A real disappointing conversation with PAYPAL...

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Posted By: Lance

I recently purchased a T200 Cincy card that was admittedly auctioned in a typical "scam" setting. I honestly could not tell if it was a reprint or not from the listing. I felt secure knowing if i paid with paypal I would only be on the hook for return shipping and conformation.

WRONG! I just got off the phone with the Paypal claims department. I explained that I had tried to contact the seller about returning the card and after he didn't respond to several emails, made the Paypal claim. From what I see on the dispute board, he has not responded to Paypal, either.

In the claim, I stated the card appeared to be a reprint based on the complete absense of the glossy coating and a pen/pencil mark that was broken like a printer had made the line. Under a certain angle, you can actually see the breaks in the print. I figured a simple "not as described" would force the guy to reimburse me.

Wrong again! The Claims "Specialist" informed me that I had to provide writen proof that the card was not authentic and indeed a reprint. I said that I could do that, but it would take approximately 25-30 days with SGC round trip. I was then told that I had until 5/1/08 to provide this information. I told the rep that it would be impossible to do so. She put me on hold to see if they could allow me more time. This is where the true disappoinment starts...

First, she said she had good news..."They will grant you 3 additional days!" I again said it can not be done, with a little more sarcasm. She then proceeded to ask why not. I said there were only 3 companies in the world that would be considered "professional grading" companies and only 2 of whom I would trust. PSA & SGC. I then stated that unless I wanted to pay a rediculous amount for the rejection, the card would in the mail by the time my extension expired. She then asked, "Isn't there a local card shop that can write you a letter?"

WTF??? I asked her if she had a Monet, would you let Walmart authenticate for you? This is what you are asking me to do, i told her. "Well it seems that is your only choice or we will have to side with the seller. We can't just accept your word that it is fake."

I lost it. I went on to ask what the differance would be from my local shop stating the card was a reprint, only to have the scam artist get a buddy claim that it was real? She again had the answer..." Well, we will be sure to follow up with the referance you provide. Be sure to include the shops telephone number." Are you kidding me???????? If I give them an actual working phone number and some answers when they call, they become professional graders????

I had enough. I hung up more disappointed and discouraged than I have ever felt. It seems the scammers have found their loop-hole. It will take more time to get the real proof than Paypal is willing to allow the complaint to be open. Thank God that this was only a $59.00 loss. If nothing else, I hope I can help someone else avoid this very situation. The Ebay sellers id is: wayloucoll...in case you don't want to open the thread address.

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