basket. We use our own site to sell from as well.

[@anthonymoya4531]

Maybe some parts were removed , which would cause it not to turn on even though the battery still charges

[@kevinjohnson9929]

Regrettably sometimes rechargeable batteries are “Killed” in shipping. I do not know why or how but it happens. Sorting machines, other electronic devices, altitude changes, temperature changes, and maybe even haunted post offices I don’t know? Make sure your marking your packages with the proper handling labels like batteries or other hazardous material labels for proper handling and procedures and it should help.

[@__1201]

Altitude and temperature changes are a legitimate concern for batteries during shipping.

[@jamesdalton7191]

Just heard Paypal is FINALLY GETTING SUED! Class action suit for withholding sellers money! 😁🎊

[@FlippinAintEasy]

Yes. They withhold money from people without cause to do so.

[@terrygrant8126]

I had a seller send me a fake $1500.00 coing and I returned it....wonder if he'll do the same thing....I had an unboxing video first though....

[@ElKaaahleeente]

This Managed Payments system mirrors what I experienced when I was in the Amazon Seller system. Got scammed as well. A couple of bums also tried to scam me on eBay prior to the eradication of PayPal as payment option, but eBay sided with me quickly just from looking at my selling history. Getting rid off Paypal as buffer will multiply the incoming of cheats, liars, and scammers.

[@andrewchapman5659]

I had a buyer receive an electronic device for 180$ bucks, he got it filed a case with credit card company over nothing still kept the item of course, ebay held funds, but i was given back the 180$ eventually, wasnt a hard case at all, showed it was delivered etc.

[@Atavae1]

Is it worth it to offer free refunds?

[@FlippinAintEasy]

I think you mean free returns? If so i would say it really depends on what you are selling. If you sell items under a pound in weight then i would be more inclined to consider it. Some items have a lower return rate than others as well so even if those items are a little heavier I would consider it. Aside from that, my thought is on the surface it is not worth it. I sell larger items and a remorse return on a large item just doesn’t make sense.

[@dreamcatcher6545]

Can’t these scammers change their names after you out them?

[@fomocopowersgarage7103]

I had a youtuber scam me on eBay once. They actually made a video about the item I sold them, and stated in the video that they had no regrets about the purchase and how happy they were they decided to buy it. That was a lie, because the immediately tried to do an item not as described scam on me, eBay decided in my favor. Didn't stop there, because on the very last day possible they filed a chargeback through their card company saying that they never made the purchase. Got me for $1400, I will never forget it. Once he realized that I knew about the KZbin video, he took the video down. Dude has like 100,000 subscribers, and Praises himself on being a follower of god, says he donates time to the church, etcetera. Turns out I am not the first person he scammed, and I won't be the last. Is local police department was of no help.

[@FlippinAintEasy]

@@fomocopowersgarage7103 wow! I’m sorry to hear that. Any chance you would be willing to share the first initial in their channel name? Anything to steer clear of someone like that if I just happen to be subbed to them.

[@fomocopowersgarage7103]

@@FlippinAintEasy give you a hint... they were vintage ceiling fans.... and "spiffy"

[@FlippinAintEasy]

@@fomocopowersgarage7103 thanks for the heads up. Now just have to figure this one out! 😝

[@drizzo4669]

It entirely possible it could have been damaged in shipping. You never know what a good bump will do. Sufficient padding as well as a box in a box helps. Take a screwdriver to it and part it out is usually the better option "after the fact".

[@holleyjomartinez4009]

Thank you so much for posting this. The information is really helpful. ♥️

[@jennifers6435]

I have never had a problem with scammers until I started managed payments last week...been selling for years

[@FlippinAintEasy]

Not sure if it has to do with the payment platform. You’ve just been unlucky.

[@neilchilders]

I've always lost on eBay every time eBay SUXXXXXX

[@DrRawBalls_TheDummy]

Is it possible for the buyer to take the battery out and put in his old laptop ??

[@mothballjim]

Thanks for uploading - look at the video I just uploaded. Similar thing happened to me!

[@Anon1mous]

I started selling on eBay again after many years hiatus and although I’ve had decent success, the amount of scammers been much more than before. I just had one guy (like 4 feedbacks) try to say he never received the item until I sent him the Fed Ex tracking number showing it was delivered and that i would send the cops to him. Then he promptly cancelled the claim. Another bought and then cancelled after I shipped it out so I had to intercept it. Seems the only real winner is eBay. Shocking.... I’m going to sell out the rest of my inventory and that’s it with me and eBay. Too many criminals and liars making it not worth it to me. It was just extra cash and helping people out with harder to find automotive items anyway. Sucks.

[@thetechgenie7374]

The managed eBay system they take out of pending balance when case is open. I dealt with chargebacks before with PayPal and in business credit card processor? Usually just provide proof and win case. Not sure how eBay deals with it since now they are handling payments?

[@MysticalLoveAndLight]

Thank you for sharing

[@rockypieces12]

Good video. Thanks for the info.

[@deandee8082]

you can sap out screens, components, the serial number is only for the chassis, you can ID that stuff yourself if you want to take the time, again, big ticket items its worth it

[@troyspartan95]

I'm dealing with a buyer right now with a return on a brand new 40 volt Remington battery that was still in the pack brand new unopened and the buyer purchased it and about a month later opened a return request saying that the battery wasn't charging and I know there was nothing wrong with this battery because I had sold several and had no issues from anyone but I'm waiting for him to return the item right now I'll let him open a case I did not issue him a refund because I believe that he's trying to do a switch out and luckily I took a picture of the battery that I sold with the serial number and if it doesn't match hopefully I can get out of it but I am done selling electronics on eBay I never hardly sell electronics on eBay My specialty is sports memorabilia and baseball cards but I got a deal on some of these batteries on Black Friday and I sold all the other ones on different platforms and had no issues That's what's bad about selling stuff like this on eBay on any other platform like Mercari after they get the item and rate you that's it there's nothing they can do

[@__1201]

So you're not even going to refund her for the charger that she bought from you? Wow... Definitely wouldn't want to do business with you.

[@FlippinAintEasy]

It’s my understanding she returned the charger she bought and returned the charger I sent her that she claimed did not work. Should I give her a refund for a charger she didn’t keep?

[@emusaurus]

__ Please reveal your ebay username so we can all block you.

[@ticktock2383]

No picture now. Could be many things. KZbin: Black screen on laptop

[@vexifyonipad7281]

What’s your insta I want to ask you a question with picture

[@AndrewPayne]

great advice! Thank you

[@FlippinAintEasy]

Your welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@shermanvolkman3280]

Did They Swap Out The Screen No Serial # On Screen.

[@boydmerriman]

I keep watching, and I keep learning!

[@jarridangloher]

It’s a Cisco switch not a router or server

[@kookaburra574]

Server? It looks like a switch to me

[@Si1verRaven]

Just don't offer returns

[@lindseyrose3110]

lol that doesn’t help. They just file an INAD

[@deni2622]

One year after I watched this I used your advice to win a case with buyers credit card company. I screenshotted photos and my side on a word doc…then sent that! Thank you for the win!

[@deni2622]

To clarify…I created single pace word doc then took a screenshot of that word Denise Corklin so I could send it as my “single” photo

[@FlippinAintEasy]

Awesome. Glad it worked out!

[@RATED4EVER]

When it comes to Online Purchases on buying/re-selling sites, specifically for HIGH-PRICED ITEMS, IMO one policy that ALL Buying/Re-Selling Sites should require when it comes to "return" scams is that the seller should take a photo of the package after the label is on it so that this way the platform is aware the package in question and that it is the sellers package that he/she shipped out. As this is one of the places, specifically ebay, who are ALWAYS crying stating "We Don't Know What The Buyer Received. We Don't Know This. We Don't Know That. etc. etc.". Well this right here is the solution to actually "Know" WTF is going on and therefore no excuses. The actual item itself of course is already pictured with the serial # in the listing. Then when the scammer receives the item, they must make a video opening up the package so that both the seller & the platform can see exactly what is being disputed. If it's an electronic item then have the item hooked up & tested to show whether or not the item functions, and if the electronic functions at the time of receiving it/opening it, the scammer loses out and CASE CLOSED. If it goes any further where the scammer tries to dispute it with their credit card, ALL OF THE PROOF is on the platform with the video of the scammer opening up the package, and therefore once again the scammer loses out and CASE CLOSED. If the scammer didn't make a video prior to opening up a case on an electronic item then CASE CLOSED. But of course, ALL OF THE ABOVE is up to the platforms to decide if this is something they want to do to protect their sellers from all of the scammers out there or even make it an optional feature for sellers to have in their listings as part of a SELLER PROTECTION.

[@FlippinAintEasy]

RATED4EVER I wish you were the CEO of Ebay. Then us sellers could sleep better at night. The sad reality is, the system is geared towards not the good buyers but the (for a lack of a better term) the inept buyers who could not be held to such a high standard. Heck, I have people who barely know how to turn on the item they are buying. Some of these people wouldn’t know how to work a camera. Ebay continues with the buyer friendly practices to keep them coming back, I get it. But the company should at least act like they care about the sellers in the meantime by listening to us and implementing basic things that we have been asking for such as immediate payment on best offer sales.

[@piewhackit2me]

Yes buyers (scammers) should be made to prove an item doesn’t work before being allowed to file a claim.I now only sell items on eBay nothing over $25.00 in value.Expensive items are now sold locally cash/carry on Marketplace Facebook

[@meltedandroid9524]

Almost every feedback they leave is negative. How are they not on eBay's radar. They probably pull this with every purchase.

[@FlippinAintEasy]

Melted Android I noticed that too. Oddly enough I didn’t get one.

[@e-curb]

Here's another thief: www.ebay.com/fdbk/feedback_profile/kellanlane Look at this guy's feedback left for others.

[@dianevrules]

@@e-curb OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Never seen that many negatives from an eBayer. Which is why I always check a mfs feedback before shipping a high value item. If it looks like this, I would cancel order and block buyer. I wish ebay can go back to the days of sellers having the ability to leave negative feedback against buyers.

[@daleHarrison93]

@@dianevrules not going to lie...i have never stolen a penny in my life but seeing how many people have fell for that and how long they have gotten away with it... its tempting lol. proper pisstake they havent even been banned yet what the fuck

[@thetechgenie7374]

You have to call multiple times you may have won the chargeback on the airpod case. I dealt with it several times throughout the years. Your right the Utah and Texas I always get usually first time around them to actually look into case and resolve. I hate dealing with the call centers in the Philippines as they can't do much and scripted. I just wait till morning, or afternoon.

[@thetechgenie7374]

Likely laptop bounce around, doubt scam.

[@jgarner1906]

"router" does not equal "server". Misdescribed item.