Seller requesting to close reported missing item scam

[lordsenion]

I paid for an item from a seller, the item did not arrive. It was sent untracked and the seller claimed it was damaged. I requested a replacement. They said they can only replace the item if I close the case. They said the item will arrive in 2-4 days. A week later nothing has arrived. eBay will not allow the case to be reopened and there is not way to resolve this. The scammers know this and are ripping people off knowing this glaring hole in eBays processes. 

[arkwebus]

I am not quite sure that I understand but it is never a good idea to request a replacement in my view.    Simply go for a refund and buy again [if you trust the seller!]

Never take advice from a seller; it is also not a good idea to close a case.  

If you have done so the seller "might" send a replacement but otherwise eBay will not help. 

You may be able to approach your payment provider.

@lordsenion 

[jckl1957]

As advised, you may be able to open a chargeback through your paymant provider on the grounds that you didn't receive your item.

Like many scams, this one could only work with your participation.

For future reference, and for other members who read posts in here, you should not have agreed to close the case.

Once you open an 'item not received' case, if it is not settled, you can ask Ebay to step in between 3 and 21 business days after you open the case.

If a seller promises a replacement, give them a deadline but don't close the case.  If you receive a replacement, great.  If not, you still have a live case and can ask Ebay to step in.

As you  have found out, once you've closed a case, there is no way to re-open it.