Seller continuing to scam buyers with knitting patterns that do not work

[wosieden]

There is a seller who is selling knitting patterns for character dolls themed for TV characters, Halloween, Christmas etc. The photographs of the items they are for, look brilliant and are the best you can find on Ebay. However when the patterns arrive they are just A4 print offs sometimes in black & white rather than colour and when you come to knit them they do not work, the instructions are nonsense. They are not properly published patterns. As an experienced knitter I realised very quickly they do not produce anything like the images shown.

I noticed some of the images on her listings show crocheted dolls but the wording is for a knitting pattern. I queried this before buying but she assured me I would get a knitting pattern which I did, but unworkable. I have also worked out from the style of text that these patterns are AI generated and that is why they do not work, I do not believe anybody has tested them before sale. 

The seller has over all good feedback, albeit with a lot of negatives,  because she sells other items and also because most people leave feedback on receipt of the pattern but before they try to knit it. When they discover it doesn't work they cannot leave further feedback.

I have complained directly to her and she has given me a full refund with no question, but she is continuing to sell the patterns presumably working on the fact that most people don't get round to complaining. It is a lucrative scam. She used to sell the same items under another name but that shop has been closed.

I have reported the items to Ebay but AI has ruled nothing wrong with the listings because AI hasn't tried to knit the pattern! I appealed on the ruling but this appeal has been closed by Ebay and I have not received the email it says I should have received to explain why. I have tried reporting the seller but I get a red error message saying try again later.

How can I stop this seller continuing to scam buyers? 

[jckl1957]

Duplicate post - also in 'buying'.

[wosieden]

After posting it I was advised to put it in "Buying" section as it was more appropriate and would probably receive more helpful comments, so I did. Still looking for helpful suggestions from either.

[jckl1957]

Your question - how can you stop this seller - is impossible to answer.

If enough buyers return their unsatisfactory items (they have 30 days to study the item and realise it's useless) and leave negative feedback, then Ebay will act.

My personal opinion (I was recently accused of being patronising when I said something similar, so apologies in advance if I offend) is that generally, there is something more important to fret about.

Maybe look at the serenity prayer:

' grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.'

[john1297576]

Reporting to ebay is pointless, AI knows as much about knitting as I do.

Just open a not as described case, if seller does not provide a return label escalate to ebay to deal with. Also leave appropriate feedback and mark down the star ratings.

Cases opened and poor feedback are a much more effective ways of dealing with poor sellers.

Scams like this only work if buyers do nothing.

[wosieden]

Seller has refunded me in full and has not asked for the return of items, so I don't think I can open a not as described case with Ebay now. The items were just A4 computer print offs. It is just annoying that the seller does this to get rid of complainers and relies on most buyers not bothering to follow up when they find the patterns are not fit for purpose. It is probably too long after purchasing them that they eventually find that out. I just do not think it right that sellers get away with scamming buyers, albeit individually small amounts but small amounts add up to large amounts for the seller.

I have left negative feedback along with many other people but she is continuing to sell.

[wosieden]

I don't find you patronising and on the one hand take your point that it is not a major issue in the grand scheme of things that can go wrong. However it is still fraudulent and a scam and very disappointing and annoying for those that order her patterns in good faith.  I was hoping to save a few other people from wasting their money but it would seem that that is not possible.

[*vyolla*]

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@wosieden wrote:

I was hoping to save a few other people from wasting their money but it would seem that that is not possible.

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The feedback you've left is very well worded and stands out. Buyers are supposed to check seller feedback before making a purchase, so this should do the trick.