What is the scam?

Hi.
This has happened twice now.
I ordered something.
The seller issues a tracking number but doesn't hand it over to the courier.
I then get a refund from ebay.

What is this scam?
Does the seller keep my payment as they have issued a tracking number?
TIA

Depends if its a private or business seller you are buying from , however tracking should indicate if its in the system eg been handed over say at a post office to activate it. So in theory if you open an INR as its never been posted you will be refunded, and by rights the buyer will pay you so to speak. This should happen in both cases eg Private seller on Simple Delivery or a business seller using their own postal method, as whilst tracking has been issued its never been activated.