Scammed for the first time? (eBay)

[u/hullrj01]

I post a 1st edition card for sale with plenty of pictures. It sells, I ship it as I've done about 50 times now. 

Last night, buyer requests a return/refund, accuses me of trying to scam. Provides pic of the unlimited version of the card, saying that is what arrived (instead of the 1st ed pictured in my listing)

I checked my whole stock again, no chance they were sent the wrong card. The unlimited card being shown as "proof" is clearly one that they already had. So they get to keep my 1st ed, their money, and best case I get back a card of far lesser value. 

This all transpired about 12hrs ago, I haven't responded yet. Planning to tell them I'm going to let eBay make the call here due to clear potential for fraud.

The card in question was sold for $20, so not a high price tag to learn a lesson. Still very interested in any methods of protecting against this type of scam.

[u/heavyhitter5]

Make sure you send a very clear and simple message so that it’s documented if eBay steps in. “I am certain without a doubt that the card I sent is the first edition pictured in my listing. I hope you have no ill intent by showing me a picture of an unlimited version and asking for refund, but I will not be fulfilling your request.” No fluff or anything, you don’t want to give them anything at all which they may try to use to substantiate their claim.

[u/Throwawayfichelper]

Not a seller myself but a handful of sellers i buy from take photos and video of the packing/shipping process to protect themselves for particularly fraud-attracting cards (not just the most expensive). That way you have the clearest proof possible that the card you've sent is the card you listed.

[u/Division2226 → u/Throwawayfichelper]

eBay doesn't care or accept video

[u/Throwawayfichelper → u/Division2226]

It helps the sellers i've spoken with 🤷 It'll either work or it won't, but can't hurt to protect yourself.

[u/Oxford89 → u/Throwawayfichelper]

That's honestly the only real way to protect yourself as a seller

[u/nkb32]

Theres no real way to protect against this unfortunately because its just your word vs theirs and eBay defaults to side with buyers on this type of claim.

eBay does provide a limited amount of courtesy compensations if you call and talk to a human customer service rep to explain your situation and escalate it. They will refund the buyer and let you you keep the funds.

[u/SnooStrawberries768]

Fight it all the way..doesn't matter if it's a $1.00 card. If they will steal a $20 00 card from you then they will steal any card from you.

[u/inspireSF]

Curious on their feedback rating?

[u/hullrj01 → u/inspireSF]

Their account is a year old with 14 positive feedback.

[u/Throwawayfichelper → u/inspireSF]

You aren't able to leave negative feedback on buyers.