|
< HOMEPAGE
|

An eBay Computer Purchase
An eBay purchase that turned sour.
A story of fraud, deceit, and broken promises.
Let me preface my statements by saying that I think eBay is great.
Im a handicapped senior citizen and its been a boon to me to be able to shop the Internet and particularly eBay.
In nearly six years Ive had two problems both to do with non-delivery. One incident was insignificant as it involved a $5.00 purchase and was quickly remedied.
It only deserves mention because it was my first purchase, and because I complained about non-delivery the vindictive seller gave me a negative feed back, which remains on my record to this day.
Some months ago I purchased a computer through eBay. It was a very good price, but not so low as to arouse suspicion.
I paid through Paypal using a credit card.
I had checked the seller's feedback record, which was perfect. Next day I received an acknowledgment and a promise to ship in a day or so.
I waited for a week or so, then followed up the shipment. The seller, Ann apologized and said that she was a government attorney, on call and had been called out of town unexpectedly. She said she was on the road and on her return home would advise me the status of the order.
About a week later I received an email with an email with a UPS tracking number and an expected delivery date. The date was somewhat extended, but I accepted it, as it was coming across country.
When the PC didn't arrive as expected I sent Ann another email. Her response was another apology and she said that her father had died and she was in another state for the funeral and would look into the matter upon her return, also that due to the inconvenience she was going to refund half my money.
More time elapsed and after several email inquiries I received an email from Ann's husband stating that on her way home from the funeral she had been in a car crash and was hospitalized. He said he was not involved in the transaction, but on her instructions was looking into the matter, and would see that I received not only my computer but also a full refund.
Naturally many weeks had elapsed by this time. I was beginning to become suspicious and checked their feedback record when suddenly there appeared six or seven bad reviews. On a subsequent check they made their feedback private so it couldn't be accessed.
By then it was too late, the next thing I knew their email was suspended. When I contacted eBay they gave me Ann's phone number. When I called the phone number their service had been disconnected.
I was unable to get an address from either eBay or Paypal. I reported this case of fraud, deceit and broken promises to eBay and Paypal. Both had time limits, which had expired, so they were unable to help me, so I turned the matter over to my credit card company.
Fortunately, I had used a protected credit card, and I was within the prescribed time limit.
I don't know what transpired but I subsequently received a notice from Paypal that they had credited my account. Eventually I received a full refund.
Lessons Learned:
* Always uses a consumer-protected credit card. Do not ever use your checking or savings account even though Paypal encourages you to do so.
* Make sure you have a consumer-protected card, some do not have this feature, and be aware of the time limits, and other restrictions.
* Do not accept stalling tactics even if they seem legitimate. Paypay has a 30-day limit. EBay's is 60 days, or 90 days in some cases. Put in a claim immediately, you can always retract it.
* Be careful when checking feed back, make sure youre getting reports from buyers not sellers. eBay has made it easier to do this now.
These people had deliberately purchased a lot of small items to build up a positive feed back record.
I have seen a tutorial that advocates doing it for new sellers who have no feed back record .
* Follow tour instincts, I had ignored a lot of danger signals. ---DON'T DO THAT---use your common sense---If you suspect foul play, Take immediate action.
Remember that scam artists are very good psychologists. They know how to appeal to your sensibilities.
Beware---They're Pros they make their living that way. Fraud and deceit are their tools of trade.
About the Author
By: George W. Cannata Owner and publisher of the web site:http://www.caveatemptorus.com You have permission to publish this aticle in its entirety without changes and it must contain all links and credits to the author.
Written by: GEORGE W. CANNATA

NAVIGATION
10 Easy Steps to Speed Up Your Computer Without Upgrading
10 Power Tips for Presentations with Computer Projection
10 PROVEN TIPS TO SURVIVE A COMPUTER CRASH
10 Secrets To A Healthy Computer And A Happier You
10 Tips on Computer Clutter Clean Up
14 Household Ways To Protect Your Computer From Viruses
3 Simple Ways To Save A Bunch Of Money When Buying A New Computer
3 Summer Computer Tips
30 Secrets Of A Good Computer Lesson
4 Computer Money saving Tips
5 Critical Steps to Protecting Your Computer on the Internet
5 Simple Ways To Increase Your Computer Speed
5 Stress Reducing Computer Tips
5 Sure Fire Tips for Buying a New Computer
5 Tips For Buying The Right Laptop Computer
5 Tips to Color Code Your Way from Computer Chaos to Coherence
5 Ways To Make Night And Weekend Computer Life Rich
5th generation Computers Corporate infrastructure
6 Essential Steps to Protect Your Computer On the Internet For Free
6 tips for Keeping Aurora Away from your computer and 1 tip to Fix it if Aurora has Gotten You
7 Barebones Computer Buying Tips
A Guide to Computer Desks
A Hacker Inside Your Computer
A Look at Computer Desks for Children
Advancement in Computer Technology
Adware Are Your Business s Computers Secure
All About Computer Viruses
Are cyber criminals phishing your identity from your computer
Are You At The Mercy Of Computer Geeks
Are You Being Mislead By Your Current Computer Dealer
Are You Making Any Money With Your Computer Yet
Are You Saving Money With a Computer Support Plan
Avoiding Spam Scams and Computer Viruses
Back that Thang UP Insure the Data on Your Computer
Basic Computer Thermodynamics
Be Prepared in the Event Computer Disaster Strikes
Beat The Bugs Helpful Links That May Help You Combat Annoying Computer Viruses
Becoming a Computer Trainer
Beeps Your computer is telling you something
Broadcasting Mp3 Audio Via Computer The Looney Tune World Of Podcasting
Build your first computer from hardware scratches
Build Your Own Computer
Build Your Own Computer or Buy
Build Your Own Computer What to Look for in a Case
Buy a home through your home computer
Buying a computer Ask these 3 questions
Buying a Used Laptop Computer
Buying computers at a discount with peace of mind
Buying DDR memory for your computer
Buying Guide for Laptops Personal Computers Notebooks
Buying the Perfect Computer The FIRST Time
Career Track Computer Programmer
Career Track Computer Software Engineers
Choosing a Laptop Computer Based on Hardware and Software Needs
Classification of Computers
Combat Computer Spyware An AntiSpyware Program Isn t Enough
Computer Aided Design Contracting Tax Concerns In The UK
COMPUTER BACKUPS
Computer Business Opportunity Provide Huge Profit Potential
Computer Buying Advice For Novices
Computer Career
Computer Case Modding
Computer Cases The Basics
Computer Certification Anticipation vs Nervousness
Computer Certification Become A Utility Player
Computer Cleaning
Computer Cleaning May Be The Best Home Based Part time or Full time Business
Computer Components for Idiots
Computer Consulting 101 Hiring Tips Part 1 of 2
Computer Consulting Profit Secrets
Computer Controlled LED Signs
COMPUTER COURTESY
Computer Data Backup Data Backup Solution Will Give You A Peace Of Mind
Computer Data Backups Test Now or Cry Later
Computer Data Recovery Options
Computer Disposal Throwing Away Your Computer Money and Idenity
Computer Do s and Don ts
|