First of all, I did a very stupid thing. I bought an item on eBay in a hurry without first checking the seller’s feedback.
That being said, here’s the situation.
So, I purchase The Job DVD box set. I really loved this show when it was on, sad to see it go, but very happy that it was recently released on DVD. In a hurry, I did a 'buy it now' on eBay and then went on my way. After a few weeks and no item, I email the seller to inquire whether or not he had received payment. (The payment method that I used was a bank check.)
The seller responds by saying that he has a former employee, whom he terminated, who did not mail out a number "thousands of dollars worth of merchandise," and by e-mailing me a homemade refund request form.
A quick check of his feedback reveals that he's been using this line as long ago as March. This guy has the worst negative feedback I have ever seen, and most of his positive feedbacks are from people saying things like, "sorry to hear about your employee, thanks for the refund." His feedbacks also reveal lengthily refund times, up to eight weeks for a refund.
Clearly, the seller's story does not add up.
My item was listed on 6/24/05 and paid for on 7/1/05. Why would a disgruntled former employee who caused "paperwork problems" four months ago be affecting sales in July? The seller stated that he refuses to answer this question.
The seller says his records indicate that he received payment but he cannot tell if the item was mailed. He is not willing to send the item but is willing to issue a refund. Why one and not the other? The seller states that he is not willing to answer that question.
Not so relevant, but interesting nonetheless, the seller's address is residential. The seller stated that he refuses to disclose the name and location of his store. This is after I offered for someone who I know who lives in the area to come to his store and pick up the item on my behalf.
This seller is clearly listing items for sale that he does not own and he clearly has no intention of ever mailing out any items whatsoever.
The question is this: What is the criminal intent?
What does this seller have to gain by fraudulently selling items on eBay which never existed, and then waiting 6-8 weeks to issue a refund?
I have three theories of my own, but I don't want to say them yet because I would like you guys to offer up some opinions of your own which have not been biased by you having been already exposed to my opinions.
The theories that I do have aren't really all that profitable either, at least as far as I know.
So, what is the criminal intent; what is the motivation here?
Anyone?
The item in question: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN%3AIT&rd=1
The seller in question: http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAP...246792&frm=284