eBay Buyer Scam

[dumdum101]

My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: New York

Hello! This site is usually very useful, especially now.

I sold a computer ($1200) through ebay around August 08 to a buyer who lives in NY (I live in Texas), and the buyer paid through paypal. After receiving payment, I shipped via USPS with confirmation and tracking number.

2 weeks later, buyer filed a chargeback through paypal, citing 'item received not as described!". And they got their money back! Without providing proof!

So paypal closed the case and I have no recourse to get my money back. I thought of hiring a lawyer and suing, but I don't know the first thing about doing that. Can I start a criminal and civil case against the buyer? I don't know too much personal information, only their place of employment and name.

Would it be better to sue in small claims court?

Thanks!

[LawResearcherMissy]

Did they ship the item back to you after PayPal refunded them?

[mmmagique]

Ebay...it is a scam buyer's haven right now.

Go here: http://forums.ebay.com/db2/forum.jspa?forumID=143 And read as much as you can.

Here is a thread I am actively involved in, just because I hate seeing people take advantage of others: http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.js...43&x#520376978

Yes, sue them in small claims court, and also contact your attorney general and make a complaint against paypal. If enough people complain, something *might* be done about it.

I wish you the very best.

[dumdum101]

Did they ship the item back to you after PayPal refunded them?

No, the buyer claimed that I sent something else in lieu of the computer and got their money back. So now the buyer has my computer for FREE.

I don't know what to do and I don't have a lot of time and resources to fight this, although I am pissed enough to want to hire a lawyer.

[dumdum101]

Ebay...it is a scam buyer's haven right now.

Go here: http://forums.ebay.com/db2/forum.jspa?forumID=143 And read as much as you can.

Here is a thread I am actively involved in, just because I hate seeing people take advantage of others: http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.js...43&x#520376978

Yes, sue them in small claims court, and also contact your attorney general and make a complaint against paypal. If enough people complain, something *might* be done about it.

I wish you the very best.

I really plan on joining any class action suits against paypal - it is like they are not liable with OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY!

How would I sue someone in small claims court if they are in another state? And if I don't know their actual identities? I don't want to break any laws either...

[dumdum101]

Has anyone successfully gotten local law enforcement involved, like the NYPD? Are there success stories involving small claims court, attorney generals, FBI, or law enforcement?

I only hope someone has the power to help...

[LawResearcherMissy]

No, the buyer claimed that I sent something else in lieu of the computer and got their money back. So now the buyer has my computer for FREE.

I don't know what to do and I don't have a lot of time and resources to fight this, although I am pissed enough to want to hire a lawyer.

That's...astounding.

I had occasion to use the Buyer Protection program about 2 years ago, and the proof I had to submit that the item was not as described (chickie sent a broken iPod in a candy box!) was outrageous - pics of the item, of the packaging, copy of an estimate for repairs - and it took weeks.

I'm stumped.

I think you should do as mmmagique suggested and file a complaint with your state's AG and sue the scammer in small claims.

[OhMy]

I am soooo done with buying anything on ebay. It always comes back to bite me in the a*s.