I was very saddened and upset to hear of your post and problem with charge backs/disputed charges. I realize that in the Fall of 2010 that credit card limits changed as well as some terms and conditions.
I have a few questions for you. How do you know the same credit card number was used each time? Was it a PAYPAL Debit/Credit card? Usually, at the time of a sale via ebay this is protected information and not give out to the seller.
Second, credit card companies would allow a consumer to contest a charge over the phone (after receiving their statement via mail or via an on line statement), but they also had to provide in writing within 30 days why the charge was not a valid charge (I had to do this myself years ago with American Express and they sided on my side, but I had to provide documentation).
Third, are you getting a real signature from someone--signature confirmation/certified mail/insured mail piece/ or registered mail--that does require a signature. Delivery confirmation DOES NOT require a signature and the buyer can always say they did not get the item and that if it was delivered, it was delivered to the wrong address/person.
You might be able to check to see if there is a credit reporting agency in your state (if different than the state that you shipped the items) or your state's equivalency. There may be an issue of interstate commerce fraud.
I can't comprehend how after months, PAYPAL and a credit card company would do such little investigation to side with a scammer. With most credit card companies, you and your spouse can be on the same account and perhaps even an offspring. BUT...it sounds as if you are talking about numerous people with different names and different addresses with the same credit card number. On the surface, that makes one wonder if it might be a credit card number that belongs to an idenity theft victim. All the charge backs and all the fees associated with each charge back is unbelievable! If I were you, I would retain an attorney and take the credit card company to court in your state (where you were harmed)--Small Claims Court if the limit reaches $5,000.00--each state has a different "CAP" on how much you can seek restitution.
AND as a footnote, perhaps the credit card company may not even be real but a BOGUS one which would allow them to authorize the payment and then turn around after statement received and 30 day time
@ZM wrote:
I totally agree that paypal and credit companies did not look into the matter in depth. Same thing happened to me - but with a group of obvious scammers rather than just one. They used different identities and addresses (in the same area and zip code) to make over 25 purchases in 3 months, then about 2 months after the purchases, they filed UNAUTHORIZED CHARGEABLE cases for all of them. I have tracking and delivered proof for ALL the packages.
During the process of the case investigation, some of the scammers use the SAME credit card to buy again! I provided those additional evidences to paypal telling them that those people are using the same card to purchase again during the investigation period. Isn't is if you found out that you card has been used "unauthorized", you will cancel your card immediately??? Would you still keep the card and still use the same card knowing that someone is using it "unauthorized"?? This are obviously scams!!
So I have been receiving UNAUTHORIZED CHARGEBACK cases everyday for 2 months straight since April this year from "different buyers". And finally all cases have been closed last week - TOTAL OF over $4,500 ALL BUYERS WINNING THE CASES!! In addition, I have to pay $20 per case so for over 25 cases I have lost an additional $500!!!
I understand about the terms and conditions that we agreed when signing up for paypal service. However I am still very disappointed at paypal and the credit card companies the effort of their study as I truly don't believe this is really "unauthorized" as they keep using the card over and over again, even during the dispusing process!!
If paypal and credit card companies looked into this more in depth - can't they find out the similarities of the transactions:
1. Whole bunch of people in the same area all have their cards stolen at the same time and they all arrange to file chargeback together at the same time??
2. Say if it's a "real" stolen card case - will the owner of the card just keep the card active expose himself to more risk for more unauthorized chargebacks? Isn't that common sense to cancel the card right away after the first notification of "unauthorized" transaction?
3. All packages are tracked and signed - will someone spend the time to investigate the address and the receivers signature before deciding that it's the sellers' responsibilities for the scams??
PS: Today I receive one more order by these people again!! They still keep trying!!
frame to contest charge, still be allowed to do a charge back.
I would definitely check with the Better Business Bureau in your state to see if others have filed complaints. And you might want to consider to file a police report if they have your product without the benefit of paying for all your items.
Best of luck to you!!!
