I ordered a gold 8 escudos coin on eBay that is clearly a counterfeit, 2mm smaller than the correct diameter and 2g less than the correct weight. The seller has a 10% restocking fee on all returns. When returning the coin, how do I make sure that I'm not charged for that restocking fee? Is there a different process to go through rather than just "Request a return" using the reason code "Doesn't seem authentic"?
Do I do that via Request a Return? It seems like the workflow has changed since I last used it - I thought previously you could open an item not as described case, but now it looks like everything goes through returns.
Just select 'item not as described' for the return. Or you could just call Ebay and they'll usually open up the proper case for you.
I recieved a counterfiet once on eBay, I sent a message to eBay concerning the auction and was refunded my money within a day, and told to dispose of the coin.
Contact the seller and tell them you're returning, and not paying a restocking fee on a counterfeit. Just to be a gentleman about it. If they offer you any grief, file a SNAD (Significantly Not As Described) complaint with Ebay, mentioning it's counterfeit, and shove it down their throat. You won't even have to return the coin to get your refund.
You are really not "returning" the coin as unwanted for any type of reason. It is a fake. As noted in post #4 you just select "item not as described" and you should be good to go. No return costs should apply if the seller knows what he/she is doing. I just completed one of these and I had a full refund including my original postage when the return entered the postal system.
I agree with Super Dave. Be professional and courteous on you initial email. Give the seller a chance to make it right. (I'm making the assumption that this is an honest mistake and the seller is not a habitual scammer). If that doesn't work follow Super Dave's second option. Let him know that he picked the wrong person to scam
For a clear counterfeit that isn't marked as such, I wouldn't give the seller any breaks at all. Let me qualify that -- if their selling history indicates that they're just clueless, I'd message them explaining that it's a fake coin, and asking to return it at their expense for a full refund (including original shipping). If they hesitate at all, I would call eBay customer service and open a case ("I got a counterfeit, seller wants me to pay return shipping and/or a restocking fee"). There's a good chance that they won't even require you to return the coin, as @Hommer and @SuperDave said. On the other hand, they sometimes randomly decide to make you return the coin, or submit a police report (!), although that's supposed to be only for "high-value" claims.
Something like this (getting a fake) happened to me a year ago. I had no problem getting a full refund after contacting eBay. My strategy was to say that since they listed it as a "coin" it therefore should be minted by a government. Otherwise it's a replica, token or medal. Since it was not minted by a government, what they sent me was not a "coin."
.....or call the Secret Service and have them make a person to person visit to the sellers place of business. (Only as a last resort)
Received 3 silver state proof quarters that were not silver. Tried playing nice with seller and polite email with explanations and pics. He was not interested. Had to open case with Ebay. Was fully refunded money [including shipping], and not asked to return quarters. Ebay takes a very strong position on fake coins, as well as 'item not as described' purchases in general. From my experience, Ebay's 'Buyer Protection' is for real.
....until you try to get them to act proactively, at which time they're as responsive as a vertical rock face.
The title and description stated they were 3 SILVER state proof quarters. When we received them we tested them and they were indeed not silver. They failed every test - the first being weight. I googled it and found it was a common scam to list and sell non-silver state proof quarters as silver. I politely emailed seller with the results of our tests, pics of the copper rims, etc. Seller replied belligerently that they were Absolutely SILVER - he'd just removed them from their packaging. He then cut off all further communication. I simply initiated a return request selecting 'item not as described' [Seller advertised 'No returns'], with an explanation in the description box that they were not silver. Seller stalled the process but ultimately Ebay refunded all purchase money and told me I did not need to return the coins. I noticed this seller had several other similar listings but whether Ebay did anything about it I don't know.
Or any modern U.S. bullion coins either. Which is why those two congressman sent them and the mint that letter inquiring who exactly does what and/or why are they doing nothing when it's supposed to be there job. https://www.einpresswire.com/articl...r-action-on-counterfeit-gold-and-silver-coins 'The congressmen request information as to whether, and to what extent, the U.S. Mint has taken proactive steps to protect the integrity of America’s minted coins... And they seek clarification regarding the “expected roles of the Secret Service, U.S. Customs and Border Enforcement, and other federal law enforcement agencies in detecting and investigating counterfeits of U.S. coins minted of precious metals and the extent of their coordination with the U.S. Mint.'
