We are having to post this again as previous posts get conveniently archived or deleted.
We invite as many victims as possible to report the issue to Action Fraud but also email BBC theoneshow cc. watchdog, RipOffBritain , report it to Trading standards and raise a formal complaint with eBay.
Please fee free to copy paste (also make sure you include Packlink in the email title)! The more people report this the more chance it will be picked up.
Sellers Allege Widespread Postage Underpayment Scam Involving Packlink and eBay
We would like to raise alarms over an alleged systematic scheme involving the delivery company Packlink, with eBay being accused of enabling this practice. Many sellers claim they are being unfairly charged under the pretext of "underpaid postage," with many taking to forums and social media to share their experiences. A simple Google search for "Packlink scam" reveals the extent of this issue, with countless sellers expressing frustration and financial losses.
Many sellers are speaking out, with growing calls for an investigation. The issue has become so widespread that an online search for “Packlink scam” yields numerous complaints, blog posts, and forum discussions detailing similar experiences. These accounts paint a picture of widespread exploitation targeting small businesses that rely on eBay for their livelihood.
The Alleged Scheme
- Surprise Deductions by Packlink
Packlink is accused of deducting arbitrary amounts, typically £3.18, from sellers’ bank accounts weeks or months after the alleged postage occurred. These deductions are said to exploit the direct debit authorisation that sellers are required to set up when using eBay’s shipping service. - Revoked Direct Debits Met with eBay Withholding Funds
Sellers who revoke Packlink’s authority to withdraw funds are faced with eBay stepping in to withhold their funds to cover the disputed charges. Sellers argue this tactic makes eBay complicit in the scheme, effectively circumventing their ability to protect their accounts from unjust charges. - Unreasonable Burden of Proof
When sellers dispute the charges, Packlink reportedly demands unreasonable evidence, such as photographs of parcels and proof of the postage weight, which most sellers do not routinely retain.
- Financial Impact: While individual charges are small, the cumulative effect is significant for sellers who already operate on slim profit margins.
- Trust Erosion: The perception that eBay and Packlink are working in tandem against sellers has shaken trust in the platform.
- Consumer Protection Concerns: Sellers argue that these practices may violate the Direct Debit Guarantee and consumer protection laws under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
A Call for Accountability
The situation has sparked calls for action from both affected sellers and consumer rights advocates. They are demanding:
- Transparency: Clear evidence to substantiate any alleged postage underpayments.
- Fair Practices: A halt to the practice of withholding funds or automatic deductions without seller consent.
- Investigations: Independent scrutiny of Packlink’s operations and eBay’s role in facilitating the deductions.
Quotes from Affected Sellers
“This isn’t about one or two mistakes; it’s a systematic issue. Packlink charges whatever they want, and eBay just goes along with it. Sellers are left powerless,” said one seller.
“We rely on eBay to run our businesses. To feel like the platform itself is enabling this kind of exploitation is disheartening,” said another.
For Further Information
For those interested in investigating further, a simple Google search of “Packlink scam” offers a clear snapshot of the frustration faced by countless sellers.
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