eBay seller stole money

[BuffyFairy]

This seller is listing phones for sale (iPhone and Blackberry) then taking the listing down before it ends.

DH emailed the seller to ask if it was still for sale, they negotiated a price and he transferred money direct to the bank account given. (I know, I know, he feels such an idiot and won't be making that mistake again!)

Needless to say the seller is not replying to any of his emails and re-listed the phone. Last night the bids went over £300, listing ends on Thursday.

The seller pulled this latest listing so DH emailed from my account and yes, the phone is for sale.

The bank is saying they can't do anything. DH is going to phone the police this morning.

Any other steps we can take? The email eBay help needs the item to be in his eBay, you can't just type the listing number in.

TIA

[fergoose]

nope police and small claims are your only recourse

buying off eBay plus a bank transfer is pretty common with scam sellers unfortunately

The police may be able to get the seller's address from eBay, but I would guess it is a false address

[fergoose]

does the seller have current other listings running btw?

[BuffyFairy]

Thanks for replying fergoose.

Yes, the seller has a different phone currently listing too. I suspect the name used on eBay is false too as a different surname was on the bank details.

[fergoose]

ok - well could you to to live help and give the item number of one of his current listings

you could also report his listings too

I hope the Police can help - i would print out one of his current listings now to take to the police. Also if you use Goofbay you should be able to find your own listing which he ended, you could keep a copy of that one too

Also going on the eBay community boards can be useful - start a thread there - there are people there who can give shedloads of useful advice

[BuffyFairy]

Just heard back from DH. Ebay are looking into the seller's account and going through all correspondence. They gave him an email contact for the police and said they will liaise with them if the police ask. He's filled out the crime report form.

[fergoose]

Here - I suggest starting a thread here and asking for advice

community.ebay.co.uk/forum/Buyer-Central/1900000767

[scurryfunge]

Do you have the bank account details for where the money was deposited? That will help the police.

[fergoose]

sorry I cross posted - excellent news. Still go to community boards too as folk there are invaluable

[BuffyFairy]

Thanks fergoose I'll pass all that onto DH now.

Grrr, some people are such shits.

It's a hard lesson to learn eh.

[BuffyFairy]

scurry yes we have the bank details. I've told DH to pass that on.

[fergoose]

they are utter shits - how do they sleep at night.