Robbed by a buyer

[sky_shrimp]

I have a working iPhone XS Max that needs parts. It needs a new screen, a proximity sensor, screws and brackets.

I thought I'd buy another one for parts and found an auction that was iCloud locked. The screen was cracked, but working. I received it, but it was an iPhone XS. Not the Max. This was my error, so I relisted it, instead of returning it. I took photos of all sides and the working screen showing it was locked by Apple to another user. It was listed as parts only.

It sold to a buyer with only 10 feedback points and he received it. 3 days later, the buyer started a return, stating that I had sent a fake iPhone. He sent photos showing missing shards of glass on the screen where he had bodged the screen removal. He made sure the phone was switched off in the photos, or it would have shown Apple's message. There was also a small pentalope screwdriver in the photo. He probably thought he could unlock it. God knows what he had done inside the phone.

I had to refund him as the screen was useless now. I would of had to pay for the return and would have received negative feedback.

[plpmr]

What is your question please?

[*vyolla* · Accepted solution]

I don't know the value of the item, at a guess it's not very much so it may have been sensible to opt for the easy path and just refund and add that particular buyer to your Blocked Buyer list.

Your only other option would be to have accepted the return and then, as soon as it arrived back, report that you'd received a damaged item back. If the serial number didn't match the one you sent you'd select the received different item back, make a report to Action Fraud and give that report number to eBay.

[sky_shrimp]

I don't have an eBay business. I thought about starting one, but I can't now due to ill health. I only sell the odd thing that I don't need anymore. 

eBay is a good platform to sell used items, but if a buyer wants to, they can be refunded for any reason they decide to cook up. Selling on here is a gamble on the buyer's integrity.