Guess what, another ebay/paypal question

[JoshC]

What is the name of your state? Virginia

I had and ad on Ebay for an amplifier. The action was a buy it now auction. A guy from Cincinnati bought it. We had a few emails back and forth and seemed like a straight up guy.

He paid with paypal and everything was fine. He got the amp, and signed for it. Then 3 days later paypal sent me and email saying they needed my input on something. So I log in and they say its a random check, but they need to verify shipment of the amp. All the while my account has been put on hold. I sent them the required tracking info to show delivery confirmation. Then about five minutes later they returned to money to the guy that had bought my amp. No reasoning what so ever.

I called them on the phone. They said the guy said the amp never arrived at his house. Then once I provided tracking info, he claimed he didn't authorize the transaction between me and him. So they promptly returned his money, no questions asked.

I asked the lady on the phone at paypal what the deal was and she said if someone says they didnt authorize a payment, its their policy to return the money to them. She then says I can email the person and see if they will resend the money to resolve the situation.....haha, right.

So I'm out $400.

My goal is to either, get the amp back, get my money, or see his butt in jail.

I have his address, name and plenty other info. I have filed a complaint with ic3.gov. What other options do I have. I just don't want this guy to get away scott-free.


Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[cvdesign]

What is the name of your state? Virginia

I had and ad on Ebay for an amplifier. The action was a buy it now auction. A guy from Cincinnati bought it. We had a few emails back and forth and seemed like a straight up guy.

He paid with paypal and everything was fine. He got the amp, and signed for it. Then 3 days later paypal sent me and email saying they needed my input on something. So I log in and they say its a random check, but they need to verify shipment of the amp. All the while my account has been put on hold. I sent them the required tracking info to show delivery confirmation. Then about five minutes later they returned to money to the guy that had bought my amp. No reasoning what so ever.

I called them on the phone. They said the guy said the amp never arrived at his house. Then once I provided tracking info, he claimed he didn't authorize the transaction between me and him. So they promptly returned his money, no questions asked.

I asked the lady on the phone at paypal what the deal was and she said if someone says they didnt authorize a payment, its their policy to return the money to them. She then says I can email the person and see if they will resend the money to resolve the situation.....haha, right.

So I'm out $400.

My goal is to either, get the amp back, get my money, or see his butt in jail.

I have his address, name and plenty other info. I have filed a complaint with ic3.gov. What other options do I have. I just don't want this guy to get away scott-free.


Thanks in advance for any help.

None of this makes sense ... I've been on both sides of the game with eBay (and PayPal) ... PayPal protects its buyers and sellers from fraud better than you're describing.

What should have happened is this: For whatever reason, the buyer contacted PP and said you never delivered the amplifier. PP contacts you and requests proof (usually in the form of tracking number, confirmation e-mails between you and the buyer, etc). You send the proof within the prescribed amount of time (usually 30 days, IIRC). PayPal makes a decision based on the preponderance of the evidence.

What proof did you provide eBay/PayPal with? Did you attempt to appeal PP's/eBay's decision (as of two years ago, you could and should still, unless it's changed)? Also, as of two years ago, PP would provide a brief explanation of WHY the refund was made ... whether it was because your proof was not sufficient (usually giving you the opportunity to rectify it), and what your remedies were.

So, in essence, you're saying that not only did PP not believe you and refunded the buyer his $$, but you're also out of an amplifier? And gave you no reason, and no assistance when you asked them for guidance?