Scammed through digital goods. Paypal no help

[gdw298]

So basically, I sold some digital goods. FIFA coins to be exact.

I received the money. Followed through with the transaction last night. Everything was fine. Buyer sent me ebay messages comfirming he received the goods and was happy.

Then today I get a message from Paypal saying the transaction was in disrepute from the buyer who claimed it was made unauthorised. I phoned Paypal. The girl was helpful, she said they would investigate it, because after the paypal email I received an ebay message from a different seller informing me that the same buyer has pulled the sam stunt with him today over the same goods. The paypal agent said I should keep checking my emails to keep up to date with the dispute. She firmly said, that it was the worst case scenario that the money would be reversed back to him, especially if he's pulled the same stunt with another seller.

Well, worst case scenario happened.

Not 20mins after concluding the phone call, Paypal found the dispute in favour of him. For whatever reason. He didnt even provide an actual postage/billing address for Paypal or Ebay. I know, I should have saw the red flag. But with it being digital, I didnt look at his postage address. But it also begs the question why ebay and paypal allowed the buyer to provide an address in the form of: 

Mr Random (not actual name)

z\xcxvc

essex Nottinghamshire

OX7 5Ys

United Kingdom

(actual address though)

So now I'm £100 down. and I'm pretty sure the other seller is now £130 down seeing as its the exact same scenario. I find it quite pathetic that Paypal found in his favour purely because it was digital goods and they dont cover it. Ignoring all the facts I provided and the red flags waving all around him.

Anyone have any advice of what my next step should be?

[Be_14]

Hi, I have had the exact same thing, Ebay buyer was called something like 'top*chef'... they've done it to 4 others I've contacted. 

They messaged me after buying the item of dust + optional free gift of the coins. I have posted the item to the address given via Paypal, despite the buyer opening a dispute STRIAGHT AFTER completion of the free gift.

The, the dispute was closed before I had even responded, the money that was held was back into my account... I log in 2 days later to find its been reversed again (no dispute) and the money has gone. 

No explanation, No email, NOTHING from Paypal or Ebay. 

The ebay listed has been removed (so there's no valid Item Number I can use to reference my complaints). The original Paypal dispute ID now shows as being invalid also. 
I have proof of postage of the 'item' that was sent to the buyers adress, which remains undelivered according to the tracking info. 

[PaddyFlemin11]

the exact same thing has happened to me. £100 down aswell! Anyway you can contact me if you find a solution? thanks

[Be_14]

The most annoying thing is i've had ZERO contact back from Paypal or Ebay through all of this. 

Not one email to explain the situation, or where my money has gone, or what choice of action I have to take next. Nothing.

I've had this once before with both eBay and Paypal, but never expected it again.

Seems like they can do whatever they like with our money and linked accounts, and it is a total disgrace when I haven't done anything wrong, and have proof of everything on my part.

[Mfcgirl]

I have had exactly the same happen 2 months after ive traded the coins the buyet has done a chargeback the team name is SHEEP SHAGGERS. Its a Cardiff contact. DO NOT ACCEPT THIS PETSON COS THEY ARE THEIVES!!!! And paypal are letting this scam go on. I will nevet use paypal again! So let down

[Cantonal7l]

This happend to me last night aswell someone called 'VJTORIA'. This is so wrong and ehy can they get away with it by using someone elses details and payment is completed. But then can go into held. Come on ebay/paypal sort it out

[kernowlass]

If you CHOOSE to sell digital / virtual items that is absolutely fine BUT that is YOUR choice as there is no seller protection for digital / virtual items on paypal. 

[Temp20221223AR]

With my recent experience and reading many similar problems on this forum it seems that Paypal nearly always side with the buyer whatever the details of the dispute - scammers realise this and are taking full advantage - ebay and paypal despite all their happy community propaganda don't seem bothered and are almost complicit. Ebay and Paypal are fast becomming the scammers best friend. I used to enjoy selling on ebay - now I just wait for the dispute to open six weeks after the sale. 

[thlee306]

I think I am on the other side of this. I bought digital content, a league of legends account to be exact, and paid after he assured me that he was going to send the details to me.

After I have paid, He hasn't responded to any of my messages, or my emails, and when I phoned the number from the user information request, it wasn't his direct contact.

He is active on eBay, he has contacted other people, and listed items.

It is digital content so ebay money back guarantee doesn't cover this either from my understanding.

I don't know what to do

[kernowlass]

No they don't guarantee you a refund as like you say there is no buyer protection either.

HOWEVER you may still be able to open a dispute for non receipt of item and sometimes you get a refund if the seller has funds in his paypal account that paypal can access.

If he doesn't then paypal won't refund you under buyer protection.

Also its worth opening a dispute as it gets logged on the sellers account and if he gets lots of disputes his account may be limited or closed.

Go to the resolution tab in your paypal account and start a dispute, if the seller states he will let you have your item if you close the dispute............don't do it.