return address is in China even though it originated in US

[fastfixitmom]

I recently opened two different claims on items not being as described and after much haggling back and forth, the seller agreed to refund my money only if i returned it to an address in China. or at least I think was an address, since it was written in Chinese. But in both cases, the return address on the original package the items came in were from an address in the United States. And in both cases, after checking with the post office, it would end up costing more than the cost of the item, and more than what paypals return shipping refund is. After I pointed out the address thing on the first claim, suddenly my claim is denied and the only reason given by paypal is that the item was "similar" to what the seller advertised. It turns out I was a victim of the "best gift of 2020, realistic baby shark" scam, and received a cheap stuffed baby shark brand toy instead of the robotic singing moving baby shark advertised. So I have to eat the 34. bucks. Live and learn. But why does paypal side with these sellers when it comes to returning the items to China instead of where they were sent from? I would have not hesitated or even cared if I had to pay for shipping to send it back to the original  US address. But to have to pay almost triple what I paid for the item just to send it back is ridiculous. And even if I do send it back, I have no way of knowing for sure if the item will reach the seller, since the address provided was written in chinese, or if they will even actually report receiving the item, so that I can get my money back

[kernowlass]

@fastfixitmom 

Chinese Web Sites or on Social Media ads easy to spot (once you know the below signs) so buyer beware.

1. No return address on the returns policy............thats because the site will look as if its in your country (where they despatch goods from) BUT they will ask for returns to go back to China (returns depot) at a shipping cost nearly always more than the item is worth.
2. No contact telephone number............if you click on contact the most you will get is webmail or an email address.
3. No company address information.
4. Great looking items at bargain prices that turn out to be tat.


HOWEVER you may still have the option to do a charge back if you funded your paypal payment via a credit card.
Also Paypal may contribute towards return costs IF you have activated the below link (if available in your country).
https://www.paypal.com/us/smarthelp/article/FAQ3544

[fastfixitmom]

thank you for the info. Doesn't help much NOW, since I already got scammed. But my question is if my item was originally sent from a valid US address in California (the return address on the original shipping label that was on the item i received) I don't understand why it cannot be returned to that address, why it must be returned to China. It may have originally come from China, but someone in the US received it and sent it to me via the US postal service. 

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@fastfixitmom 

Because a lot of companies have dispatch depots in lots of countries to aid swift delivery of items to buyers.

But for returns it goes back to the parent company.

This tactic is used a lot by China companies for exactly that reason, often too expensive to return it so they are in a win win situation.

Thats why its important to check return addresses on websites before ordering.

Whilst I know the information may not help you NOW as you have been scammed, not sure how I could have given you that information before you were scammed !!! And I post that list anyway as it may save others from being scammed if they come here first and read it.

[fastfixitmom]

thanks for the advise on how to detect scamming web sites. It is kind of funny though that I could not find a phone number listed for Paypal either!

[kernowlass]

@fastfixitmom 

Only shows up if available........

Paypal phones are mostly non operational since covid but sometimes you get lucky.
If there is one available it will show when you click help / contact bottom left of Paypal pages for options available in your country.
Live chat is randomly available.
You can send them a message.
Or have you considered contacting Customer Service via Facebook or Twitter?
You can send them a personal message from their facebook or twitter pages.
It's: https://www.facebook.com/PayPal and @AskPayPal for Twitter. 

[Mutley3]

It’s a massive scam and PayPal are aware of it yet continue to do business with these companies. I am taking it to the ombudsman. PayPal should be making the company pay for return postage then see how quickly they will refund. I cannot believe PayPal are supporting these scammers. I hope the ombudsman deals with them over this. There’s thousands of people being scammed in this manner.

[PhilipBTexas]

I agree 100%.

[Mutley3]

I have gone through resolver and they have logged my complaint. PayPal no longer deal with resolver apparently (just shows they have no interest in resolving) In a few weeks my complaint will be forwarded to the ombudsman. I have an address for PayPal’s head office so will be writing to them and now just need to find email addresses. I will file a complaint with my bank about this company ‘Changchun Binfen technology’ PayPal Only seem interested in supporting the scammers.

[PhilipBTexas]

Let me know if they tell you anything, although they probably are not going to like you are saying. I don't see how they cannot do more in tbe interests of the buyers when it comes to these return mail scams.