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I want to report this Ebay seller for lying description (I guess) but how?

D

dragonjinse

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 13, 2013
318
12
I was about to buy a macbook pro on ebay. I emailed this particular seller to offer the price.
She emailed me back after a day to let me know she accepted my offer and told me to contact her via email because her mom got scam on ebay before.

I looked through her pictures on the list again. It showed the laptop box on the front w/ receipt and the serial number. The list describes as the Macbook pro 15" RETINA!
However, the box shows the old model which is the NON-RETINA one.
She also send me another picture of the box on the back with her cellphone in the picture. I can tell it's the old model because the retina doesn't have a LED on the front of the laptop.
The serial number works. It shows the laptop model is retina. But I don't know it's a legit serial number of not.

I asked her if these pictures are actual item around in the morning, she said yes. (in like 10 mins later)
Then I asked her why the box shows the older model (non-retina). She didn't message me back after that.

I want to report to ebay. I don't want people get the wrong item or scam. I feel bad for them
The highest bid right now is around $1700.
The seller has 100% positive feedback from 3 buyers. 2 buyers are 0% positive feedback.

1.How do I report it? Is is it 'Copyright and trademark category' or 'Listing Practices'?
2. Should I report as: 'Descriptions that encourage infringement' or something else?
Please give me some kinds or keywords I should look for when I report it.

thank you so much
 
Nevermind. I report it as a misleading title. Hopefully, ebay will give this seller a lesson.
 
Last edited:
dragonjinse said:
I was about to buy a macbook pro on ebay. I emailed this particular seller to offer the price.
She emailed me back after a day to let me know she accepted my offer and told me to contact her via email because her mom got scam on ebay before.
Click to expand...

"Her Mom got scammed on eBay." Maybe they are the scammers...

I don't do eBay nearly as much as I used to. These days ebay seems to be very pro buyer. That said, everything in eBay is based on the auction. Did you bid on this item? If you did and the description is not accurate, ebay has a mechanism where you can dispute first with the seller, and then file a protest through eBay, based on inaccurate description. Both they and Paypal have buyer protection.

Bottom line there is a mechanism, but for future reference if eBay rules are side stepped to make a purchase on the side, and allow the seller to avoid paying their eBay fees, eBay's protections and guarantees are nullified.

To report an auction, on the auction page, there is a link on the right side about middle of the page that says, report this auction. The report would be based on an inaccurate description. You can also visit this ebay page: How to report inappropriate buying and selling.
 
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Sounds like you're very upset over a misleading title. I would simply report the misleading title to eBay and let them handle it. You were right in being diligent, but I would probably calm down and just report it as it is and bid on another computer.

I recently bought something that was shipped and received in 2 days (8 days ahead of the estimated date). It was the wrong item. I simply asked if I was sent the wrong item and the seller is sending me the right item, free of charge. I didn't see the point of starting a ruckus over a mistake that was likely honest.

I went to bid on something previously and the item pictured did not match the title. I asked, via eBay's contact system. The answer was that the picture is the auction not the title. I asked them to fix it (make things match) and they did not. I reported it to eBay and left it at that.

If you ask via eBay, I believe your questions are listed on the bottom. I always look there. If things are fixed (if they need to be) then I report it to eBay. You seem super charged by this issue and I think you should just report it and move along.
 
Will never understand the rationale behind playing the quality lottery with high end electronics on Ebay.

I get the savings to be had on there when you find a great deal, but the peace of mind of buying from a reputable seller is worth the extra cost in these situations (IMO).

OP....Anytime someone asks you to buy something off Ebay outside of the normal avenue, it's probably a scam.
 
Ebay is a crap shoot these days. Been buying and selling on Ebay for 13 years now and will never buy or sell an electronic device on their site. Just to risky. You did right by reporting this, but could do that for a lot of the electronics listed on Ebay. Ebay is certainly not what it used to be. Just depends on what you sell and buy.

It is also your responsibility to follow up as you did and read the description carefully. If you do this then at least you have a legitimate argument should it not be as listed. Email the seller any questions and save all email responses. They will help immensely should a case arise.
 
Thanks guys for all the advices.
I didn't bid (but almost bought it from her because she accepted my offer)
I wasn't upset but kinda angry and hopefully no one is going to be her victim.

The list is still on ebay today and the highest price is around $2200.

Hopwfully ebay will catch this girl soon!
 
dragonjinse said:
Thanks guys for all the advices.
I didn't bid (but almost bought it from her because she accepted my offer)
I wasn't upset but kinda angry and hopefully no one is going to be her victim.

The list is still on ebay today and the highest price is around $2200.

Hopwfully ebay will catch this girl soon!
Click to expand...

Luckily if somebody does buy it through ebay, and it turns out to be the old model, they will be able to get a refund through paypal.
 
If I knew for sure the description is wrong and I wanted to be evil, I'd buy it, then complain to eBay/PayPal.

Insta-refund, and I can keep the laptop. Reverse-scam!
 
ravenvii said:
If I knew for sure the description is wrong and I wanted to be evil, I'd buy it, then complain to eBay/PayPal.

Insta-refund, and I can keep the laptop. Reverse-scam!
Click to expand...

You still have to return the item.
I purchased what I thought was an iP4S and what was sent was a 3GS (I know... not even close. . . I could maybe understand if it was an iPhone4, but a 3GS?!).

I was required, and rightfully so, to return to complete the complaint/refund process.
 
braddick said:
You still have to return the item.
I purchased what I thought was an iP4S and what was sent was a 3GS (I know... not even close. . . I could maybe understand if it was an iPhone4, but a 3GS?!).

I was required, and rightfully so, to return to complete the complaint/refund process.
Click to expand...

Leaving you out the time and money to ship back the thing...
 
Okay guys... eBay cancel that list before the time end!
Yay! At least I feel great that I prevent someone from this scam!
 
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