I Just Got Scammed by eBay

Squilly · 06:01 AM

Most people think of eBay as a safe place to buy/sell items. Unfortunately, I just had a horrific experience with them.

January 15th or so, I ordered a laptop from a guy in NJ on eBay. It came significantly not as described. After contemplating for a little while, I decided to return it, with a buyer protection prepaid label sent by eBay. Well, what do you know; things start to go downhill from here.
The address on the label was wrong. I contacted eBay about it and they told me that it is indeed the sellers return shipping address. The 23rd, my eBay account gets suspended in the midst of this case. On the 20th or so, I sent out the laptop, thinking it was going to the right place. I was wrong. The 27th, eBay sends me a friendly email stating that the address on the shipping label was wrong and sent me another one.
Fast forward to today. The laptop still hasn't arrived to me so I could send it to the right address to get a refund. Tracking information hasn't been updated since the 25th. After talking for about 50 minutes, the representative said it would be best to grant a refund due to miscommunication with the seller.
One hour into the call. Behold, as I think I am about to get the refund, it's the exact opposite. The representative said that since my account was suspended, buyer protection is not in effect. I said, "so you're going to leave me without an item and without the money even though the item was significantly not as described?" Blatantly, the representative said "yes, unfortunately" then "I recommend you do a trace with UPS or USPS to get the package."
So now I'm stuck with nothing. Not only that, but if I do get the package back, it's still significantly not as described.

For those that are wondering, it costed $420, eBay not willing to help at all

Suggestions?

mobilehaathi · Feb 6, 2013, 10:04 PM

That really sucks man. Out of curiosity, did you see a "super good deal" and think to yourself, "I wonder if can resell this for some quick cash?"

Squilly · Feb 6, 2013, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobilehaathi

That really sucks man. Out of curiosity, did you see a "super good deal" and think to yourself, "I wonder if can resell this for some quick cash?"

No, I just urgently needed one for college.

Jessica Lares · Feb 6, 2013, 10:37 PM

If you have a Retina MacBook Pro, why do you need another laptop?

Squilly · Feb 6, 2013, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessica Lares

If you have a Retina MacBook Pro, why do you need another laptop?

I bought the rMBP recently. After the purchase of the laptop on eBay.

Jessica Lares · Feb 6, 2013, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

I bought the rMBP recently. After the purchase of the laptop on eBay.

I don't get why you bought the MBP if you were going to just sell it back.

Did you buy that off eBay too? You know, eBay doesn't like you spending that kind of money in a week timeframe.

aziatiklover · Feb 6, 2013, 10:56 PM

Call your cc or paypal to get the money back?

ucfgrad93 · Feb 6, 2013, 11:40 PM

Stories like this are why I avoid eBay like the plague. I hope you get you money back, OP.

Vader2 · Feb 7, 2013, 12:15 AM

Why did your account get suspended?

Demonface · Feb 7, 2013, 12:47 AM

I bought this Sony Vaio a few years ago from ebay and the guy said it was an easy fix and all of that crap. When i took it to the local tech guy he opened it and said "Everything has to be repaired or replaced ." So I was stuck with a pos laptop oh and BTW i paid 220.00 for it.

jessica. · Feb 7, 2013, 07:41 AM

You sure get "scammed" a lot. Seems maybe buying on eBay or CL isn't for you. You said you lived with your parents right? Maybe you could also speak to your parents before making a buying decision as they may be able to keep you safer.

eric/ · Feb 7, 2013, 07:52 AM

My philosophy on eBay is don't buy anything if you can't afford to lose the money.

Always look for reputable sellers, and be in contact with them the first second you think something is wrong.

Squilly · Feb 7, 2013, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessica Lares

I don't get why you bought the MBP if you were going to just sell it back.

Did you buy that off eBay too? You know, eBay doesn't like you spending that kind of money in a week timeframe.

Bought it on Craigslist, not eBay.

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vader2

Why did your account get suspended?

They hate me. Two years ago, I sold something I wasn't supposed to and they suspended me. I keep making new accounts which they keep limiting.

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessica.

You sure get "scammed" a lot. Seems maybe buying on eBay or CL isn't for you. You said you lived with your parents right? Maybe you could also speak to your parents before making a buying decision as they may be able to keep you safer.

They trust eBay, just not Craigslist.

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric/

My philosophy on eBay is don't buy anything if you can't afford to lose the money.

Always look for reputable sellers, and be in contact with them the first second you think something is wrong.

The guy was reputable. Had 30 feedback, 100% rating, and I was able to afford it.

ipodlover77 · Feb 7, 2013, 08:39 AM

I hope you get your money back OP. Why did you get suspended though?

edit:
Question answered already lol

yg17 · Feb 7, 2013, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

They hate me. Two years ago, I sold something I wasn't supposed to and they suspended me. I keep making new accounts which they keep limiting.

When you run your big money making forum, you'll soon figure out that when you ban someone for doing something they're not supposed to, you want them gone for good, and don't want them coming back under new accounts. eBay is no different.

Quote:

The guy was reputable. Had 30 feedback, 100% rating, and I was able to afford it.

30 feedback is not reputable. I could open a new eBay account today and have 30 feedback with a 100% rating by next week.

MonkeySee.... · Feb 7, 2013, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

Two years ago, I sold something I wasn't supposed to and they suspended me. I keep making new accounts which they keep limiting.

Seems you're already not trusted. I'd give up on eBay if I were you.

2020mike · Feb 7, 2013, 09:09 AM

30 feedback and you think that makes him a good seller? Wow.

Squilly · Feb 7, 2013, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2020mike

30 feedback and you think that makes him a good seller? Wow.

With 100% feedback, yeah.

----------

Update: I just called USPS, they started an investigation on the package. Hopefully they can find it. Since the seller lives so close to me, I might just go to his house and demand the money.

----------

Update: I just called USPS, they started an investigation on the package. Hopefully they can find it. Since the seller lives so close to me, I might just go to his house and demand the money.

mobilehaathi · Feb 7, 2013, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

With 100% feedback, yeah.

You're a bit naive buddy.

Huntn · Feb 7, 2013, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vader2

Why did your account get suspended?

I'm curious too. As far as ebay and the wrong mailing address the OP got from them, I'd say ebay should eat that one.

FYI, I have a friend who purchased a PC laptop. One of the specs was wrong. Instead of a 1GB video card, it had a 500MB video card. When my friend tried to dispute it, ebay sided with the seller. Of course I only have my friend's word for it.

yg17 · Feb 7, 2013, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

With 100% feedback, yeah.

30 positive feedbacks are very easy to get on eBay without spending a lot of time or money.

Quote:

Update: I just called USPS, they started an investigation on the package. Hopefully they can find it. Since the seller lives so close to me, I might just go to his house and demand the money.

That's going to end well

dukebound85 · Feb 7, 2013, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

Most people think of eBay as a safe place to buy/sell items.

haha really? I avoid ebay with a 10ft pole. The fact you have to use paypal is enough of a deterrent to me for the EXACT reasons you are talking about

Squilly · Feb 7, 2013, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huntn

I'm curious too. As far as ebay and the wrong mailing address the OP got from them, I'd say ebay should eat that one.

FYI, I have a friend who purchased a PC laptop. One of the specs was wrong. Instead of a 1GB video card, it had a 500MB video card. When my friend tried to dispute it, ebay sided with the seller. Of course I only have my friend's word for it.

Right, they should have. They were about to close it in my favor until they realized my account wasn't covered by Buyer Protection.

yg17 · Feb 7, 2013, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

Right, they should have. They were about to close it in my favor until they realized my account wasn't covered by Buyer Protection.

You mean until they realized you were previously banned for eBay for violating the terms of service and shouldn't have been buying crap from there in the first place.

Squilly · Feb 7, 2013, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yg17

You mean until they realized you were previously banned for eBay for violating the terms of service and shouldn't have been buying crap from there in the first place.

No, on one of my many accounts there, they decided to reinstate my buying privileges. Didn't turn out true with this account though.

Feb 6, 2013, 09:59 PM	#1
Squilly In Time-Out Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: PA	I Just Got Scammed by eBay Most people think of eBay as a safe place to buy/sell items. Unfortunately, I just had a horrific experience with them. January 15th or so, I ordered a laptop from a guy in NJ on eBay. It came significantly not as described. After contemplating for a little while, I decided to return it, with a buyer protection prepaid label sent by eBay. Well, what do you know; things start to go downhill from here. The address on the label was wrong. I contacted eBay about it and they told me that it is indeed the sellers return shipping address. The 23rd, my eBay account gets suspended in the midst of this case. On the 20th or so, I sent out the laptop, thinking it was going to the right place. I was wrong. The 27th, eBay sends me a friendly email stating that the address on the shipping label was wrong and sent me another one. Fast forward to today. The laptop still hasn't arrived to me so I could send it to the right address to get a refund. Tracking information hasn't been updated since the 25th. After talking for about 50 minutes, the representative said it would be best to grant a refund due to miscommunication with the seller. One hour into the call. Behold, as I think I am about to get the refund, it's the exact opposite. The representative said that since my account was suspended, buyer protection is not in effect. I said, "so you're going to leave me without an item and without the money even though the item was significantly not as described?" Blatantly, the representative said "yes, unfortunately" then "I recommend you do a trace with UPS or USPS to get the package." So now I'm stuck with nothing. Not only that, but if I do get the package back, it's still significantly not as described. For those that are wondering, it costed $420, eBay not willing to help at all Suggestions? Last edited by maflynn; Feb 7, 2013 at 06:01 AM. Reason: inappropriate comments
	0

Feb 6, 2013, 10:04 PM	#2
mobilehaathi macrumors 68030 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA	That really sucks man. Out of curiosity, did you see a "super good deal" and think to yourself, "I wonder if can resell this for some quick cash?" __________________ Of crimes---none is greater than having things that one desires; Of disasters---none is greater than not knowing when one has enough. Of defects---none brings more sorrow than the desire to attain.
	0

Feb 6, 2013, 10:37 PM	#4
Jessica Lares macrumors 68030 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Near Dallas, Texas, USA	If you have a Retina MacBook Pro, why do you need another laptop? __________________  Have You Hugged Your Mac Today? Daily Expressions \| Power Mac G5 \| Late 2011 13" MacBook Pro \| iPod Nano (7G) \| iPod Shuffle (2012) \| iPad Mini
	4

Feb 6, 2013, 10:56 PM	#7
aziatiklover macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4	Call your cc or paypal to get the money back? __________________ ppleholic
	0

Feb 7, 2013, 07:41 AM	#11
jessica. macrumors Nehalem Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Wrong girl from the right side of the tracks	You sure get "scammed" a lot. Seems maybe buying on eBay or CL isn't for you. You said you lived with your parents right? Maybe you could also speak to your parents before making a buying decision as they may be able to keep you safer. __________________ Because I'm an ahole.
	8

Feb 6, 2013, 11:40 PM	#8
ucfgrad93 macrumors G4 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Colorado	Stories like this are why I avoid eBay like the plague. I hope you get you money back, OP.
	1

Feb 7, 2013, 12:15 AM	#9
Vader2 macrumors newbie Join Date: Jan 2013	Why did your account get suspended?
	2

Feb 7, 2013, 12:47 AM	#10
Demonface macrumors 6502 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Jersey/Miami	I bought this Sony Vaio a few years ago from ebay and the guy said it was an easy fix and all of that crap. When i took it to the local tech guy he opened it and said "Everything has to be repaired or replaced ." So I was stuck with a pos laptop oh and BTW i paid 220.00 for it.
	0

Feb 7, 2013, 07:52 AM	#12
eric/ In Time-Out Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ohio, United States	My philosophy on eBay is don't buy anything if you can't afford to lose the money. Always look for reputable sellers, and be in contact with them the first second you think something is wrong.
	0

Feb 7, 2013, 08:39 AM	#14
ipodlover77 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jan 2009	I hope you get your money back OP. Why did you get suspended though? edit: Question answered already lol
	0

Feb 7, 2013, 09:09 AM	#17
2020mike macrumors 6502 Join Date: May 2012	30 feedback and you think that makes him a good seller? Wow. __________________ iPad 2, iphone 4S 16gb
	0

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