The same thing happens to me the other day with a "item not as described" claim. Fortunately, the item was of much less value. Still pissed me off.
Thinking of Selling on eBay using Paypal? Think Again
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Re: Thinking of Selling on eBay using Paypal? Think Again
#72Vlad, I had a similar thing happen last year with an iPad. I even went through a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, and appealed it, but PayPal is able to hide behind their fine print.
I think the only way to protect ourselves from this is to limit the accounts to which our PayPal accounts are linked. They automatically-deducted $900 from my bank account upon the charge reversal, and I was unable to prevent this.
By the time you get Paypal's resolution, the scammer is long gone and local law enforcement will tell you it's already gone. This whole situation is monopolistic and I don't understand why the FTC is not doing anything about it.
(also posted as a comment on your essay)
Re: Thinking of Selling on eBay using Paypal? Think Again
#73This article goes into my "arguments for Bitcoin" pile. More sellers need to recognize the risks involved in doing transactions through PayPal/any other credit card processor and protect themselves.
If only eBay accepted Bitcoin. Though that would open the door up to a host of new scams which eBay would be equally slow/unable to respond to and when they do, would probably only enable the scammers even more. Bottom line is no one there seems to give a shit anymore. Just stay away from that cesspool
Re: Thinking of Selling on eBay using Paypal? Think Again
#74I thought my case with a virtual product, and a clear fraudulent act was bad. After hearing about this, with a physical product, it makes a local electronics dealer seem much more appealing.
The only way I would sell an expensive piece of electronics would be via local Craigslist, in person, probably for cash that I'd prefer to witness the buyer withdraw out of an ATM.
I'm curious why you think you should see the buyer actually withdraw from an ATM? If I was a buyer and the seller asked to follow me to my ATM, I'd be concerned.
Re: Thinking of Selling on eBay using Paypal? Think Again
#75This article goes into my "arguments for Bitcoin" pile. More sellers need to recognize the risks involved in doing transactions through PayPal/any other credit card processor and protect themselves.
And what about if the OP here was the buyer, and received a broken phone? Then what?
It's easier to find a seller to trust than a buyer to trust.
Edit for accuracy: It's easier to verify the trustworthiness of a seller than that of a buyer.
Re: Thinking of Selling on eBay using Paypal? Think Again
#76It would be interesting to contrast the same policies for other similar services (ex. Amazon Marketplace).
Sorry you're out that much money because of scam.
Re: Thinking of Selling on eBay using Paypal? Think Again
#77It's a tough problem, but without a third party to monitor the transaction there can always be scams when it's your word against his.
Re: Thinking of Selling on eBay using Paypal? Think Again
#78OP here. Interestingly enough, my conversations with Paypal became more and more surreal and I felt more and more powerless with every one in the end. I had a trail of information and there was evidence of multiple fraud, but I never felt as powerless as I did after my phone calls with Paypal. I am in contact with the police captain in the small town where the item was shipped, but I have very little faith in their a…
If you really want the money back, sue the guy.
File a miscellaneous action in Ohio and then use subpoenas to acquire his real address/billing info.
Contact the state AG and local federal AG's as well, just for kicks.
Note that if you go to file a small claims action, you will actually have to be present in Ohio. They require in-personam jurisdiction.
(You do have the option of filing in local federal district court against the person, but this is very expensive)
Re: Thinking of Selling on eBay using Paypal? Think Again
#79OP here. Interestingly enough, my conversations with Paypal became more and more surreal and I felt more and more powerless with every one in the end. I had a trail of information and there was evidence of multiple fraud, but I never felt as powerless as I did after my phone calls with Paypal. I am in contact with the police captain in the small town where the item was shipped, but I have very little faith in their a…
Has PayPal gotten their money back from you yet?
Re: Thinking of Selling on eBay using Paypal? Think Again
#80I think the Consumerist would love to run a piece about PayPal facilitating mail fraud. You should tell them your story.