Refunded a buyer but haven't received the return. My money is gone and so is the item!

[silverarrow2002]

I had a request for a refund/return because the item arrived damaged - guy sent pictures and I approved it seemed legit. Now it's been over three weeks and I haven't received anything. Reported it but eBay have done nothing. AI assistant is predictably useless, how I can I contact someone to do something? Is there anything I can do?

[papso22]

If you refund before getting the item back ebay assumes you don't want it back.

If you do,  you will have to deal with the buyer directly.