Empty box scam A-Z appeal lost, now have proof of scam
I will try to be as brief as possible.
- I sold a high value item which was FBM and the customer claimed they received an empty box. The item is not only high value, but also HAZMAT and large and heavy. There was no question the item was delivered as expected and was also confirmed by the courier.
- I provided proof of delivery to the customer and asked for further evidence of the “empty box”.
- Instead of responding to my request for evidence/more information, the customer filed and A-Z claim citing “Item not received”. The A-Z claim was granted and I was given the option to appeal.
- On appeal, Amazon sent an email asking for more information, specifically proof of delivery, tracking info, etc. I supplied the requested information on the same date it was requested and updated the appeal form stating the same.
- Four days later Amazon sent a duplicate email asking me for further information; proof of delivery, tracking information, etc. I attempted to supply the information and update the appeals form, but was unable as the option to submit/upload was unavailable/greyed out.
- A few days later Amazon sent an email stating the appeal was declined and the A-Z claim desion to refund the customer was upheld. The reason cited was that I did not supply the information requested in the duplicate request.
- I immediately contacted seller support and created a case and attempted to explain the situation that I was unable to submit the proof twice and Amazon seemed to have overelooked my first submission. The case was transferred to A-Z team. No response from the A-Z in several weeks.
- Since then the customer has sent further messages asking for a refund stating that the product they received had a fault. I asked the customer for photos showing the fault, and the customer has provided photos of the product that they said they never received and subsrquently already received an A-Z refund for.
9 The customer continues to message me with further claims of damages/faults/etc in an attempt to obtain a furthr refund. - I have contacted seller support many times about this and the representatives can clearly see the message history and he photos of the item the customer initally claimed they never received, and they agree this appears to be a scam. They say all they can do is transfer to A-Z team.
A-Z team have responded and stated that whilst they understand my position, the appeal is denied and there will be no further response in this case.
Is there anything at all I can do about this?
I am a fairly new seller and this clim has defect my account and I can no longer sell as I have zero chance of winning the buy box.
43 replies
Seller_amUAzjvL5uIzu
You have satisfactory delivery details,you have proof from buyers message that they received the item.Letter Before Action to buyer requiring payment or return of the item followed by Small Claims Court if no satisfactory response.
Seller_DROodOAYHftnc
Total fraudster.
First they say they got an empty box, then they say they did not receive it at all, then they are saying it is faulty/damaged - disgraceful !
…and for Amazon to uphold the claim is even more disgraceful - fraud on their part too.
Seller_68Z4Z2pEilwLE
You cant explain anything to someone with the language skills and I.Q. of a lamppost
Seller_xUKHc5xSYJmI4
Your issue sounds like the one we had in Italy the customer claimed the receive cans of Coke instead of whet he ordered. As soon as we mentioned we will raise this matter with the Police he dropped his claim. We also advised him that we do not tolerate any type of fraud and any information he gives will be used as evidence. For crime prevention everything is recorded. We can report fraud 24 hours a day.
On this platform we have noticed any odd activity where the buyer was unwilling to provide their full name and also provided an invalid address. Why does Amazon system allow this when the field should be made mandatory?
Seller_7zWLlrQrNyoiI
I expect dishonest customers. We takes measures to try to protect ourselves as much as possible.
The worse part of all of this, There is no way to get anyone from AMAZON to action this. Seller support can see and agree that there is a problem, but according to their process, there is nothing they can do other than transfer it to A-Z team. A-Z team basically say, sorry, we’ve made a decision, that’s final.
No form of escalation…no complaints procedure…no hope of a fair resolution.
All whilst my account is defected and I can’t really sell.
Seller_7zWLlrQrNyoiI
There is little chance of legal action against the customer. It’s very likely that the contact and adress details are bogus or shared with a group of scammers. As for legal proceedings against Amazon, its a David vs Goliath situation. Unless there is a larger class action type case, the little man doesn’t stand a chance.
Seller_9jrM2OTozT6ol
Welcome to the paradise for thieves.
Seller_CTcDcIAatzCLa
If Amazon are going to refund anyway (as they seem to do this to everyone) would it not be best to arrange with the customer to get it returned and not mentioning about a the A-Z then at least when it does happen you have something back rather than lose the money and the product, even a cheap label off parcel2go to send them
Seller_up6pZFxijnTtd
Typical of Amazon. They have no scruples.
Dai
Seller_xUKHc5xSYJmI4
I am surprised with all the data they collect they are unable to detect fraudulent activity. This also applies to coordinated activity where a group of them target the same seller. Their own data tells them who the person is whether they are all linked by location, age or same profession. You have to do your own detective work to protect your business.
We have noticed they come in groups.