Around 10 days later the buyer sends a message via Ebay that the item hasn't been received, something to the effect : 'Did you post my item as not received'

The buyer ignores all helpful seller email replies i.e. here's the post receipt number, have you checked at your sorting office etc, rather escalating a claim to Paypal : 'Item not received very disappointed, refund'

The seller looks into the buyer's feedback and notices a healthy feedback rating but discovers that it's 'private', which means it's invisible, apparently that means they can buy but not sell. Suspicious the seller raises the issue with Ebay/Paypal who promise to investigate. However, they point out 'blind' feedback is normal as someone could be selling a gift they don't want seen; hang on you just said invisible feedback means you can buy not sell!

In an 0870 premium number call to Paypal, they acknowledge facing various fraud scams daily, yet will only suspend accounts after 10 incidents. They further insist that without a tracking number i.e. only issued with recorded delivery there's nothing they can do, ultimately they will settle in favour of the buyer charging you a fee for the privilege

We're not suggesting that the majority of buyers & sellers are genuine but it's put me off using Ebay for the foreseeable future

23/12/11 - I sold a car and received payment meeting at a mid-way point the buyer took the vehicle then reversed payment as yet I've been unable to get my car or money back

23/12/11 - Any unscrupulous buyer is free to simply open another Paypal account and begin the process all over again

23/12/11 - I found these links interesting http://www.screw-paypal.com/paypal_fraud/paypal_high_fraud.html :  http://www.consumeraffairs.com/online/paypal_fraud.html

Please feel free to make constructive comments by email for inclusion

Your views, comments, & contributions are always welcome at www.bobleroi.co.uk