Seller fraud

[zetrocnm]

Hi there

I purchased an iPhone on 6th December 2025, on listing the seller mentions that he/she would post the item after 16/17 days. So I waited and kept in touch with seller, who always gave assurances that I am posting shortly,  after  lapse of several days, the seller posts with tracking only to find a phone case in the package (as you feel and note the contents) which I haven’t opened. I contacted the seller, who responds that there had been a mix up in the posting, give me more time, etc. contacted eBay via help and support, who are simply asking me to wait for the response from the seller. Besides, whilst corresponding with messages it appears that the seller is not in the UK ( time zone noted on messages) where the phone sale is listed. What resources or pathways do I have to resolve this issue. Thanks in advance for your help.

[tressygirl]

You have received something, albeit the wrong item, so be careful to open the correct case.  Do NOT open a case for item not received.

Message the seller no more,  just proceed this way:

If you are still within 30 days of the item's last estimated date for delivery you are guaranteed a full refund,  under eBay's 30 day MBG,  Money Back Guarantee policy.

You have received an item not as described,  go right of the item in your Purchase History and from More Actions select... Return this item selecting the reason Item Does Not Match Description.

The seller needs to accept this case within 3 days and refund,  if they want their item back first , they need to pay for that fully tracked return postage, then on receipt of their item they have 48 hours to refund you.  If they don't ,  need to escalate the case,  ask eBay to step in, and they'll force the refund.

Never listen to any excuse or promise from the seller to close the case early,  and do not forget to escalate.

@zetrocnm 

[zetrocnm]

Thanks tressgirl for your response. Yes, just today I have got notification from eBay of my refund on account of 30 day policy. However, the seller is so crafty to post a dummy item to what I had I purchased only to say sorry, my mix up, thereafter demanding that I give a feedback, return the package, etc., what about the inconvenience caused to me for this period of anticipation the delivery of the package. The seller was responding from a different time zone, indicating that the seller doesn’t even reside in the same country as one has listed the item to sell. Take care.

Sent from Outlook for iOS<>

[red_magpie]

If you have not yet opened a case, the one you will now need to open is an "item not as described" case. Explain that the item was a dummy item (say what you actually received) and not the item descibed. Keep the dummy item as you will be required to return it.

You haven't told us where the item was located - this will be stated in the listing, and may not be the same as the selller's location. Many overseas sellers have a distribution base in the UK, and if it was listed as UK stock the seller will be required to send you a prepaid return label.

If they ask you to return it abroad, ask again in the morning - it's more complicated to explain!

If you have already opened an "item not received" case you can contact eBay to change it to an "item not as described" case.