What is a non delivery scam?
A non-delivery scam is a fraud in which a scammer takes payment for a product or service and then fails to deliver the promised item. This scam is often seen in online marketplaces, where the scammer will advertise a product or service, take payment from a customer, and then fail to deliver the item or provide the service. The scammer may also provide false tracking information or make excuses for why the item has not been delivered.
How the non delivery scam works?
A non-delivery scam typically works by the scammer setting up a fake online marketplace or website, advertising a product or service at a low price or with a great deal. They will then lure customers in by taking payment for the item or service and promising to deliver it. Once they have the customer’s payment, they will either not send the item or provide a fake tracking number. They may also make excuses or give false information about why the item has not been delivered.
In some cases, scammers may also use social media platforms or online classified websites to advertise goods or services, and then ask customers to pay for the item through direct bank transfer, gift card, or other untraceable methods.
It’s important for consumers to be cautious when making purchases from unfamiliar online sellers and to use secure payment methods. It’s also good to research the seller, read reviews, and check for any red flags.
It starts with a buyer falsely claiming that the merchandise never arrived and demanding a full refund. Your first thought probably is, could the package have been lost, or was it stolen? Then you have to ask yourself how to handle this situation professionally. You can’t help but think this is a scam, but you need not jump to conclusions.
Amazon has information on “What if a buyer says they didn’t receive their order?” but it’s clear that it leans in the buyer’s favor. First, you’ll need to make sure whether or not it’s a delivery scam or just a simple legitimate mistake made by someone.
So, where do you start?
The buyer is insistent they did not receive their merchandise, even though the shipping carrier may say the package was delivered. Well, an excellent place to start would be to track the package, and that’s an easy task if you use FedEx, Ups, or USPS priority mail. But in most cases, sellers will go with USPS First-Class Mail® letters, and flats are not eligible for USPS Tracking service to lower their shipping cost. In this case, most sellers have already pre-made the decision to absorb the losses.
Sometimes it's best to absorb the loss.
Marketplace sellers know sometimes it’s best to absorb the losses. Especially if the merchandise is a low-cost item, the seller knows it’s not worth the trouble and will refund the low item cost. Altho, the seller may not just give up and lie down. One scenario would be to use the Shanti Letter as a scare tacit.
This fraud of “it was not delivered scam” is becoming more significant and more familiar with dropshipping sellers from amazon to eBay.
Is the shipper responsible?
If no one signed for the package, or it did not have a tracking number for proof, it didn’t deliver, and it’s that simple. If a buyer insists they didn’t receive their merchandise, they may be telling the truth!
Without a tracking number and signature, the shipper has NO PROOF of delivery and will rightfully lose the claim. In this case, it’s best to give the buyer a return or refund.
The Tracking Shows Package Delivered
If a tracking number shows the package delivered to the correct address, provide that information to the buyer. Be polite and sympathetic, then give the buyer all information about the shipping carrier. Let the buyer know it is out of your hands, and ask the buyer to contact the shipping carrier to file a complaint with them.
Most buyers realize that the problem lies with the shipping carrier or post office and will initiate a package trace. Sometimes the package is there, awaiting pickup.
If you use the Buy Shipping Services with Signature Required provided by Amazon, and the item shows delivered, Amazon will cover the loss,
