eBay vs. fraud: Share your suggestions

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ebay protecting against fraud - lol: Regarding ebay, I bought a 1995 4Runner that had major damage to the dash that would cost about $250 to fix but the dealer never mentioned it. It also had serious engine problems, ran on 4 of 6 cylinders and the dealer never mentioned that. The dealer's listing stated that it was in wonderful shape, best ever they seen, that they would mention if it even needed a tune up.

Eventually, the 4Runner engine popped because it was crap. It had a major engine problem that anybody could hear when I got it. The dealer would not send title until I had the truck picked up because they said sometimes people didn't pick them up. I didn't get the title until 2 weeks after I got the 4Runner. Now I know why they would not send the title first. They claimed they were selling a vehicle that was donated o charity. But really the title paperwork undeniably it was sold to them at an auto auction and not donated as the dealer's listing said. I have the original owners name and address.

I got it for exactly my high bid after someone, unknown name with 0 feedback, out bid me and revealed my high bid. That bid was mysteriously retracted 20 minutes before auction end, making me high bidder with $400 left to my high mark. Then someone else, unknown 0 feedback, bid to my high mark leaving me the winner at the highest amount I had bid, $3700.

I complained to ebay and was sent to SquareTrade (mediation only - nonbinding) where I proved conclusively that the dealer not only mislead by their description, but actually lied about the vehicle. The seller agreed to refund the amount, but I would have to pay to ship it back ($800) and would also have to eat the $200 to check and repair the engine and the $800 spent to get it. I might have gone for it but I strongly believe once it was back in their hands, they would claim it was damaged by me and not give the full refund as the SquareTrade process is non-binding and non-enforceable.

I tried to get satisfaction from ebay/Paypal but they would only cover the amount paid through them, $500 and it was too late because the SquareTrade trap took over 30 days. Not only was I screwed by the seller but they left negative feedback. My feedback for their thievery was removed because ebay said it didn't conform to their guidelines, so they didn't even get a negative. Also my reply to their feedback was removed. I asked ebay why they were protecting the seller. They told me off. I had and still have no recourse.

I tried to sell the damn thing for $3500. No one would touch it especially after hearing it run. After it finally blew, I sold it for $1000 cash for a loss of at least $3700.

I will never, ever but from ebay again. That was after spending at least $12,000 there (two 4runners, a $2000 theodolite for work, numerous computers and lots of other crap). Now that I have canceled my ebay presence, I have saved at least $200 a month. Good riddance.

I thought that I could rely on ebay to police their sellers but they appear to side with whomever generates the most revenue. You can do business with them, but they are not a trustworthy vendor or enterprise.

caveat empor; Posted by: msolgeek Posted on: 01/23/07 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use