Safety Recall of item

[jenfromkblock]

Hi, I was contacted by ebay to advise that my item purchased in May 2024 is not safe to use and to cease using it immediately as it is a metal product that is not earthed. The seller and item had disappeared from ebay so not much I could do, but Ebay said they could contact the seller on my behalf to get the refund sorted and if they didn't hear from them I would have to go to the manufacturer. 

I contacted the seller to return it and they made a big statement about how it was a smear campaign against them and their products are perfect. So I asked them to just confirm if the item is earthed or not and they confirmed it is not earthed. On this basis I asked if they would allow me to return it to them for a refund and they said sure. But when I asked for information on how to return it they just stopped responding to me. I am in an infinite loop with ebay chat trying to get help because it's over 90 days ago, but the product could potentially electrocute me so I don't really want to keep it but can't sell it on since the fact it has metal casing I understand it's illegal to sell in the UK if unearthed. 
I tried to go through my bank but they also have an AI chatbot who wouldn't tell me HOW to raise a dispute.

Is there a cheat sheet to speak to an ebay person? I just want to interact with a human to get it resolved!

[red_magpie]

I just want to interact with a human to get it resolved!

Good luck, but whatever eBay may have said I doubt they will get involved if you bought it 90 days ago.

eBay's own money back guarantee only lasts for 30 days. After that, eBay has no further interest and any responsibility rests with the seller. For recalls, eBay will simply pass on details to the buyer to take up with the seller.

If the seller doesn't want to know- and many don't - depending upon how you paid your payment provider e.g. credit or debit card issuer may still be able to help.

Don't expect buying from unknown sellers through eBay to be like buyng from the shops. The user agreement did warn you that eBay does not guarantee the quality of items, or that descriptions will be truthful or accurate. eBay doesn't even guarantee that items for sale will be safe or legal. Would you have bought from a shop that stated this? eBay is a jungle.