Ripped off on Ebay / and Bidpay won't help

[marctoons]

What is the name of your state? Illinois

I bought a $500 item on Ebay and it's not authentic. I proved my case to my Credit Card Company and they gave me a refund. Unfortunately, Bidpay, who transferred the money to the seller is now demanding that I pay them back because it's not their problem. If I don't, they're sending me to collections.

The problem is, even if I send the money back to them, I don't know who to sue. I don't have the seller's Full Name and Address. Ebay won't give it to me, and neither will Bidpay. And the return address on the merchandise is not clear.

My next step is to find out the seller's information so I can file a small claims case but I don't know how to get it.

 

[racer72]

Unless the seller lives in close proximity to you, it is going to cost you much more than $500 to get your money back. You will have to sue in the seller's home state and much of the costs associated with such a venture, such as travel and lodging costs, are not recoverable. Leave negative feedback (the seller probably doesn't care) and treat this as a life lesson learned about shopping over the internet. Next time shop locally.

 

[marctoons]

Can I report a crime?

I figured it wouldn't be worth trying to get my money back. But this guy is still advertising $3000 merchandise on ebay. Can't I report a crime or something? I just know he's going to do this to someone else. Doesn't ebay have to give me his name if I can prove that I didn't receive the merchandise?

 

[JETX]

Okay, lets try to get your some ACCURATE answers.
One, racer is NOT correct. You can sue the seller anywhere you want. The seller/defendant has the right to challenge your 'choice of venue'.... and if they do, you will have to be prepared to argue that your court has jurisdiction. Not really hard to do on an 'internet purchase'.

So, with that....
1) eBay WILL give you the sellers registered information. All you have to do is ask (and be a valid buyer/seller in that transaction).
http://cgi1.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?UserInformationRequest#ContactInfo

2) Tell cybersource (they bought bid-pay) to stick it. They, as an intermediary, put themselves in the position of possible charge-back. And that right to charge-back or dispute is granted by FEDERAL law (FCBA - Fair Credit Billing Act) and they can't change or waive your right.