Yet another fraud on eBay

Back in June I sold a rare coin to an overseas buyer. In itself, this should not present a problem ... as I have done this numerous times before. I was particularly fond of this coin, it was a pop2 tied for highest grade coin with me owning both examples. I decided to sell one, and herein lies our story.

Problems Arise:

1. After buying the coin, my overseas buyer disappeared. I let this go on for 2 weeks, because I understand that desireable coins require a little bit of financing. I sent him gentle reminders along the way, but nothing ever came back.

2. I file a non-paying buyer dispute with eBay. With this, the buyer responds immediately. He explains that he is moving and needs to wait to set up his new address before paying for the coin.

3. Two more weeks go by, and he finally pays. It is July now. He requests that I ship the item to his new, unconfirmed address instead of his Paypal address. I agree. I figure I'm protected regardless.

4. Two days go by and he is singing like a Robin. Where is my coin?, It has been 4 weeks!, blah blah blah. The coin is already on its way. I have provided all the tracking and necessary receipts to him.

5. 6 weeks go by, not a peep until he sends an email asking if I've sent the coin. I say yes. I check the tracking, it has indeed arrived.

6. Fast forward to today. Buyer has just filed an 'item not received' case with PayPal. It is NOVEMBER 16!! 5 months later!! Apparently, PayPal allows a buyer to file a dispute up to 180 days after he pays for an item.

Here is the problem, Canada Post has deleted the tracking information from there system. When I enter the tracking, it says 'tracking number not valid'. In the meantime, I have had money debited from my Paypal account as the money is 'held' during the dispute.

So Caveat Emptor! A patient fraudster can wait months until Canada Post deletes tracking information online, and then file a dispute. Allowing him to pocket both his own money and the rare coin.

Below: Caligula (Treacherous Roman Emperor who betrayed his own Praetorian Guard only to later suffer at their hands!)

To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.