Returning something that’s been tampered with

[alexandralavintage90]

Hi everyone, I could use some advice. A buyer purchased video camera, then requested a return. I refunded them in good faith, but once the item came back, I found it had clearly been tampered with and is no longer in the condition it was when I sold it. I’ve taken photos as evidence. Since I’ve already issued the refund, I’m unsure what my next step should be  is there any way to report this through eBay and request a seller credit, or at least flag the buyer for return abuse so other sellers are protected? Any guidance from experienced sellers or moderators would be really appreciated.

[jckl1957]

You needed to contact Ebay before you refunded.

You can report the buyer for abuse of the Money Back Guarantee but Ebay won't tell you what action they take - if they take any action.

You won't get a seller credit as you voluntarily refunded.

[alexandralavintage90]

Thanks for your reply. I understand now that by refunding straight away I
closed the case myself, which is why I can’t get a seller credit. The part
I find difficult is that there’s no way for a seller to know the item has
been tampered with until it’s physically returned so it feels like the
system leaves us exposed unless we hold off on refunding. I’ll definitely
wait to inspect the item before issuing any refund in the future and make
sure to report the buyer for return abuse with my photos.

[tobiasd4]

You were lucky buyer returned item.

Correct way is buyer opens case, you issue returns label, only refund on return.

If you refund 1st, ebay close case as they assume you don't want item back so label no longer available. 

[*vyolla*]

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@alexandralavintage90 wrote:

I find difficult is that there’s no way for a seller to know the item has
been tampered with until it’s physically returned so it feels like the
system leaves us exposed unless we hold off on refunding. I

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The system requires buyers to return items before sellers refund, the system isn't at fault here, it's just a shame that you went ahead and refunded before getting your item back. At least you'll know how to handle a return if it happens again. 

[alexandralavintage90]

Yes, it’s a shame not to be able to have faith in people, lesson learned
for next time.