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UPONTHEVENTURA · Oct 30th, 2009, 09:19 PM

I sold a $500.00 gift card on ebay from a high end department store..
I thought I took every precaution, including sending with Signature Confirmation through USPS (and paypal said that I would have to (to be covered under Buyer Protection) due to the value being over $250..

Sure enough, the buyer (who lives on Waverly Place in New York City -no less) does a charge back one week after I send it claiming she never got it and "the item has not been trackeable since Oct 21st" That comment was a sign right there that something was up...
So I check USPS.com and the item was out for delivery on October 21st but then nothing. Tracking stopped; From living in Boston I know that they make one attempt and then usually you have to pick up at post office.
I realized that I have the receipt for the card and the receipt with this company puts the whole gift card number on the receipt!
Needless to say, I call their headquarters and they tell me that the card has been completely used (0$ balance) IN THEIR NEW YORK CITY STORE. She is going to see what else she can find out. I know from experience that this store keeps all of your information in the system...I told her I want to get the Fraud Dept involved.
Then I call USPS customer service and tell them the situation. They are launching an investigation with her post office at zip code 10003. She assured me that their system does that alot and their is a good chance that the card was signed for and they can get this information and update it.
This card was either stolen by a post office worker or was delivered and signed for, used, and this chick saw the tracking being messed up and decided to get a free $500.00 by saying she never received...
One other note, the buyer had shipped to her mother I believe. Same last name- The buyer had a name that is way to modern and young for her to be older than 25...
I am going to see what the USPS finds out, as well as the store, and then call Paypal on Monday.. I feel that since the tracking is showing no signature, that I will not be protected- even though it said that I qualified for seller protection

And an update- A rep from the store just called me back..
The gift card user used the name Margo (They could not give me last name)
Card was used the day after it was "Out for delivery" on the USPS website!!!(October 22nd)

And again!! on the 25th (She returned some merchandise and made an exchange)
And again on the 28th!!!
Claim was filed by the winning bidder yesterday on the 29th.

I am gathering all of this info to present to Paypal next week.
If this USPS glitch gets resolved and a signature becomes available. I am all set (from what I have read) The reason I contacted this store is because I think they can give paypal this person's info.

On the slight chance that this card was "Stolen", I am most likely screwed.
Based on this person's behavior thus far, I think she is a sleaze.
I also sent her a nice message stating that luckily this store puts the entire gift card number on the receipt, so it can be tracked :)

Terrible people out there sadly... Just be aware of the risks involved..

Ellie Mae · Oct 30th, 2009, 09:39 PM

I am so sorry. And you are correct. Gift card scams such as this happen often. I would not buy or sell one on ebay. If you can acquire the signature info, hopefully you will be protected against charge back by PP and at least maybe you will not lose your $$. If the sig does not show up online, take the tracking # to your PO. They can often print you a copy off of their system.. if this will appease PP.
Thus far, you appear to be doing the right things. If you do get a signature, call the police and file charges. Also you can post the buyer's Ebay ID here if she turns out to be a scammer. And, depending upon what happens, you may can also file fraud charges w/ USPS.
GOOD LUCK to you.

UPONTHEVENTURA · Oct 30th, 2009, 09:44 PM

Hey Ellie-
Well it was obviously delivered that day or stolen by a mail carrier? that day... And it is someone who has gone back to the store 3 times in the last week!
I mean, I can hardly wait to see what the signature says! And I hope I can somehow get to the postmaster who handles that area of manhattan and have him check with the mail carrier to see if he/she remembers anything. I am waiting to send an email to this buyer- who by the way had over 2500 feedbacks! I will be letting her know that I know that the card was used and that lady calling herself Margo has been to the store 3 times. I will also let her know that the store is investigating and that I will be pursuing this matter. Its terribly depressing when you realize how awful people can be- even more than the money.

momofgirls · Oct 30th, 2009, 09:49 PM

You should have insured it, I am sorry that this happen I hope it works out for you.

Ellie Mae · Oct 30th, 2009, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by UPONTHEVENTURA

Hey Ellie-
Well it was obviously delivered that day or stolen by a mail carrier? that day... And it is someone who has gone back to the store 3 times in the last week!
I mean, I can hardly wait to see what the signature says! And I hope I can somehow get to the postmaster who handles that area of manhattan and have him check with the mail carrier to see if he/she remembers anything. I am waiting to send an email to this buyer- who by the way had over 2500 feedbacks! I will be letting her know that I know that the card was used and that lady calling herself Margo has been to the store 3 times. I will also let her know that the store is investigating and that I will be pursuing this matter. Its terribly depressing when you realize how awful people can be- even more than the money.

Hey girl....Well, anything is possible. We recently had a thread by which a PO carrier actually signed for a package on behalf of the mail recipient. You never know. But hopefully you can get copy of the sig and maybe that will tell you something. Irregardless, I do think it will be important to the PP claim. Stay in touch.

Barlow · Oct 30th, 2009, 11:49 PM

WOW, I'm sorry this is happening to you, hopefully everything works out. Please keep us updated!

alliemia · Oct 30th, 2009, 11:59 PM

you didn't have insurance?
with insurance, no signature, you could file a claim.

petitechouchou · Oct 31st, 2009, 12:40 AM

Sorry OP! What a headache this must be! I hope things work out for you. Best of luck and keep us updated :)

ShoeFanatic · Oct 31st, 2009, 03:51 AM

Mention the police are looking into the store surveillance tape..
I doubt it was stolen..given the date timeline..

I'd like to know her Ebay handle..
I hate thieves!

trumanfinn · Oct 31st, 2009, 07:29 AM

I second that. Email and tell her that the card has been used 3 times in *** store, and that police will be looking at the surveillance video.
What a mean person to do that!

uab*mom · Oct 31st, 2009, 08:22 AM

WOW, I LOVE the surveillance tape idea!!!!!

Speedah · Oct 31st, 2009, 11:08 AM

Wow, scammers never cease to amaze me with what they try to do. Keep us updated OP!

UPONTHEVENTURA · Oct 31st, 2009, 12:03 PM

I will be heading to Washington DC next week and may stop in NYC and file a police report, as well as stop at the store on Madison Ave where the card was used 3 times, since I have the dates.. I will see if they will let me speak to Loss Prevention and look into videotapes.. I am on a mission now. I could also contact my contact in Boston who works for this store and see if he could get into the system and get me more information.. I am afraid to call him as I dont want to get him in trouble. This store is awesome, thank god I have the gift card number..

Speedah · Oct 31st, 2009, 12:06 PM

Go get 'em!!!

UPONTHEVENTURA · Oct 31st, 2009, 12:12 PM

Here is the message I just sent her-

Hi~
I just wanted to give you an update~
I had Barneys track the gift card through my Barneys Credit Card, and it has a 0 balance. It was used at the Madison Avenue Store on October 22nd, 25th, and 28th. The person using it used the named "Margo". There were purchases, returns, ect on the card.
I have also filed a claim with USPS and they will be contacting the local postmaster in NYC zip code 10003 to get the tracking updated with Signature Confirmation. I guess this happens alot as far as the tracking. Please let me know if you would like the Case Number.
I will be heading to Washington DC next week and will be stopping at Barneys to speak with their Loss Prevention Department and possibly filing a Police Report.
I have sent all information to Paypal, as well as a copy of the receipt from Barneys verifying the Gift Card Number.
I will keep you updated as to what I find out~
Thank you and so sorry about all of this~

Oct 30th, 2009, 09:19 PM	#1
UPONTHEVENTURA OP Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 125	Be very careful selling gift cards on ebay- HORROR STORY I sold a $500.00 gift card on ebay from a high end department store.. I thought I took every precaution, including sending with Signature Confirmation through USPS (and paypal said that I would have to (to be covered under Buyer Protection) due to the value being over $250.. Sure enough, the buyer (who lives on Waverly Place in New York City -no less) does a charge back one week after I send it claiming she never got it and "the item has not been trackeable since Oct 21st" That comment was a sign right there that something was up... So I check USPS.com and the item was out for delivery on October 21st but then nothing. Tracking stopped; From living in Boston I know that they make one attempt and then usually you have to pick up at post office. I realized that I have the receipt for the card and the receipt with this company puts the whole gift card number on the receipt! Needless to say, I call their headquarters and they tell me that the card has been completely used (0$ balance) IN THEIR NEW YORK CITY STORE. She is going to see what else she can find out. I know from experience that this store keeps all of your information in the system...I told her I want to get the Fraud Dept involved. Then I call USPS customer service and tell them the situation. They are launching an investigation with her post office at zip code 10003. She assured me that their system does that alot and their is a good chance that the card was signed for and they can get this information and update it. This card was either stolen by a post office worker or was delivered and signed for, used, and this chick saw the tracking being messed up and decided to get a free $500.00 by saying she never received... One other note, the buyer had shipped to her mother I believe. Same last name- The buyer had a name that is way to modern and young for her to be older than 25... I am going to see what the USPS finds out, as well as the store, and then call Paypal on Monday.. I feel that since the tracking is showing no signature, that I will not be protected- even though it said that I qualified for seller protection And an update- A rep from the store just called me back.. The gift card user used the name Margo (They could not give me last name) Card was used the day after it was "Out for delivery" on the USPS website!!!(October 22nd) And again!! on the 25th (She returned some merchandise and made an exchange) And again on the 28th!!! Claim was filed by the winning bidder yesterday on the 29th. I am gathering all of this info to present to Paypal next week. If this USPS glitch gets resolved and a signature becomes available. I am all set (from what I have read) The reason I contacted this store is because I think they can give paypal this person's info. On the slight chance that this card was "Stolen", I am most likely screwed. Based on this person's behavior thus far, I think she is a sleaze. I also sent her a nice message stating that luckily this store puts the entire gift card number on the receipt, so it can be tracked :) Terrible people out there sadly... Just be aware of the risks involved..
UPONTHEVENTURA OP Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 125

Oct 30th, 2009, 09:39 PM	#2
Ellie Mae KIABCRS Joined: May 2008 Posts: 8,322	I am so sorry. And you are correct. Gift card scams such as this happen often. I would not buy or sell one on ebay. If you can acquire the signature info, hopefully you will be protected against charge back by PP and at least maybe you will not lose your $$. If the sig does not show up online, take the tracking # to your PO. They can often print you a copy off of their system.. if this will appease PP. Thus far, you appear to be doing the right things. If you do get a signature, call the police and file charges. Also you can post the buyer's Ebay ID here if she turns out to be a scammer. And, depending upon what happens, you may can also file fraud charges w/ USPS. GOOD LUCK to you.
Ellie Mae KIABCRS Joined: May 2008 Posts: 8,322	__________________ *http://scams-n-shams.blogspot.com* Last edited by Ellie Mae; Oct 30th, 2009 at 09:43 PM.

Oct 30th, 2009, 09:44 PM	#3
UPONTHEVENTURA OP Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 125	Hey Ellie- Well it was obviously delivered that day or stolen by a mail carrier? that day... And it is someone who has gone back to the store 3 times in the last week! I mean, I can hardly wait to see what the signature says! And I hope I can somehow get to the postmaster who handles that area of manhattan and have him check with the mail carrier to see if he/she remembers anything. I am waiting to send an email to this buyer- who by the way had over 2500 feedbacks! I will be letting her know that I know that the card was used and that lady calling herself Margo has been to the store 3 times. I will also let her know that the store is investigating and that I will be pursuing this matter. Its terribly depressing when you realize how awful people can be- even more than the money.
UPONTHEVENTURA OP Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 125

Oct 30th, 2009, 09:49 PM	#4
momofgirls Member Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,250	You should have insured it, I am sorry that this happen I hope it works out for you.
momofgirls Member Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,250	__________________ Wishlist Coach Peyton Coach Gigi

Oct 30th, 2009, 11:49 PM	#6
Barlow Paris in November <3 Joined: Aug 2008 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 2,269	WOW, I'm sorry this is happening to you, hopefully everything works out. Please keep us updated!
	__________________ In Paris 11/19-11/24! Lust List: Louis Vuitton Roses L.A.M.B. Rasta Louboutins Size 41 Have List: http://forum.purseblog.com/your-bag-...os-506246.html

Oct 30th, 2009, 11:59 PM	#7
alliemia love shopping!!! Joined: Jun 2008 Location: NY Posts: 3,290	you didn't have insurance? with insurance, no signature, you could file a claim.

Oct 31st, 2009, 12:40 AM	#8
petitechouchou "H" is for Hamster Joined: Jun 2009 Location: sleeping in my skybox Posts: 1,291	Sorry OP! What a headache this must be! I hope things work out for you. Best of luck and keep us updated :)

Oct 31st, 2009, 03:51 AM	#9
ShoeFanatic Member Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 253	Mention the police are looking into the store surveillance tape.. I doubt it was stolen..given the date timeline.. I'd like to know her Ebay handle.. I hate thieves!
ShoeFanatic Member Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 253

Oct 31st, 2009, 07:29 AM	#10
trumanfinn Member Joined: Jul 2009 Location: Pa Posts: 421	I second that. Email and tell her that the card has been used 3 times in *** store, and that police will be looking at the surveillance video. What a mean person to do that!
	__________________ Laura: OFFICIALLY BANNED UNTIL SUMMER 2010!!!! Wishlist!!! Mono Neverfull MM- Got it!!!! Damier Azur Speedy 30- Got it!!!! Damier Azur Neverfull MM.....waiting....

Oct 31st, 2009, 08:22 AM	#11
uab*mom Member Joined: Apr 2008 Location: Texas, USA Posts: 637	WOW, I LOVE the surveillance tape idea!!!!!

Oct 31st, 2009, 11:08 AM	#12
Speedah My Favorite Things Joined: Dec 2008 Location: Land of Entrapment Posts: 5,646	Wow, scammers never cease to amaze me with what they try to do. Keep us updated OP!
	__________________ List of Wants (40-41) My Little Collection So Private Rainbow Strass Silver/Pewter Bling Bling Red Python Jaws Any Color of Decolzeps Platine Python VPs Silver Studded VP Anything Graffiti! Lady Lynch

Oct 31st, 2009, 12:03 PM	#13
UPONTHEVENTURA OP Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 125	Hey guys I will be heading to Washington DC next week and may stop in NYC and file a police report, as well as stop at the store on Madison Ave where the card was used 3 times, since I have the dates.. I will see if they will let me speak to Loss Prevention and look into videotapes.. I am on a mission now. I could also contact my contact in Boston who works for this store and see if he could get into the system and get me more information.. I am afraid to call him as I dont want to get him in trouble. This store is awesome, thank god I have the gift card number..
UPONTHEVENTURA OP Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 125

Oct 31st, 2009, 12:06 PM	#14
Speedah My Favorite Things Joined: Dec 2008 Location: Land of Entrapment Posts: 5,646	Go get 'em!!!
	__________________ List of Wants (40-41) My Little Collection So Private Rainbow Strass Silver/Pewter Bling Bling Red Python Jaws Any Color of Decolzeps Platine Python VPs Silver Studded VP Anything Graffiti! Lady Lynch

Oct 31st, 2009, 12:12 PM	#15
UPONTHEVENTURA OP Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 125	Here is the message I just sent her- Hi~ I just wanted to give you an update~ I had Barneys track the gift card through my Barneys Credit Card, and it has a 0 balance. It was used at the Madison Avenue Store on October 22nd, 25th, and 28th. The person using it used the named "Margo". There were purchases, returns, ect on the card. I have also filed a claim with USPS and they will be contacting the local postmaster in NYC zip code 10003 to get the tracking updated with Signature Confirmation. I guess this happens alot as far as the tracking. Please let me know if you would like the Case Number. I will be heading to Washington DC next week and will be stopping at Barneys to speak with their Loss Prevention Department and possibly filing a Police Report. I have sent all information to Paypal, as well as a copy of the receipt from Barneys verifying the Gift Card Number. I will keep you updated as to what I find out~ Thank you and so sorry about all of this~
UPONTHEVENTURA OP Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 125

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