I got scammed and Paypal won't help me?

[XP1]

I ordered two items on May 26. On May 27, I realized that the seller is scammer based on two reasons.

1. The seller's website looks very suspicious.

2. The seller provided an old tracking number that is dated on May 18 and shows clearly that it was already delivered on May 18.

I opened a case and told Paypal about the tracking number. I even told them that I attempted contacting the seller but seller refused to talk to me. They closed it a week and few days later and decided it in the seller's favor. Reason is that it's valid tracking number? I don't understand what the heck is going on? How is it valid tracking number if it's blatantly fake tracking number and it doesn't even have my address on it? Items still haven't arrive. I am so perplexed and upset right now. Can anyone help me? Should I go to my bank and try to get my refund back?

[XP1]

Can anyone help me?

[Jeff_Savoie]

XP1,

I'm so sorry to see that you're having this problem, too... but knowing you're not in this alone probably isn't very comforting (*in fact I find it more than a little bit disturbing to see so many of us are not being protected from a scam that PayPal has clearly documented to exist).

PayPal needs buyers, we are the ones putting monies into the system - NOT SELLERS - especially not sellers that are not actually selling anything!

[XP1]

I still don't understand how Paypal thinks that seller did deliver items to my address when there's no address on the tracking number and it says it's delivered on May 18. I ordered on May 26. The tracking number should say no less than May 26... Unless seller have the time travel machine? I am going to bank on next business day. This whole thing is so silly.

[Tbolton1970]

Scammers are notorious for giving past tracking to prove they sent something. Dispute it with your bank. Make sure when you dispute it you state that the tracking number the seller gave you is not your merchandise and why. This way the seller will have to prove you got it by way of a signed delivery notice, which they won't be able to do. Your bank is your best bet to get your money back and the seller will get the funds taken away.

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@XP1 

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 that includes a statement mentioning your address and saying the item was delivered to a different address.
When you have that, contact PayPal via phone (log on to your account and click Contact at the bottom of the page, however that may not be an option at the moment due to covid), 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.

[XP1]

I once again asked them to look into tracking number and explained why it's a fraud tracking number. It was all said in my rude and upset tone. I ended it with a threat to come to my bank for a fraud. They finally refunded me. But that's nice to know. Thanks.

[MichelleCasa]

Yeah, I got a refund thanks to the advice about contacting Paypal through the Message Center. They sided with the seller when I filed the dispute under "Item Never Received" but when they reopened it and filed it under "Item Is Not As Described" they were able to side in my favor. I had originally filed under not received because I never thought I'd actually get anything. When the fishing reel I ordered finally came and It wasn't a reel but a $1 kitchen mitt, I was able to have them change the dispute. 

[seasugar]

I totally agree!! Paypal gives the impression if your **bleep** they will help you.  THEY WILL NOT!!  They ALWAYS send you to the contact the seller but that doesn't necessary mean the seller will respond or will ignor you!!  Go back to file a claim as to something and they ALWAYS sway in the sellers favor!!  I was **bleep** because I didn't order any cameras and contacted them and was told "contact the seller".  Typical.  I did.  Was hung up on TWICE!  Third time they didn't even answer.   Back to ebay's (bull) backing the customer up crap!  Filed a complaint.  Usual...they agreed with the seller tho I DIDN'T ORDER ANY CAMERAS!!   SO.....I'm then off on my own and researching anything around this company and FINALLY after working the whole day to get ahold of a lady that said she would help me.  NOT an Ebay person.  SHE, NOT EBAY helped me solve my problem.  SO...that being said Paypals watch your back program is a load of crap!!!!  IF you order and get **bleep**....your **bleep**.  IF YOU DON'T ORDER and get **bleep**...your **bleep**!!  Giving yaw heads up.  

[pearcehm]

I have been scammed too. I ordered something off a website and they sent me a tracking number to a different address and was delivered a month ago. I emailed the seller and the email bounced. Then I open a case with PayPal and they close it in the sellers favor. WTF!! this company is horrible. This is a big flaw that a scammer can use false tracking numbers and even worse that PayPal will not listen to the customer at all!  Be careful I would not suggest using this service for Paying for anything online.