To not want to keep storing expensive item when it has been sold?

I mean, you do know that these scammers are seriously good at this and that they can recreate that? I really think it’s important you don’t send them any money back. And they could be using the legit man’s identity to convince you.

And, at the risk of being rude, you seem quite muddled with some aspects of how to approach this (working out storage etc) so just be extra vigilant about whether you’ve had a fake returned to you. Especially if it’s a watch. The scammers are good.

I also think if the package had been opened, it’s likely been replaced/tampered with. Take to get it checked by a jeweller and do not refund until you have. Once you’re 100% that the item is what it was, tell him he has 21 days to collect or you will resell the item. I think you do have to refund him in these circs, unfortunately, but I would deduct a couple of £100 for insurance, storage and inconvenience fees / make it clear on your letter that you will be doing this.

If it’s a Rolex the insides may have been switched. Original parts for repairs are very pricey and highly sort after. He may be hoping you don’t notice and give him the money back. Definitely do not give the money back. The onus is on him to collect. Just make it clear that it is no longer insured.

Why would you refund him, for not being able to get off his bum? That is not a condition covered by any consumer law. He isn’t forgetting to get food in to eat daily, I’d just send a note saying ‘i sold this in good faith. It’s been 6 months, I can reasonably assume at this point that you’ve defaulted your purchase. I can however hold it for another 2 weeks. Please arrange a courier within this time. I will not be offering any refund.’

and if he doesn’t collect, sell it again. His loss.

I'm guessing a Rolex as well, and like another pp suggests, the mechanism has been switched.

But if the item was stolen or lost whilst in my care, I would have to refund him the full amount.
Well that's what your insurance is for, surely. You wouldn't refund him before the insurance had paid out.

In terms of what to charge - you charge what you feel is a reasonable cost for storage, given the size of the item and the inconvenience to you of having to keep it. Emphasis on reasonable. I'd suggest a couple of quid a day (backdated to when he was originally meant to collect it). This isn't meant to be an opportunity for you to make money, it's just what is fair to compensate you whilst he gets his act together.

The insurance might not cost you anything but it's still covering his item so I'd charge a minimal amount, 50p a day or something. And if something happens, you pass on the cost of the excess to him.

As for your last point, I doubt the item has increased in value much in the few extra months you've had it.

Just be reasonable and honest but firm, and it will be sorted within the next 2 weeks either way.

The PP I was reacting to had already explained this - OP is sent money from a dodgy source and after a while when the watch has not been collected she is asked for a refund - when she sends it that refund is "clean" money - ie £8000 has been laundered with minimal cost - just a loss of a bit of interest.

OPs other option is to call this guy at work and ask him to complete the purchase

Again, his address will have been on the parcel.

OP,
How did they pay? Direct to bank account so they have your bank details or paypal?

Nothing makes sense with this (I worked in compliance for a while)..
Most likely the scam involves the person's stolen identity as if they are rich and powerful they will have PA dealing with stuff like it.
The courier - was this possibly sent to a scammer's address who then returned it with a note? What is the address on parcel? Or where does the tracking lead?
Most likely the watch mechanism was swapped.

Money laundering? Be careful as if you refund you could be in trouble bc you are assisting the crime.

I would investigate the postage labels and tracking, speak to customs and then find phone number for the guy and call his office.
Get the watch checked and then and only then you could make a decision to potentially send or refund or notify bank etc of money laundering.

Also just thought...
Did he pay you from HACKED account? So money would eventually be recalled by a bank? Check the name on bank statement and if it's the rich guy, I'm certain his account has been hacked and he hasn't noticed.

Yeah exactly.

Ah ha yes I get it now. Thank you.

No but you can say that you will be charging X for storage and insurance per day and deduct that from any repayment if he changes his mind

I agree with you @shortcutsal.
I was expecting it to be a large item like an antique wardrobe or something not a wee watch or small piece of jewellery.
🙄
At least you have the money OP

But she's nervous about doing anything about the money in case she spends it and then he suddenly pops up and demands it back. Or demands she send the item again.

@Wheredoistandwiththis sorry if you've answered this, but what address did you send it to?

It’s clearly a scam of some sort. Just because we don’t understand it the post above was clear on the consumer advise of a financial transaction that doesn’t make sense. There’s no denying it should be reported to police and your bank OP.

if you’re unwilling to take this advise and are set on getting rid of the item I wouldn’t recommend asking for storage costs. Email him and say if it’s not collected by x date (give him 2 weeks maybe) you’re either going to send the item to the man directly at his work or give it to a local charity shop. That way you can at least be rid of it fake, tampered with or otherwise.

and agree with others to check the money is actually fully present in your account and move it to a new account and don’t spend it for 6 more months.