Seller says item has been "ruined" and isn't sending it

[piggy_medic]

Hello All

I recently won an auction bid for $10 for a book that is otherwise worth around $100 from other eBay sellers.  I paid promptly through Paypal and received a message from the seller advising that he left an open bottle of water next to the book and that the cat took care of the rest of it when he was out. 

I responded that I was fine with a damaged book and to still send it to me.

The seller then replied that he had already thrown the book out in the garbage and that it was probably already in the dumpster.

I don't believe the book was actually ruined.  I think the seller didn't make as much money as he felt the book was worth and has decided not to ship it to me and made up this story.  All communications with this seller took place within a few hours of the listing closing so I would question that the book was now unreachable in a dumpster far far away.

What are my options for recourse on this issue?

Thank you!

[femmefan1946]

You can get your money back from the seller or through a Paypal dispute.

You can leave feedback for up to 60 days after purchase. The most effective feedback is calm and factual.

Remember that your feedback reflects as much on you as on the one it is left for.

Politely.-- Captain Malcolm Reynolds.