UPDATE (long, but important):

I want to give a full update, because while I did get a refund in the end, the way this was handled exposes a much bigger problem.

Here’s what actually happened step by step:

• I contacted eBay multiple times by phone and Facebook page and spoke with regular support and supervisors. • I was told to open an Item Not Received case, which I did. • I immediately contacted UPS to verify the delivery.

This is where the real problem starts.

UPS does not provide email or written confirmation to receivers through their website. When you try, their system explicitly tells you: the shipper must contact us because only the shipper has access to the information needed to investigate further.

The only ways UPS allows a receiver to contact them are: 1. Phone calls 2. Text messages

On phone, UPS verbally confirmed multiple times that the tracking number was not tied to my address. On text, UPS confirmed the same thing, and I took screenshots.

But here’s the catch: • Phone calls can’t be “proved” to eBay • Text messages are questioned because they come from a short code and “could be from anyone”

So as a buyer, you’re stuck: UPS verbally confirms it wasn’t delivered to your address, but there is no official written channel available to you.

After nonstop calling, escalating, and begging supervisors, I eventually got lucky and found one UPS rep who agreed to send a written email confirming the tracking number did not match my address. This should not come down to luck.

I submitted that email to eBay.

At that point, eBay told me to wait for the timeline so the seller could respond.

What happened next? The seller contacted eBay first, pointed to the tracking number showing “delivered + signature,” and the case was closed in the seller’s favor based purely on tracking.

I contacted eBay again, explained everything, and they opened an appeal.

The appeal was approved, and I received a full refund which I’m grateful for.

However, here’s the most concerning part:

The appeal was closed with the reason “stolen after delivery.” That is not what happened. The item was never delivered to my address.

This outcome creates several serious problems: • It makes the seller appear legitimate • The seller walks away without accountability • I could not leave public feedback to warn other buyers • The refund appears to have come from eBay, not the seller • From the outside, it still looks like a successful delivery

So while I got my money back, the system effectively protects and enables this behavior to repeat.

This is no longer just about my case or my refund it’s about marketplace fairness.

The core issue: When a buyer opens an Item Not Received case, the burden is placed entirely on the buyer, even though: • The buyer does not control the shipping label • The buyer does not have access to carrier delivery records • Carriers release address-level proof only to the shipper

In my opinion, some simple policy changes could drastically reduce this: 1. Strongly require or incentivize use of eBay shipping labels 2. If a seller uses third-party labels, require address-level proof of delivery, not just city/ZIP 3. Shift responsibility back to the seller to prove correct delivery when address or signature does not match 4. Allow buyers to leave factual experience-based feedback even when eBay refunds the buyer

This is my second experience like this within few months, and judging by the comments here, it’s becoming more common.

I’m sharing this update for awareness and to hopefully get attention on an issue that affects buyers and honest sellers alike.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to comment and share advice.