Potential eBay Buyer Scam

RobBoss on 02/02/2021 - 19:15
Last edited 02/02/2021 - 19:25

I recently sold my Wh-1000XM3 on eBay, and upon the item being delivered, the buyer (who has only 2 ratings which I have not took notice previously) immediately asked for a refund claiming that it "does not work".

I asked for more details, videos, photos and I was met with the buyer being evasive and vague. Eventually, I was able to get some photos of the headphones which does not prove that it is faulty. He seemed reluctant to send anything but "the sound doesn't work".

I suspect this is a case of fraudulent claims and possible him switching his faulty one for mine. I have packaged the headphones well and have also tested it before sending them out. I am also surprised that when I said I suspect this thing as a fraudulent claim, he was rather clam and kept sending me vague sentences like "there is no audio".

So my question is that what should I do here, I read that should eBay intervene, they will most definitely side with the buyer and not only do I loose the item but also the money. If I issue a refund now, I risk getting a faulty item and loosing the money.

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Comments

  • No Username on 02/02/2021 - 19:17
    +13

    Did you record the serial number of the headphone?

    • TilacVIP on 03/02/2021 - 08:17

      Yep, its wise to take pics and a video before shipping out. Even though, most of the time, eBay will side with the buyer, might just help in a case like this where the buyer is not providing sufficient evidence, but yeah, seems like a scam.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 02/02/2021 - 19:18
    +10

    Did you recorded at least the serial number before you sent? If not how can you tell if the item returned is what you have sent.

  • Quantumcat on 02/02/2021 - 19:21
    +4

    Should have used Gumtree / Facebook marketplace and taken cash

    • RobBoss on 02/02/2021 - 19:22

      so true, learnt my lesson

  • RobBoss on 02/02/2021 - 19:22

    I have photo of the box which has the serial number. The thing is, I have asked him to send me the serial number on the headphone, and it is the same as the one on the box. But I am unsure if the serial number on the Wh-1000xm3 is just a sticker or not. If so, he could easily tamper with it. Can someone check for me haha. It is located as shown in the link

    https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/2023308-so…

    • Christown on 02/02/2021 - 19:31

      I just had a look at mine - It is indeed a sticker, though I think it would be obvious if tampered with.

      I don't have any input on the rest of it but I do wish you all best with it mate.

      • RobBoss on 02/02/2021 - 19:33

        Thanks so much for your help

      • RobBoss on 02/02/2021 - 20:22

        mate, does this look tampered? haha to my eyes it kinda does, the sticker is not even aligned.

        https://imgur.com/a/uPv9LeA

        • Christown on 02/02/2021 - 21:18

          Hard to tell with the low quality photo but, alignment aside (my pair bought brand new was not perfectly aligned) it does look a little sketchy as it doesn't appear to look clean neat and flush… But I guess it could just be dirty.

        • FireRunner on 02/02/2021 - 21:18
          +2

          I'd expect it to be damaged if someone tried to remove it. These stickers aren't easy to remove since the manufacturer doesn't want people tampering with them

    • No Username on 02/02/2021 - 19:42
      +2

      Did you remove the headphone from your phone? If not you could also cross reference the BT MAC Address.

      • RobBoss on 02/02/2021 - 19:54

        unfortunately I have

    • Kangal on 02/02/2021 - 23:19
      -1

      You stuffed up HUGE. Do not talk about serial numbers!!

      Wait for more clarification. And worse comes to worse, ask them to send the item back.
      And once receiving you can check if it has been switched. And if switched, you can raise a dispute with PayPal.

      It's the same thing with people in car accidents. If you're NOT at-fault, let the other party make a false claim against you, the police notes everything, and AFTER that happening do you show the police (or Insurance Provider) your dashcam footage. So they not only are liable for the accident, but their scam is halted, and they are likely to receive a penalty fine for fraud/perjury.

      • Quantumcat on 03/02/2021 - 08:02
        +2

        Except ebay are not police and don't really care about anyone but themselves. Even if you have the serial number to prove they sent you a different set back, there's a good chance ebay might ignore that.

        • Kangal on 03/02/2021 - 12:49
          -1

          That's true.
          However, my comment still stands. You should NOT show your evidence until it is needed. Just because eBay doesn't do something about it, it doesn't mean you can't go to your local police for some advice/assistance. Heck, even Small Claims court is a possibility.

          Though, if you reveal your evidence and give the perpetrator the opportunity to change their narrative (or even tamper) then you've just set yourself for failure.

          • Quantumcat on 03/02/2021 - 12:51

            @Kangal: Police don't care about civil matters. If it is a matter of being scammed they'll tell you to report on ACORN for statistical purposes. They might give you an event number if you need it to claim from insurance. But that's it.

            • Kangal on 03/02/2021 - 12:52

              @Quantumcat: Yes I know. But sometimes they do help. You lose nothing from asking.

              Also, there's Small Claims if you have their details.

              • Quantumcat on 03/02/2021 - 12:57
                +2

                @Kangal: No they will never help for things like this, and small claims is very expensive, not worth it unless you've lost a few thousand at least. Unfortunately this kind of fraud is very easy to execute and get away with :-(
                One of the reasons I don't sell anything on ebay that I'm not prepared to lose and get no money for

  • garetz on 02/02/2021 - 19:28

    Sounds like a scam alright, there is no way headphones just die like that in transit unless they were seriously damaged on route. If that is the case the packaging would be damaged also.

    I have had this happen to me, luckily for me i took out postal insurance and got auspost to pay for the headphones no longer working. In my case it looked like the damage was caused in transit, also for headphones.

    • RobBoss on 02/02/2021 - 19:53
      +8

      Really its people like this that makes society a whole lot worst.

    • TilacVIP on 03/02/2021 - 08:22

      Then when the item arrived, the box would have need to be damaged for the claim to have validity, yes??? otherwise Auspost will most likely say, no damage to the box, so it wasn't them.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/02/2021 - 19:54
    +4

    This wont help you now… But, I've given up on selling old shit.

    Give it away for free to friends and family, cut out a lot of headache. Failing any other charitable options, straight into a storage box just in case or rubbish bin.

    • RobBoss on 02/02/2021 - 20:18
      +1

      yeah should have just given it away to friends, at least they'll appreciate it

      • [Deactivated] on 02/02/2021 - 22:17

        Some will still moan and complain though… So there is no winning here really.

        • YeemaiI on 04/02/2021 - 11:19

          I know I wouldn't if I got a free pair of XM3'S lol

  • oscargamer on 02/02/2021 - 20:43

    Just pay for the item to be returned to you

    • Quantumcat on 02/02/2021 - 21:17
      +2

      He'll probably get back a different, broken, set of headphones though

      • oscargamer on 03/02/2021 - 10:01

        And that will assist him in rejecting the claim…..

        • Quantumcat on 03/02/2021 - 10:05

          If he doesn't have the serial number he has no way to prove it is a different set. Even if he has the serial there's no guarantee ebay will care.

          • oscargamer on 03/02/2021 - 13:31
            +1

            @Quantumcat: OP says he has serial number.

            • Quantumcat on 03/02/2021 - 14:40

              @oscargamer: Oh I missed that. That's good. Looks like allowing the buyer to send them back is the best course of action - decent chance of not having to give a refund if they are the wrong ones and at least can resell them if the right ones. Worth it for the cost of return postage

              Though I hope the serial number was in the ebay ad somewhere

  • plmko on 02/02/2021 - 21:03

    If you did not take a video of the headphone working showing things like serial and then you putting it in the box then you will be forced to take it back assuming they know how to push the right Ebay menus.

    Also did you entertain the thought that maybe the headphone doesn't actually work the way they want it to? Not sure where you got your picture link but I can see a laptop, these headphones aren't the easiest thing to get bluetooth working for laptops.

    • RobBoss on 02/02/2021 - 21:15

      exactly, this guy keep saying it doesnt work, Im assuming he doesnt know how to change to audio settings on the laptop. But upon asking, he gives a "doesnt omit sound"

      • FireRunner on 02/02/2021 - 21:21

        He could be just technologically inept. In that case you'll just receive your working headset back but lose out on postage there and back

        • RobBoss on 02/02/2021 - 21:39
          +2

          Yep, either a case of buyer's remorse, using the "oh its hard to connect to laptop, must be faulty" logic. Or worst case scenario, a scam. Good old eBay

          • FireRunner on 02/02/2021 - 22:11

            @RobBoss: You're almost certainly have the item returned unless you can convince the buyer to cancel the return.
            I guess you could try argue the buyer isn't cooperating with troubleshooting but it will probably fall on deaf ears.
            If the buyer returns it and it is faulty gather as much evidence to show they returned a different item. Serial number being different or perhaps some physical marks/wear to show they aren't the same item. Present the evidence in an appeal.
            If they dismiss your evidence then reach out to AFCA. I've had a scum buyer and PayPal was being completely unreasonable. AFCA resolved the issue. Best of luck

            • RobBoss on 02/02/2021 - 22:17
              +1

              @FireRunner: Thanks heaps, this helps a lot. Yes I am planing to go full on with this as I do not like to be taken advantage of. Should the item be damaged, I will take it to AFCA

              • Kangal on 02/02/2021 - 23:24

                @RobBoss: Boss Rob, maybe you can find a tutorial or link on how to get the XM3's to connect to Windows10 online or YouTube. Send that to the buyer. Maybe that will fix all the issue and end things on a happy transaction?

                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjw5ifAftK8

              • Kangal on 02/02/2021 - 23:40
                -1

                @RobBoss: Okay, I think this issue is SOLVED.
                You can close the thread. It looks like the buyer is NOT lying. There is no sound emitting from the headphones.

                Apparently it is a common bug/driver issue from Microsoft and Sony. If you connect the headphones normally it will not connect properly. You apparently have to hold the power button for MINIMUM of 5 seconds (some say ~10 seconds). Then you can pair properly on Windows10. That is fix #1.

                And even then some people have issues. Some say just wait for Windows to discover the XM3 entry, but without the "LE" name. Apparently it takes around 30 seconds for it to show up (instead of 5 seconds for the LE). This is fix #2.

                It should've been fixed at #1, if not very rare and should be fixed at #2. And if that also doesn't work there is another fix. Goto "Add Bluetooth device" and then go to "Devices and printers". Then scroll and find all devices connected to your laptop, you may be surprised to find the connected headphone is under the "Unspecified list". Just double click on it, go to "WH-1000xm3 Properties" and then go "Services" and checkmark all Bluetooth Service… then apply. Voila! Fix #3.

                If all else fails, it might be due to a faulty driver. Go into your Bluetooth settings and find advanced settings for the WH-10000XM3. Find the driver information associated for this Bluetooth device and uninstall it. This will delete all information about the WH. Disconnect it if you haven't already. Re-connect the headphones back to Windows10 laptop, and it'll coordinate to install the correct driver/audio device in your Sound Settings. That's fix #4… and the end of the line.

                • RobBoss on 03/02/2021 - 07:00

                  @Kangal: I tried asking, the buyer is evasive replies with “no audio”

                  • Kangal on 03/02/2021 - 12:51
                    -1

                    @RobBoss: Don't just ask, tell.
                    Tell them what they need to do to get it working. I did the legwork for you already, just send them a message with what I've typed. Hopefully that will sort itself out. I know it's frustrating but that's what is at stake as a seller (unaware buyers).

                    • RobBoss on 03/02/2021 - 16:22

                      @Kangal: I didn’t send him as thorough as that but I did tell him to test the headphone on his phone. Furthermore, I also mentioned the step of connecting to a PC. Reply: no audio. Again as vague as possible

          • SF3 on 02/02/2021 - 22:18
            +1

            @RobBoss: It was a PITA to pair with Windows 10, was not intuitive at all, first stage pairing does see the xm3 as a headset, then I think I paired it again (2nd stage) Windows then registered it as WH-1000XM3.

  • FireRunner on 02/02/2021 - 21:14

    Unfortunately eBay and PayPal almost always side with the buyer. If you ask eBay to step in and they do side with the buyer, they will require the buyer to return but will refund them immediately. I believe you may appeal the case but you'd need to prove that they didn't return the same item you sent out.

    • RobBoss on 02/02/2021 - 21:17

      I see, yep loose loose situation. It makes me appreciate OzBargain more, done a couple of trade on this site, no hassle, no need to worry about scammers like this

  • xuqi on 02/02/2021 - 21:15
    +2

    Sorry to say but you're very much screwed. eBay won't care and PayPal will side with the buyer….

    • pharkurnell on 02/02/2021 - 22:17

      Yep - 100% nail on the head.

      Ebay strikes again.

      • RobBoss on 03/02/2021 - 16:23

        Well, it is true that eBay only protects buyers. I asked them and they are like if the buyer says it’s faulty it’s faulty and I must pay for everything

        • pharkurnell on 03/02/2021 - 16:39

          Yep…
          I'm down 400 even after showing them tracking proof.

          Intercourse Ebay

          • RobBoss on 03/02/2021 - 18:33

            @pharkurnell: Damn I feel ya. No wonder Amazon is kicking their butts, had one return item lost, Amazon gave me the money no questions asked.

  • Stevek1960 on 03/02/2021 - 10:43

    I always find a spot on expensive items I buy that is not obvious and engrave a set code in case of theft. Would also prove handy against scam swap outs as well.

    • Quantumcat on 03/02/2021 - 12:54

      You'd have to put that as a picture on ebay if you want to use it as evidence the buyer sent you a different item.

  • OzHunterNSW on 04/02/2021 - 12:53
    +1

    I take photos of my packing of item… step by step.
    If they claim damage, you have proof that the item was packages securely.

    As for scam… you have them return the item… but do not provide a refund until you inspect the item.

  • dins on 18/02/2021 - 16:31

    Went through something similar few years back.

    eBay Buyer/Scammer Bought Brand New Headphones & Returned Used Faulty Ones For Refund

    What worked for me was ringing up eBay (don't waste your time with online chat) and I explained everything.

    They sent me an email asking for a statutory declaration (if they don't mention that step ask them if that's possible).

    Get that done and I think afterwards I was asked to provide some additional info, pics and original purchase receipt and within minutes they put the money back into my PayPal account.

    Hope that helps.

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