Anyone else think that fraud could increase regarding damaged items & simple delivery??

[footballhells]

Hi - just wondering if anyone else thinks that the fact that if you use eBay’s simple delivery and so damaged items no longer have to be returned leaves it all open to AI / picture tampering fraud ?? I recently sent an item out that was bubble wrapped to within an inch of its life in a large box too and extra shredded paper where I was sent a picture of some damage - the damage to me did not really seem to tie up with what would have been a drop or even a crush by the post office as this would have ended with a clean break off - the damage shown to me in the picture looked more consistent with being hit which would not have occurred with all the wrapping.

I fully realise that in this instance the seller keeps their money ( and there will be lots of “ so who cares “ people out there ) and the buyer is refunded but also gets to keep the item - I’m wondering if sellers accounts are going to be affected if there are too many “ damaged “ items reported??

[jckl1957]

My guess would be that it will be buyers' accounts that are affected.

There are posts from time to time in the forum from members who no longer have access to the Money Back Guarantee because they have simply made too many claims.

So, buyers may get away with a false claim once, maybe even twice, but I don't think Ebay will accept and pay out on multiple claims from individuals.

[red_magpie]

I have questioned here before whether eBay has fully considered the opportunities for fraud presented by offering no-return refunds for items allegedly arriving damaged.

It may be that they're making enough from the buyer protection fee to cover losses. And by blocking serial claimants from using the money back guarantee.

Nevertheless IMO it's a pretty risky business model. We can only wait and see whether eBay looks for ways of damage limitation. Probably at the seller's epense.