Strange ebay return situation, scam?
Summary: 007mad007 describes an issue with an eBay purchase where the item received was heavily used despite being advertised as new. The seller accepted the return but delayed providing a return label due to a postal strike, and eventually sent a label paid with an AMEX card in 007mad007's name, though they do not own an AMEX card. Concerns are raised about a potential scam involving the parcel being returned to the sender at their expense. femmefan1946 and lotzofuniquegoodies engage in discussing eBay's payment policies and different credit card acceptance, particularly noting that AMEX is not accepted by eBay anymore and discussing discrepancies in payment methods available in the U.S. and Canada. femmefan1946 shares experiences about Discover card's inapplicability in Canada, highlighting potential issues for Canadian sellers due to these payment method differences.
Recently I ordered something sold as new condition, but came heavily used. It sounded like maybe an honest mistake on the seller's part, but it's always hard to tell.
Seller accepted the return but didn't give me a return label within the allotted time because they wanted the Canada Post strike to end. It ended and finally they gave me a shipping label. However the credit card receipt that came with it said it was paid for by an AMEX card with MY name on it (not the seller's.) I don't own an AMEX by the way. The label also mentions that in case of non-delivery, the parcel will be sent back to the "sender" at sender's expense, meaning me because the "credit card" is in my name.
I'm scratching my head at this. I know it's possible to create virtual credit cards with whichever name you want with something like the privacy website. Is this some sort of scam? Like the seller refuses the delivery, it gets send back to me at my expense. Ebay doesn't know who's right or wrong, buying protection time runs out and I don't get my money back or something. Considering this started as an item with an incorrect description, I'm already on my guard for shenanigans.
What should my next step be?
femmefan1946
·1 year agoDiscover is not a card accepted in Canada. Not sure of all the details, but it is not exactly a bank card, and not connected into the international banking network.
Venmo is a private "interac" service, again not a banking service.
From what I understand.
I learned about Discover when I was working cash in our Ottawa shop and a tourist wanted to pay with her Discover card. Her husband had business and sent her out "to shop" with no money, just the card. She couldn't even buy a coffee.
lotzofuniquegoodies
·1 year ago@femmefan1946
I would just be concerned about US buyers trying to make purchases from Canadian sellers using the methods that are approved in the USA and then causing them grief when they go to complete a payment. If a buyer has a method they have as their go to who knows what they will see as any sort of error message trying to complete a transaction and/or if it is causing Canadian sellers to lose a sale here or there.
-Lotzofuniquegoodies
PS. I realize the above may bit off topic but could be in play when a label or a refund is required for whatever reason.
femmefan1946
·1 year agoEBay may have given the seller leeway about the deadline due to the Strike. They have been giving sellers longer delivery times for that reason.
I'm a little concerned about the Amex card too. EBay no longer accepts Amex cards as payments.
In addition to eBay's Money Back Guarantee, you are protected by Paypal's Buyer Protection program , if you use PP (a good idea for many reasons) and by the chargeback provisions of the card you really paid with. Both have longer deadlines than the MBG (up to 180 days in some cases).
in case of non-delivery, the parcel will be sent back to the "sender" at sender's expense,
You might for your own peace of mind look at the seller's address on Google Maps. Bring a shaker of salt, because those Street Views are often up to five years out of date.
But if it is a house or a business, there is unlikely to be a problem with"sender's expense".
lotzofuniquegoodies
·1 year agoAs you stated Amex has been toasted so something fishy there. Appears Discover card has been added as a new option Canadian buyers. US buyers have access to Discover, Venmo and Diners Club and the other usuals.
US listing on dot com
Same listing viewed on ca.
It doesn't appear the ca help page on payment methods has been updated to match. The US page includes bonus Ali Pay, Credit/Debit Cards + Spendable funds.
ca:
https://www.ebay.ca/help/policies/payment-policies/accepted-payments-policy?id=4269
com:
https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/payment-policies/accepted-payments-policy?id=4269
Note: Exceptions in some catergories may apply.