How to get money back after PayPal fraud

[SRH]

Not sure which section to post this on, but seeing as I want to avoid breaking the law this seems like the right one!

I sold an item on eBay, got payment, sent the item recorded delivery, buyer signed for it at post office... then buyer reversed the PayPal payment. I've basically been defrauded out of �50 and I'm not happy!

Is it even worth reporting to the police for this amount - and if so, who do I report it to? I could make a claim through the small claims court - but this costs �30 so not worth it.

Other option is - thanks to recorded delivery I have the buyer's address (and details of the name of the person living there through the electoral role -which is different to his paypal account and ebay account - two different names, I should have suspected it was dodgy - just too trusting!)

I'm thinking of sending him a letter and email saying that I will call the police and launch a court claim unless he coughs up... would this work?

My boyfriend and his mates have volunteered to go round and ask for the money (it's only a couple of miles away from where we live) but I don't want to risk them getting hurt - or accused of threatening behaviour (they're not troublemakers but are streetwise-looking enough to perhaps persaude the guy that handing over the cash to avoid trouble would be a good idea).

Anyone else been in this situation? Anything I can do? Or should I just accept I've been had...

[glenis]

get in touch with paypal, as a buyer can't reverse a payment ,only paypal can reverse a payment ,usually after a dispute which has been found to be on the buyers favour,or even phone ebay to ask for help they are very helpful ,you will find the number on your ebay page top right hand side, then if you don't get any joy get your boyfriend and his mates to" have a little visit " good luck

[SRH]

Cheers Glenis. Have been in touch with eBay - really lovely and long personal email response, but saying there is nothing they can do. As for PayPal, I've provided them with all the proof and they have still found in favour of the fraudster. It's shameful. They've said it's not due to credit card fraud on his part but just that he claims he didn't receive the goods. I've even been in touch with Post office customer service who say the item was definitely signed for. As far as I'm concerned, PayPal are aiding and abetting a criminal. I still want to use eBay but hate the idea of giving PayPal any business.

[pink-kittens]

Did the buyer file an INR dispute in Paypal and even though you had a recorded slip they gave the buyer his money back?
Despicable!

How long ago was this?
Have you tried Ebay's Q&A forum? lots of advice about what to do if indeed you can do anything

[Ethel]

I have dealt with a lot of PayPal problems and have never heard of a chargeback where the seller responded in good time and provided the proof of receipt of goods - unless he is saying it is not his signature?

Did you send the goods to the correct and PayPal verified address? Did you get a copy of his signature from the Post Office? Did you respond to PayPal withing the time limits?

[SRH]

Hi Ethel, yes to all the above, I'm afraid. Paypal seem to be using a loophole - seller protection only applies on Paypal Verified accounts. I didn't even think to check this - and the guy has never verified his account. I would have thought getting a parcel signed for at an address was verification enough that he lives there!

[Ethel]

PayPal is excellent if you understand all the rules - and sending to the verified address is one of them.

You don't know the buyer received the goods - my postman or my neighbour often signs for my 'signed for' goods.

Get a copy of the signed for receipt and take it to the local police station. But don't expect them to take any positive action - tell them you want it recording in case he does it again with different sellers.

You could try taking him to court but it will be for you to prove he did receive the goods - if he lives in a shared house or flat, this may well be impossible.

I would expect this sort of fraud for high value goods, not �50.

Realistically. I would write it off.

[Aloysius535]

With regard to police - any offence would be committed where the buyer lives but the evidence is with you. Your local force should gather the evidence, emails, copies of listings etc. and a statement from you and forward it to the appropriate force BUT if the buyer is saying item never received and you cannot reasonably show that it was received (e.g. proof of delivery through signature) you may struggle to get the police interested.

[randyraven]

You have this persons name and address.
I just can't start to list the ways you can back at him.
But then again is it worth a criminal record for �50.
Just put it down to seller beware.
E-bay is paypal - twins ...and it is now not worth using as a seller.
If you do then demand - Cheques only and verified paypal accounts for buyers.

[chas2008]

i thought the PO had there own investigation teams, cant help thinking a knock on the door would get a reaction, most people wouldnt expect it.
Whats the guys feedback like ?...just seems a lot of hassle and grief for him/her to obtain �50.00 by deception..

[pink-kittens]

You'd be surprised chas

People claim for less than �50, even as low as �2

[chas2008]

i hve had a couple of issues but blamed myself for not sending recorded, only small amounts luckily.
Unfortunately the new feed back system prevents sellers from giving neg when something happens like this.(think im right on that one)

[pink-kittens]

Yep, the new 'can't neg a buyer' carp is the worst ever Ebay implementation.

There are quite a few buyers as well who, when seeing the 'insurance is optional as I use 1st class standard postage' at the end of a listing will buy from that seller specifically to make a claim via PP for INR. They view it as free goods