Did any of you guys ever get your money back? I read a lot about people getting scammed and ripped off, just wondering if you guys got any of the money back... I've been scared to bid on ebay or other online forums because of the horror stories I hear.

I just would like to hear whether if any of the victims got their money back, and how they did it. So in case this happens to me in the future I know what steps to take, or rather, options that I have.

If you have a story of how the scam artist got punished, I would like to hear that too.

 

I usually make sure that the have excellent feedback but you can never be 100% sure of any transaction where you can't see the product first.

 

This isn't s2000 related:

I bought a pair of Oakley C Frame sunglasses off of ebay a few years back. I got them for $30 off of list from someone with a 20+ 100% feedback. When I got them, they were fake, though it was hard to tell. I took them into an oakley dealer, who held up a real pair next to them and you could see the difference. I then emailed the seller, and after no response, I got ticked off. He sent his emails from a university account, so I found out his phone number. I was bored, so I did a nice, google search on his name and found out where he was from, along with his parents name. I figured he was a freshman trying to make some extra dough for his college beer fund. He was surprised I called. He said for me to send the glasses back and he'll refund my purchase price. I told him to f--- off and he would send me my purchase price AND S/H, and if he wanted them back, he would pay me for S/H.

I told him I'd call his parents (gave him their name and number), campus police, and call my lawyer. If he was dumb enough to sell me glasses, then he would be dumb enough to think I'd file a case with a lawyer over a $100 pair of glasses.

He said that he'd send the money in a few weeks because he didn't have it right then. I laughed and said, "Wow, you spent all my money already? If I don't have my money back in a week, then I'm taking this to the next step."

I had the money in my paypal account that evening.


I think I was lucky, but I learned my lesson. It was a lot of fun though, I'm sure that kid learned his lesson too, and probably wet his pants.

 

Never got my money back - yet. Did report the bastard to the FBI, though.

 

Harsh!

 

nice story thunderchicken!
all my transactions have gone through well ... I only buy from ebay stores though..

 

I only use ebay. I check their feedback rating and contact some of their supposed buyers.

Most ppl leave feedback when they get the item, but if its for like a lip kit or something, i'll ask how the fitment was and so on.

I won't buy from ppl w/ negative feedback. I've spent anywhere from $20-$200 on each item w/o a hitch.

Ppl that do get their money back pay w/ a credit card. That way you can dispute the charges later. Ppl who use money order or check or cash are out of luck.

 

Between me and my wife we have made around a hundred purchases on ebay and only one or two headaches (returned the merchandise and got the money back). Just make sure the seller has a good feedback. For small items (that don't cost a lot) sometimes I even purchase from people with no previous sale. I don't like shopping at ebay stores, though, lots of rip-offs there.

I also sell stuff on ebay and realize that one negative feedback can screw my reputation as a seller. This is why most sellers on ebay that have a good feedback won't try to scam you.

 

thanks for the comments guys, makes me feel a little better.

S2krob - how much did you lose? did the FBI do anything about it?

Thunderchicken - nice story, but it does seem like you were lucky though, hahah glad he was stupid.

 

eBay I used to buy alot from but not anymore. A guy was selling engine swaps on there and had sold me a B18C for $2000 +S&H with no Intake Manifold or Throttle Body. Well I asked the guy if we could do 40% now and 60% upon delivery. Sned him $900 and when he recieves it he demands that the $1100 be sent before he ships it. SO I send him the $1100 via Fed/Ex I have his address, phone number etc. Once he recieved the $1100 he said he'll get the motor out that week. Never heard from him again, I managed to get the $1100 back from my Bank by canelled the Money Order but I never saw the $900 again.
I filed a complaint with eBay (did nothing) and then to the IIFC which is like the internet FBI. It's been 4 months haven't heard a word from nobody.
I guess you live and you learn.