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I bought a item from ebay. It was labelled as sealed and brand new. But it wasn't.
Summary: 2006_donald described a situation where they purchased a supposedly brand new item on eBay, only to find missing components upon opening it nearly a year later. They were frustrated with the seller's dismissive response and eBay's lack of action on the fraud report. Other participants noted that eBay's claim period is limited to a shorter timeframe, advising to check items immediately upon delivery. 2006_donald expressed disappointment with eBay's customer service and acknowledged the importance of inspecting items sooner.
I bought an item on eBay listed as "brand new and sealed." To preserve its resale value, I kept it packaged for 11 months before finally opening it. Inside, half the components were missing—someone had stripped the contents and meticulously resealed the box. When I contacted the seller about the fraud, he completely brushed me off, claiming he couldn't do anything (which isn't true). His shady reaction makes it obvious he knew it was tampered with. I reported this to eBay, but they have been entirely useless, offering no communication or clear process for handling fraud. I want to change the great feedback I left him and get my money back. Is eBay just a safe haven for scammers now, or is there an actual way to fight this?
2006_donald
OP2 weeks agoThanks for your comments - I guess I'm lucky in a way - I've seen way worse scams on ebay than mine. the thing is I would expect a better reception from ebay and other honest ebayers regarding the transaction and reporting it. But from the comments it's like well its your own fault for not checking - even though it would drop the value of the product considerably if it came to a resale. The person who sealed up the half empty box knew there was a good chance he would get away with it. The lesson here is don't trust the seller (or even the buyer) always check, even if it looks good as the buyer and ebay won't bother should you delay too long.
61stephenuk
Mentor3 weeks agoAfter 11 months you don't stand a chance of getting a refund, eBay claims are for upto 30 days from delivery and payment provider claims generally 120 days.
As mentioned always check items as soon after delivery as possible.
2006_donald
OP3 weeks agoYeah I checked the items it looked brand new as it was sealed. I didn't know there was a 120 rule with a credit card. in hindsight I will trust ebay less. I have read some horror stories of fraud and was lucky I didn't flip the item for profit as I would have beenseen to be the guilty party.
tobiasd4
Mentor3 weeks agoAfter 11 months no one is going to sort this.
Always check items on delivery.
2006_donald
OP3 weeks agoYeah I guess not. I have read much more serious transaction on ebay where people lose £1,000's. I guess when you get away with it once why not try it again. That's partly why I reported the seller. If ebay does nothing and there is no way to "sort this" the cycle continues.
papso22
Mentor3 weeks agoThey only got away with it because you didn't use the money back guarantee.
2006_donald
OP2 weeks agoit was 11 months ago - had I known under 200 days I would have been protected. They would have overruled ebay - always use a credit card just in case.