I think I'm getting scammed.

[Spackledgoat]

Hey BT. I need some help with how to solve a problem.

I was foolish enough to conduct a transaction on the trading forum of another website, and I'm afraid I'm getting screwed over on it.

The items in question were a lot of painted blood angels consisting of 5 10 man units of infantry and 3 rhino chassis vehicles in return for money over paypal. He sent the money as a purchase. I then sent him the models. I made sure twice that everything was in the lot, and then my wife packed them (she packs all of my trades).

Fast forward a week, and he claims that the lot is missing one of the vehicles and 12 assorted infantry (from various units). He sent me pictures of what he claims he received and asked if a second box was supposed to come in. I have since contacted everyone else who I sent a package that day to find out if there had been a packing error. So far, no one has said they got the missing models. Additionally, I have done a top to bottom search of my home and not one of the missing models has showed up. I am 100% sure I made sure everything was in the box, but I wanted to ensure a mistake has been made.

The guy has been extremely insistent as I conducted my investigation. He has sent 2-3 messages a day, to which I have responded with what steps I was taking. He has not, however, suggested any remedy.

I do not know what to do. I am 100% sure that everything was in the box when I sent it. The missing items could not vanish during transit (he said the box was intact), and if someone were to open and remove items why would they just take out a sampling of models?

I am afraid that he is trying to claim he didn't get what he paid for in order to have me return some of the money. I have no possible way of knowing fully how the box showed up or what models were actually there. He does know I have another copy of the same tank that is missing that I refused to sell (in order to keep the rest of my lot intact for further sale). He could also be hoping I suggest I simply replace the tank. He has stated he isn't worried about the missing infantry, only the tank.

What should I do? I've never had a situation like this and it is causing a great deal of anxiety for me. I have nearly 350 feedback here, and I've always taken pride in making sure the other guy ends up being happy. I just feel like I'm getting screwed on this.

If he starts a paypal dispute, am I screwed?
How should I go about discussing it with him? I don't want to state that I feel he is lying, but I can't come up with a more plausible explaination.

Thanks Bartertown for any advice you have.

[borthcollective]

What is his status as a trader on the other site?

[themailedfist]

Did you insure the box? I find that the claims of "stuff is missing" dry up quickly if you REALLY did pack and the box is insured. People who will lie and cheat you aren't willing to tangle with the USPS.

If you didn't insure the box...you might be about to learn a painful lesson.

--Robert

[Spackledgoat]

I think that with USPS now everything is insured to $50 if it has tracking (I may be wrong). It's not much but even having that and suggesting that he bring it up with them might dissuade him a bit. That is a great suggestion.

[borthcollective]

I'm not sure an insured package is going to help if he says the box was intact.

[s_o_r_r_o_w]

I would contact PayPal pre-emptively and let them know you are concerned.

I am concerned that you packed enough boxes on the same day that this could even be a possibility.

[Spackledgoat]

I packed 3 packages that day. I'm not sure if that's considered a lot, but if I only ship once a week it happens. However, I keep each lot well separated and have never had a problem like that.

I know that I packed them correctly, but if there's any chance that something got screwed up I wanted to make 100% sure before I disbelieved the individual.

[3eland]

As S_o_r_r_o_w says, contact Paypal before he does, let them know the situation and get their "professional" opinion on the matter. That way, if he does open a claim, you at least have some history already with Paypal. Hopefully you took pictures of your packaging? I tend to take tons of pictures while I pack and the box after packing, this usually sways the recipient to "find" the missing models when I present them all the pictures showing the packaging job. Also, Paypal loves proof, so if you can show you did the most you could in the care and packaging of items they will most likely side with you.

Other than that, if he can prove to Paypal he didn't get what was sent to him your boned. That's the unfortunate flaw of the "buyer/seller protection" and why I always laugh when people say "Oh don't worry, Paypal is 100% safe! You have nothing to worry about".

I had a guy try this through eBay, he paid for surface shipping (Canada to South Korea) and opened a claim when they didn't show after a month (I'm sure everyone knows how slow surface international can be). I presented eBay/Paypal proof of packaging, pictures of my receipts AND I even contacted Canada Post through chat and saved the conversation and uploaded it showing there was absolutely nothing I could do..... He ended up closing the case due to the amount of proof I had. Mind you I am a very suspicious person when it comes to internet so I like to cover my rear.

EDIT: Make sure you save all forms of contact with him, so PM's, emails, etc. Always make sure you talk to them professionally, because if you present to paypal any helpful information it always looks good on your part if your calm, professional and willing to help.