bogus refund request

[ringogringobingo]

I think I'm being scammed but feel powerless to stop it!

I sold an old iPhone and packaged and posted it to the buyer.  The buyer has sent a series of photos that appear to show the packaging but the phone and box has been replaced with a packet of cable ties.  He has requested a return and refund.

I most definitely didn't send cable ties, so he's either switched them out or someone has en route.

I don't think the photos represent evidence, they're just some photos of the packaging and some stuff I didn't send.

eBay appear to have upheld his request and now I'm £80 lighter, he's sending back cable ties and he's got a perfectly good iPhone.

I'm unable to find a human at eBay who can help.

What's my recommended course of action to:

A - warn eBay that there is someone doing this

B - prevent the return from going ahead

C - get my money back

Thanks in advance

Ringo

[jckl1957]

Have Ebay actually refunded the buyer?  Or, have they put your funds on hold and asked you to provide a label?

The best thing to do when your buyer opens a return request is accept the return and provide a label.

Then, if a different item is sent back, you file a report with Action Fraud.

Then, rather than refund, you contact Ebay with the details of your report and the action fraud number.

If Ebay have refunded from your funds, you can appeal.