Can ebay messages be used as evidence in paypal claim?

[chargeback000]

Hi all. I have a buyer who emailed  via ebay messaging to say he had made a mistake with his purchase, was poor and needed the money and could he return for a refund. An hour later (judging by the times on emails), before I had even read this message he escalated to a claim via paypal. In the resolution centre he said reason for chargeback was 'damaged item'. I suspect this is because I am a Uk private seller and had checked the 'no returns' box in the auction (so he shouldnt expect a return due to 'change of mind.')

I got such a shock receiving these emails out of the blue after a long day at work, and the paypal message seemed to be saying that I had to reply by the end of that day or a decision could be made without me, so I hastily typed something in about 'this is the first Ive heard about any damage, you left positive feedback a few days ago...' and sent it off. Now that Ive read up about chargebacks and a scam on ebay where buyers send back a different damaged  item Im starting to panic that I'll be out of pocket for alll fees and not even have the camera item (which is worth a few hundred  pounds...)

Ebay replied to my question about sharing the email info with paypal with the line that they cant access my messages and its purely  paypal matter..

Any advice on how I can reduce the pain of what feels like an imminent car crash?.....

[kernowlass]

Paypal will need details from the buyer re damage before deciding if he gets a refund. BUT before he is refunded he will be expected to return the item to you trackable to prove delivery back to you.

When i responded to the dispute i would have mentioned the ebay emails in the dispute so that they could at least know what he said, if you have a chance to add another comment i would do.

If the buyer is awarded a refund and returns an empty box then you can appeal the claim by citing this is what has happened but take photos of you unwrapping the returned item for proof.