I haven't imagine myself being in this situation EVER. But when I finally did, I can't believe how awful I felt. And I don't want other sellers to experience what I had. So, now, I would like to share my story so you won't get scammed.

Indonesia

I had a buyer that has the ID : trish2913 (30)(As of July 8, this user became Unregistered to eBay)

She bought this item: (item was removed by ebay because of the VeRO Protection Policy)

Acer TravelMate 2480-2153 Celeron M, 512MB RAM (NEW) (270137208863)

I have been asking for advices from fellow sellers for the whole day on July 7, because I was very depressed. How could I refund someone if my item won't be back? "I have no idea" I was thinking.

But then, I found a little light. I emailed USPS and asked them if they can hold the delivery to the recipient and hopefully return the item to me. They emailed back saying I need to call and speak to a person about it. Okay! I will do that.

Then, I called Paypal, but their answer is not the most positive one. And I know I could not get one, because for one, I didn't sent it to the verified address here in the US which is what the address of the claimant. Instead, I sent it to the unconfirmed one in Indonesia. Two, I only have a Delivery Confirmation, no Signature Confirmation. How dumb could I get? But that's why I am writing this guide to help YOU sellers NOT to do what I did.

I still called the USPS though to hold the delivery to the recipient since it is still at the customs in indonesia and return it to me. I was confident that it would be return coz it's EXPRESS, right! NOPE! The USPS said they can't hold delivery. So then I checked the status of the item again and then it said:

Label/Receipt Number: EC99 5533 497U S
Status: Delivered Abroad

Your item was delivered in INDONESIA at 10:06 PM on July 6, 2007.

By July 14, 2007, Paypal decided to refund the guy even after all the information & emails/correspondence (between me and the buyer) I provided.

I still didn't give up. I emailed Paypal again to reconsider. As of this writing, I am still waiting for their reply.

Well, Folks, I hope I was able to help you regarding international scammer in eBay. Please bear in mind, believe in your instincts. It is the best guide. Hear what your insides are telling you. If you think it's safe, then go for it. If you are uncomfortable, then, it's not safe. I have been sending items to a couple unconfirmed address before but I haven't had these problems. Some people are honest, and some people just are not. So, it doesn't matter if it's confirmed or unconfirmed, if the person sitting in front of the screen is a scammer, everything is screwed up when you believe them.

If you think my guide is helpful, please click YES. Thank you very much.