I was looking at a really nice treadmill at Academy sports and thought I would check ebay and save a little $ by buying a giftcard. I found a 300.00 for 265.00 delivered. I figured that since I use paypal and their "purchase guarantee" is posted on the auction that I am covered in case the seller decides not to cooperate. So I have all of this communication with the seller telling him that Ive sent payment through paypal and I will leave feedback when I get the card. Well, basically the guy gives me every excuse in the book and I get tired of it and file a dispute with Paypal. I also file a case with ebay. A couple days later, I get the package in the mail. Thing is, its not an Academy gift card. Its a walmart card with a balance of .64 cents so basically it was a scam. I tell paypal and ebay about it and they give me the run-around. Basically they tell me that its my word against his and that their policy excludes giftcards. I am furious at this point so I contact my bank and they too, give me the same excuse. So what good is their "buyer protection" if the seller can rip me off like this? What other recourse do I have? The only thing I can think of is filing a police report but will they have any power to do anything? The guy lives in alabama. 265.00 isnt a fortune but its enough money that Im willing to fight over. Any ideas?
if it was 2002, I would expect scammers to get away something like this. Am I wrong to think that the words "buyer protection guaranteed" means that I am covered?
eBay is a buyer's market. Talk to an eBay representative and tell them the buyer provided an incorrect item, did not specify as is and therefore violated eBay policy and you want your money back because you were defrauded.
I think you were a bit foolish to buy a gift card through ebay, in hopes paypal or ebay would cover for you in the event it was a scam. As mentioned, you should contact ebay further. You should remind the seller that this is a felony and you will be filing a police report.
btw, you didn't mention what kind of feedback rating the seller had... I'm guessing it wasn't stellar? Also, for that kind of discount you could've just gone here: http://www.giftcardgranny.com/store/academy-sports/ Right now I see a $297.46 gift card selling for $259.03, which is slightly better than your eBay deal without any kind of risk.
Tell ebay you're willing to return the item and show them a tracking number. IF you provide this, can you get my money reimbursed. That is your best chance, but since they said gift cards aren't protected you are likely SOL.
You should pay with Paypal using your credit card. Even though it will incur fees the credit card companies are more likely to fight on your behalf.
How was I a bit foolish to think I would be covered? This gift card is just like any other item on ebay. If the item were product x, for example and the buyer sent me product y, it would still be a scam and i should still be covered by ebay/paypal. As far as taking it further...I have done all that I can and escalated the matter as far as they can take it. I think the only thing left for me is to file a police report since I have his home address.
it was 100% feedback but if I remember correctly, I think he only had a rating of 18 or so. My paypal account is being funded by my bank of america card which is through visa but they were no help as well.
You are a rook, you bought a gift card from someone with a 18 star rating. Sorry man, your loss. If you keep escalating it though ebay/paypal will eventually cave.
I've never seen paypal or a credit card company fail to refund fraudulent stuff. You just aren't doing it right.
You need to click on the feedback. Lots of times these people have like 30 accounts that all give each other positive feedback. At least that was the case 4 years ago, the last time I used ebay
Lol, why'd the seller even bother with sending the Walmart Card? The sellers a jerk. A funny jerk. Hate that this happened to man, hope you get your money back.
