How can I prevent negative feedback if buyer has misused Return of Item?

[inga4641]

Is there any way one can prevent negative revenge feedback from a buyer, after she has bought an almost new coat, said there is a damp smell attached to it and demands a refund, then is posting it back nearly a month later, with NO smell at all, visibly worn, with marks on sleeves and pocket and small change still in bottom of one pocket, and crumpled up in a heap of mess stuffed into a far too small box, then sending bully-messages.  

What is the best way to deal with people like that without damaging your own reputation as a seller?

Thanks for your advice!

Disgruntled eBayer.   

[papso22 · Accepted solution]

I am afraid there is no way to deal with this sort of buyer that guarantees your account will remain unscathed.  

If she opened a case and you don't refund, ebay will do it for you and you will get a defect.  She can leave negative feedback whatever you do, and unless it breaches the rules, ebay won't remove it. 

It is one of the risks of selling on here.