awakeintheashes

Correct, I was not asking them to keep an eye out for every IH 181. I was only asking if the certification number came through their system. Again, I wasn't expecting them to do so, but it was worth a shot.

I wasn’t expecting them to help me. I was simply covering every base I could. The reason for my post was to serve as an update to those who suggested that I reach out to CGC and to provide information for anyone this happens to in the future.

It was just a CGC customer service rep. Not a big deal, but wanted to update everyone who had suggested that I contact CGC. I have collectors insurance, which would have covered the item if it had been lost in the mail or damaged. Unfortunately, collectors insurance does not cover voluntary parting induced by fraud. I’m not sure how the PO would handle it. Technically, they delivered the package that was sent to the buyer, and they delivered the swapped out item that he sent to me. With that said, he did use the postal service to pull off this scam.

Wanted to post a quick update on this. A few people recommended that I contact CGC and ask if they can keep an eye out for this book coming in for a reholder/serial number swap. So, today I did... I’m paraphrasing a bit, but I was told that it’s not their job to keep an eye out for my book. I was asked twice if I had contacted the police...after already stating that I had a police report. I was also told that there is no way they can tell if its my book, which I find odd, but oh well. This was all wrapped in an attitude of “why are you wasting my time with this?” I can understand if this attitude was displayed if I had called and was belligerent or hysterical, but I simply asked if this is something they could do. Anyway, the service I was provided with is beside the point. For anyone this happens to, CGC will not keep an eye out for your book being sent for a reholder or serial number swap.

Nope, not really. One person in High-Value Claims mentioned that people have gone to the lengths such as the example you laid out. But, she also said that, because he took a photo of the X-Men (Vol. 2) #11 it would revert back to my word against his. Not sure I totally followed her on that, but I was more worried about being on the hook for the refund than poking holes in her argument. I did say that it is ridiculous that one should have to go to such lengths, but if that is what eBay suggests, then eBay should have that guidance spelled out someplace for sellers.

Thanks. I'm not sure if it did. I can't see it. I know he's still buying from people. Someone left feedback for him over the weekend, so I emailed the seller to give them a heads up. Luckily for them it was a low-dollar under (under $10). Maybe he's trying to build up his feedback score...who knows.

I'm not sure what eBay is going to do to him. I know he is still buying from people. I emailed someone who left feedback for him last weekend to give them the heads up about what he did to me. I let the police know that eBay decided in my favor on the appeal and is no longer seeking reimbursement from me. The officer's exact response was, "I think the only issue is that you are out the book that we are trying to get back."

No update on the police activity, but I wanted to take a second to say thank you to everyone who offered up kind words, suggestions and helpful intel here in this thread, via PM or on facebook. You all are great people, and I am glad to be part of such a great community.

Thanks. Believe me, I communicated that to every person I spoke with at eBay. I was told this is not a widespread issue. I was also told this policy was put into place because disputes between buyers and sellers were taking up to 9 months to resolve. But, as you said, this policy just encourages more people to abuse it.

It's official, eBay sided with the buyer. I have appealed the case and will be uploading the police report tonight. If all goes well, eBay will at least cover my loss. I'm still out the book and knowing this jerk got one over on me, but one thing at a time, I guess. Sorry for the delay in posting an update on this. Work and life have been a little crazy. eBay initially sided with the buyer and refunded him $4,600. I appealed the decision, filed a police report and uploaded the documentation to eBay. About 48 hours later, I receive an email from eBay letting me know that they have sided with me on the appeal and will not be seeking reimbursement from me for the $4,600 they paid out to the scammer/buyer. The guy still got his money back and gets to keep the book, but at least I'm not out $4,600. On the topic of the police report - I received a phone call from the New Bedford PD yesterday morning. This situation is developing and I will provide updates when/if there is anything to share.

Sorry for the delay in posting on this. Work and life have been a little crazy. eBay initially sided with the buyer and refunded him $4,600. I appealed the decision, filed a police report and uploaded the documentation to eBay. About 48 hours later, I receive an email from eBay letting me know that they have sided with me on the appeal and will not be seeking reimbursement from me for the $4,600 they paid out to the scammer/buyer. The guy still got his money back and gets to keep the book, but at least I'm not out $4,600. On the topic of the police report - I received a phone call from the New Bedford PD yesterday morning. This situation is developing and I will provide updates when/if there is anything to share.

I posted this in CG (here and here), but for anyone who doesn't venture over there... If anybody sees an Incredible Hulk #181 CGC 8.5 with the serial number 2059999001 floating around for sale at the show this weekend, please let me know. Long story short, a buyer located in New Bedford, MA swapped out the IH 181 I sent him with an ungraded X-Men (Vol. 2) #11 and said I shipped the wrong item. Because eBay is eBay, I am now out my money and the book A police report has been filed, and I have alerted many of the shops. I have also asked Gary if he can have dealers keep an eye out for this book being offered up for trade/sale. Thanks in advance for keeping an eye out and for any reports of it being offered for sale. I can supply scans of the book and grader notes, just shoot me a PM.

Thanks! That's a great point. I will give the promoter a call today.