Am i being scammed?

cityandcolour · 12-06-2023, 10:22 AM

Recently on eBay someone purchased a high end card from me, over 3k. They have no feedback on eBay but the payment was made right away. I'm from Australia, and the buyer from Canada.

I was extremely suspicious but as the card was paid for, i shipped with signature etc and tracking says delivered about a week ago. Tonight, i received a text message from the ohone number on the buyers eBay account saying the following:

"We received this card from you. We don't collect cards,and the person who received the package paid customs duty on it?"

My question is, am i being scammed here?

Edit 18 March 2024:
TLDNR
Turns out that I appear to have been scammed and buyer (ebay username grawa_39) did a chargeback through their bank and ebay then tried to recoup the money from me. After a month or so of back and forth, ebay did the right thing and accepted evidence that the buyer signed for the item.

Blake050 · 12-06-2023, 10:57 AM

Why are you receiving text messages from ebay buyers?

In the US, international orders go to the ebay hub, and sellers are protected once the item is processed through there. Not sure if orders from Australia are handled the same.

rifleman69 · 12-06-2023, 11:12 AM

How does the buyer have your phone number?

cityandcolour · 12-06-2023, 11:17 AM

Potentially because i put my number on the form required to be filled out when sending from here oversees. I sent using Australia Post.

I did just get off the phone with eBay and the person i spoke to was very reassuring.
She said the buyers account is considered suspicious considering its 5 years old and my card was its first purchase, so they are investigating the account. She also confirmed if for some reason the buyer opened a claim against me, i would have nothing to worry about as tracking suggests the card has been sent to the correct address and signsd for, so eBay would find in my favour.

We'll see i suppose...hopefully nothing comes of it.

cityandcolour · 12-06-2023, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rifleman69

How does the buyer have your phone number?

Answered above but also worth adding, i can see the buyers number on their order which is how i know it matches the number of the person who sent me a text message. I am not responding to this person though.

ninjabum87 · 12-06-2023, 03:13 PM

Sounds like a pretty classic "we sent you too much/paid too much/sent money we didn't want to" scam to me.

blackbears86 · 12-06-2023, 04:17 PM

OP: I would handle everything through ebay if this somehow turns sour.

90sbasketballin · 12-06-2023, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackbears86

OP: I would handle everything through ebay if this somehow turns sour.

I second this

cityandcolour · 12-06-2023, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackbears86

OP: I would handle everything through ebay if this somehow turns sour.

Oh definitely. I will not be responding to the text message. Hopefully eBay are true to their word and im covered.

The text message is interesting in that its saying they dont collect cards and didn't order it. They're not saying i sent the wrong card, which is a fairly typical scam, so its a bit weird

IronCladLou · 12-06-2023, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cityandcolour

Recently on eBay someone purchased a high end card from me, over 3k. They have no feedback on eBay but the payment was made right away. I'm from Australia, and the buyer from Canada.

I was extremely suspicious but as the card was paid for, i shipped with signature etc and tracking says delivered about a week ago. Tonight, i received a text message from the ohone number on the buyers eBay account saying the following:

"We received this card from you. We don't collect cards,and the person who received the package paid customs duty on it?"

My question is, am i being scammed here?

LOL Nice scam they're trying on.

What type of postage did you use from Auspost? Did you have to fill out the customs form over 2k?

This is my worry when selling cards to the US from Australia.

Hopefully you've done everything Ebay requires, but I am sure a SNAD will follow

cityandcolour · 12-07-2023, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronCladLou

LOL Nice scam they're trying on.

What type of postage did you use from Auspost? Did you have to fill out the customs form over 2k?

This is my worry when selling cards to the US from Australia.

Hopefully you've done everything Ebay requires, but I am sure a SNAD will follow

Yep over 2k, express, signature and tracking.

My gut feeling is that theyll say they never got it, but the number they messaged me from is the same number on the account, and ive screenshotted both. I just dont understand how the text message would help them unless they're trying to bait me into responding, which i wont.

josun45 · 12-07-2023, 09:40 AM

I don't think they're trying to scam you... They're just stating they had to pay additional fees for the card (customs duty) and are presumably upset about that?

As a Canadian, most of the time you receive any high-valued item, you're going to get dinged with customs

cholodolo · 12-07-2023, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josun45

I don't think they're trying to scam you... They're just stating they had to pay additional fees for the card (customs duty) and are presumably upset about that?

As a Canadian, most of the time you receive any high-valued item, you're going to get dinged with customs

Why would that be the seller's issue? He's not responsible for Canadian customs (and presumably doesn't know anything about them as he's in Australia) -- buyers are responsible for all local taxes/fees.

And, sending a text message and not an eBay message was the correct way to handle this?

OP, you are right to have your guard up. Any off-platform communication (especially complaints) are huge red flags. Had someone call and leave me a voicemail about a watch list item once...

ThatGuyPal · 12-07-2023, 04:06 PM

Canadian customs/duty are terrible, if you declared the true value of the card and didn't mark it as a gift etc. I wouldn't be surprised if they got hit with an extra $500 + charge at border no joke. They also won't release an item either you can't refuse to pay and still get it, you can only go through a hundred hoops trying to recoup some afterwards, if not they'll just hold/send package back. Dumb to use the number listed on Ebay but sounds like they got killed on duty and decided the card wasn't worth whatever extra they paid and are trying to get out of it, thats my theory based on how they ended it oddly with "they paid customs duty on it"? Maybe they plan to send it back and try and get their customs back which is why they didn't do the didn't receive scam

codered · 12-07-2023, 04:18 PM

Definitely sounds suspicious. Unless they are really young/really inexperienced with ordering items from outside canada they should know there is always a chance at having to pay customs and that customs/taxes are their responsibility.
What’s their area code on their messages? Does it match the provincial region of delivery?

cityandcolour · 12-08-2023, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codered

Definitely sounds suspicious. Unless they are really young/really inexperienced with ordering items from outside canada they should know there is always a chance at having to pay customs and that customs/taxes are their responsibility.
What’s their area code on their messages? Does it match the provincial region of delivery?

Great question.

Area code appears to be 416, Toronto, Ontario. The address provided to send to is a 90 minute drive from Toronto according to Maps.

cityandcolour · 01-12-2024, 08:58 PM

Update on this.

Buyer lodged a dispute today, well after the 30 day eBay return policy.

Ive provided eBay the tracking as well as a reference number they gave me after i reported to them that the buyer messaged me outside of eBay, when they also said i would be protected if the buyer lodged a dispute.

I dont even have the money anymore, as the 30 days ended on December 23.

cityandcolour · 01-12-2024, 09:15 PM

I just checked it again. Appears they filed it directly with their credit card provider.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cityandcolour

Update on this.

Buyer lodged a dispute today, well after the 30 day eBay return policy.

Ive provided eBay the tracking as well as a reference number they gave me after i reported to them that the buyer messaged me outside of eBay, when they also said i would be protected if the buyer lodged a dispute.

I dont even have the money anymore, as the 30 days ended on December 23.

rifleman69 · 01-12-2024, 11:28 PM

Yep, that's the scam.

NBAicons · 01-13-2024, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cityandcolour

I just checked it again. Appears they filed it directly with their credit card provider.

So now do you contact the scammer's credit card company directly and show them the evidence? How do you fight this?

cityandcolour · 01-13-2024, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NBAicons

So now do you contact the scammer's credit card company directly and show them the evidence? How do you fight this?

My understanding is that they disputed it with their financial institution, who then dispute it with eBay, who then open the paymrnt dispute with me to ask my response.

I provide my response, ebay pass it on to the buyers financial institution who make a decision if the chargeback is valid.

If the buyer wins, their bank will give them their money back and then request eBay pay the bank back, and eBay will then come after me for the money.

It's absolutely an uphill battle as a seller, so im done with eBay for sure if they dont protect me in this scenario. 0 feedback accounts should not be able to purchase anything over 100 bucks imo. Im probably done with eBay regardless because this was utterly predictable.

DynaEtch · 01-13-2024, 05:53 PM

It is not guaranteed, but odds are on the side if the chargeback goes through, ebay will be paying it out- they do have seller protections and sellers are generally covered in this instance of a chargeback. It would be quite rare for a seller to be on the hook for this with proper evidence including the delivery scan on tracking/sig.

So ebay likely takes the hit, and it's frustrating because it is very possible the scammer ends up with both the card and $, encouraging them to keep on scamming. The blame here besides the scammer is the willingness of credit card companies/financial institutions to so readily reverse charges. I really hope they are looking into these for what they are- scams- and looking for patterns in behavior.

Breesus85 · 01-13-2024, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DynaEtch

It is not guaranteed, but odds are on the side if the chargeback goes through, ebay will be paying it out- they do have seller protections and sellers are generally covered in this instance of a chargeback. It would be quite rare for a seller to be on the hook for this with proper evidence including the delivery scan on tracking/sig.

So ebay likely takes the hit, and it's frustrating because it is very possible the scammer ends up with both the card and $, encouraging them to keep on scamming. The blame here besides the scammer is the willingness of credit card companies/financial institutions to so readily reverse charges. I really hope they are looking into these for what they are- scams- and looking for patterns in behavior.

This. If item was sent to the address on the account and delivered, you are covered with eBay’s seller protection. I’ve had about 5 of these and eBay has covered every one.

cityandcolour · 01-13-2024, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breesus85

This. If item was sent to the address on the account and delivered, you are covered with eBay’s seller protection. I’ve had about 5 of these and eBay has covered every one.

This gives me some comfort, thanks for shsring.

Ericc5Bears · 01-13-2024, 10:49 PM

As others have said, this is one area where ebay actually does a really good job protecting sellers. As long as you can provide definitive proof the item was delivered and the buyers case was after the 30 day money-back period they will refund the financial institution out of their own pocket. Even though the buyer will most likely get their money back and keep the item they'll also probably get banned by ebay so at least there's that.

12-06-2023, 10:22 AM	#1
cityandcolour Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 767	Am i being scammed? Recently on eBay someone purchased a high end card from me, over 3k. They have no feedback on eBay but the payment was made right away. I'm from Australia, and the buyer from Canada. I was extremely suspicious but as the card was paid for, i shipped with signature etc and tracking says delivered about a week ago. Tonight, i received a text message from the ohone number on the buyers eBay account saying the following: "We received this card from you. We don't collect cards,and the person who received the package paid customs duty on it?" My question is, am i being scammed here? Edit 18 March 2024: TLDNR Turns out that I appear to have been scammed and buyer (ebay username grawa_39) did a chargeback through their bank and ebay then tried to recoup the money from me. After a month or so of back and forth, ebay did the right thing and accepted evidence that the buyer signed for the item. Last edited by cityandcolour; 03-17-2024 at 09:12 PM.

12-07-2023, 09:40 AM	#12
josun45 Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 105	I don't think they're trying to scam you... They're just stating they had to pay additional fees for the card (customs duty) and are presumably upset about that? As a Canadian, most of the time you receive any high-valued item, you're going to get dinged with customs __________________ Collecting: Michael Bradley (Everything), Denham Brown (Everything), Etan Thomas, Shammond Williams (NBA Cards Only), Current & Former Toronto Raptors (Autos)

01-13-2024, 05:53 PM	#22
DynaEtch Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 9,327	It is not guaranteed, but odds are on the side if the chargeback goes through, ebay will be paying it out- they do have seller protections and sellers are generally covered in this instance of a chargeback. It would be quite rare for a seller to be on the hook for this with proper evidence including the delivery scan on tracking/sig. So ebay likely takes the hit, and it's frustrating because it is very possible the scammer ends up with both the card and $, encouraging them to keep on scamming. The blame here besides the scammer is the willingness of credit card companies/financial institutions to so readily reverse charges. I really hope they are looking into these for what they are- scams- and looking for patterns in behavior. __________________ ~~~ '90s trading cards === Golden Era ~~~

12-06-2023, 10:57 AM	#2
Blake050 Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 573	Why are you receiving text messages from ebay buyers? In the US, international orders go to the ebay hub, and sellers are protected once the item is processed through there. Not sure if orders from Australia are handled the same.

12-06-2023, 11:12 AM	#3
rifleman69 Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Space Mountain Posts: 3,534	How does the buyer have your phone number?

12-06-2023, 11:17 AM	#4
cityandcolour Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 767	Potentially because i put my number on the form required to be filled out when sending from here oversees. I sent using Australia Post. I did just get off the phone with eBay and the person i spoke to was very reassuring. She said the buyers account is considered suspicious considering its 5 years old and my card was its first purchase, so they are investigating the account. She also confirmed if for some reason the buyer opened a claim against me, i would have nothing to worry about as tracking suggests the card has been sent to the correct address and signsd for, so eBay would find in my favour. We'll see i suppose...hopefully nothing comes of it.

12-06-2023, 03:13 PM	#6
ninjabum87 Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 2,215	Sounds like a pretty classic "we sent you too much/paid too much/sent money we didn't want to" scam to me.

12-06-2023, 04:17 PM	#7
blackbears86 Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: maine Posts: 17,084 blackbears86	OP: I would handle everything through ebay if this somehow turns sour.

12-07-2023, 04:06 PM	#14
ThatGuyPal Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Posts: 3,825	Canadian customs/duty are terrible, if you declared the true value of the card and didn't mark it as a gift etc. I wouldn't be surprised if they got hit with an extra $500 + charge at border no joke. They also won't release an item either you can't refuse to pay and still get it, you can only go through a hundred hoops trying to recoup some afterwards, if not they'll just hold/send package back. Dumb to use the number listed on Ebay but sounds like they got killed on duty and decided the card wasn't worth whatever extra they paid and are trying to get out of it, thats my theory based on how they ended it oddly with "they paid customs duty on it"? Maybe they plan to send it back and try and get their customs back which is why they didn't do the didn't receive scam

12-07-2023, 04:18 PM	#15
codered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Saskatoon, SK Posts: 3,994 codered	Definitely sounds suspicious. Unless they are really young/really inexperienced with ordering items from outside canada they should know there is always a chance at having to pay customs and that customs/taxes are their responsibility. What’s their area code on their messages? Does it match the provincial region of delivery?

01-12-2024, 08:58 PM	#17
cityandcolour Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 767	Update on this. Buyer lodged a dispute today, well after the 30 day eBay return policy. Ive provided eBay the tracking as well as a reference number they gave me after i reported to them that the buyer messaged me outside of eBay, when they also said i would be protected if the buyer lodged a dispute. I dont even have the money anymore, as the 30 days ended on December 23.

01-12-2024, 11:28 PM	#19
rifleman69 Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Space Mountain Posts: 3,534	Yep, that's the scam.

01-13-2024, 10:49 PM	#25
Ericc5Bears Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Posts: 1,256	As others have said, this is one area where ebay actually does a really good job protecting sellers. As long as you can provide definitive proof the item was delivered and the buyers case was after the 30 day money-back period they will refund the financial institution out of their own pocket. Even though the buyer will most likely get their money back and keep the item they'll also probably get banned by ebay so at least there's that.