Can anyone provide guidance for how to proceed after becoming the victim of tracking number scam?

[volumnus]

I purchased a soundbar system on eBay. The seller uploaded a FedEx tracking number to eBay. The tracking number was for a package sent to a different address. The package was not sent to the only address I have on file with eBay and Paypal, which is my home address.

As far as eBay and Paypal are concerned, the tracking number is the only proof they need that the package was delivered to me, even though it was sent to a different address.

As far as FedEx is concerned, they can't help me because I don't know the address to which the package was actually sent. Since my address is different from the address to which the package was sent, they won't tell me anything about the package.

My credit card company told me the charges are still pending and won't let me start a chargeback yet, but I plan to do that as soon as possible.

Does anyone have any other advice for me?

[kernowlass]

@volumnus 

Paypal is just a payment processor that gives you 'some' buyer and 'some' seller protection.
So disputes for non receipt of item are mostly automated. Seller provides tracking that shows delivery = seller wins.
So then its your turn to do some work to assist Paypal in recovering your purchase price from your seller.

Firstly ring Paypal customer services and tell them that the number is fake or that the item was shown as shipped before you purchased it. With that information they may well just issue you a refund.

Secondly if they don't then... APPEAL
To submit an appeal on the dispute that was closed, PayPal asks that you obtain a detailed report from the shipper/courier (on their letterhead or some other form of official stationary) that includes the address the seller gave them for the shipment. Or one that includes a statement mentioning your address and saying the item was delivered to a different address. THEY DON'T HAVE TO SAY WHICH ADDRESS IT WAS SENT TO, JUST THAT IT WAS NOT DELIVERED TO YOUR ADDRESS.

Check tracking in below link to see where it went.
https://www.17track.net/en

When you have that, contact PayPal via phone (log on to your account and click contact at the bottom of the page, or via Facebook (send a Private Message to PayPal) or via Twitter (send a Direct Message to @AskPayPal) and say you want to appeal the denial of the dispute based on the shipper saying the item was delivered to a different address. Once it's submitted (you will be provided with directions on how to do that), the dispute will be reviewed further and a determination will be made.

You also have the option to contact your card issuer if you funded your Paypal payment that way and see if they will do a chargeback for you?

[volumnus]

I honestly think Paypal and eBay are complicit in this tracking number scam. They get their money either way. The fact neither eBay nor Paypal will even check the address to make sure the package was actually sent to the only address I have on file is preposterous. I think I will probably have more luck doing a chargeback through my credit card company. I'm going to visit our local FedEx tomorrow. I'm going to try to get an employee to write something for me in a document with a FedEx letterhead stating the package (tracking number) was not delivered to my address. Hopefully, armed with that, my credit card company will be able to negotiate with Paypal.

Thanks for your help. It's mind numbing to think that you could buy an expensive bumper for your car on eBay, and the seller could send a baseball card in an envelope to an address in your zip code and upload the tracking number for the baseball card to eBay. You wouldn't get the bumper or the baseball card, only the bill, and eBay and Paypal would gladly take their cut but not offer you any help whatsoever.

[volumnus · Accepted solution]

After several hours of frustration, I was finally able to convince an agent from Paypal to get on a three-way call with FedEx and me. FedEx admitted on the call that the package was not delivered to me. It was sent to someone with a different name from mine. It was also not delivered to my address. It was delivered to an address in my city with the same zip code, but it was not delivered to me at my home address, the only address I have on file with eBay and Paypal. Finally, the size of the package suggested it did not contain the product I purchased. At that point, the agent reopened the case and decided in my favor. I received an email saying I would be refunded the full amount. The Paypal agent says Paypal will investigate the seller for committing fraud.

[Wayunfair]

You used that nice word, complicit, I say in cahoots.  A Wayfair ad popped up on my screen.  The deal was too good for the Blackstone grill, I knew better, but i bought it.  Strangely the only way I could pay was Paypal.  I wanted to use my debit card, but no.  The next day a receipt came from Kiet Nguyen.  I went to Wayfair, checked my order history and of course there was none.  I reported to Paypal that I was being scammed and they opened an investigation.  In about a week a decision came down that case denied, the seller provided tracking information.  My item would have weighed 249 Lbs.  I went to the Post Office, USPS.  The tracking number described a ten ounce package delivered to an address different than mine.  They couldn't share it.  In addition the USPS does not handle anything over 70 lbs.  I sent this follow up information to Paypal and it was not responded to.  I don't think I should have to pay but paypal seems to have this crook's back.  Any ideas?  Thanks JS