Campus News Blog: Ebay seller steals $400

Posted by Kat Garvie

I got ripped off on Ebay.  I bought a computer for $400, and did a credit card transaction via PayPal.

Recieved the computer in the mail, but it did not match the description in the Ebay add.  I contacted to seller about returning the item for a refund, and I was told to print out a copy of an email, and to send the computer back.

Well, I sent the computer back nearly two months ago, and I have not recieved my refund yet.  I have tried to contact the seller multiple times, and dispute a case through PayPal, but nothing has happened.  The seller wont contact me.

An article called “Losing Out After Winning an Online Auction“, was published in The New York Times, and tells the story about man who was ripped off as well.

“A man bought an overhauled aircraft engine on eBay for $9,000 plus $375 for shipping and handling,” writes author Alena Tugend, and that ”thee buyer sent a $1,000 “good faith” check via bank wire transfer, followed by a cashier’s check for $8,500 to a California address of the seller.”

The check was cashed, and the man never recieved the engine he thought he had purchased.

I never want to online shop again, because if well-known Web sites like eBay still have auction fraud, than how can I trust any other auction site?  Apparently, the 2008 Consumer Sentinel reports say online auction fraud is ranked the 13th biggest concern for consumers.

It has become my first concern now in regards to shopping over the Internet. Where have the good people gone?