Paypal Problem

[El_Mariachi]

Hi guys, need some help. I recently sold a laptop to a buyer through ebay. Buyer received the laptop and now claims that it is not in working condition anymore. I sold him an almost new product and i'm quite sure he must've dropped it or something. He filed a claim on paypal stating it was not as described and is looking for a refund. I sold this almost brand new laptop to him at 1800, a sacrifice I made to pay for tuition. I am pretty much out of the laptop and the money. I received a call from a collection agency today stating that I have to pay the $1800 or they will send it to the credit bureau. THe problem is i've already used that money to pay for tuition. She stated how paypal wants that money back before they make a final decision on my account. The problem is, even before they made a final decision on the buyers claim, the sent this to the collection agency.

I just wanted to know what my options were? Is there a difference between a collection agency and a credit bureau? Will this affect my rating? Will my future employers know that this amount went to a collection agency? What if I resolved this immediately (paying it back in full)?

Thanks.

 

[Fabulous]

did you get the laptop back?

 

[El_Mariachi]

I did get it back, and it's heavily damaged. The screen is cracked, does not turn on, it's in horrible condition.

 

[toughb]

Just too many variables for a clean answer however...

Hi guys, need some help. I recently sold a laptop to a buyer through ebay. Buyer received the laptop and now claims that it is not in working condition anymore. I sold him an almost new product and i'm quite sure he must've dropped it or something. He filed a claim on paypal stating it was not as described and is looking for a refund. I sold this almost brand new laptop to him at 1800, a sacrifice I made to pay for tuition. I am pretty much out of the laptop and the money. I received a call from a collection agency today stating that I have to pay the $1800 or they will send it to the credit bureau. THe problem is i've already used that money to pay for tuition. She stated how paypal wants that money back before they make a final decision on my account. The problem is, even before they made a final decision on the buyers claim, the sent this to the collection agency.

I just wanted to know what my options were? Is there a difference between a collection agency and a credit bureau? Will this affect my rating? Will my future employers know that this amount went to a collection agency? What if I resolved this immediately (paying it back in full)?

Thanks.

********************************

They won't sue you for the money because this is a dispute. Disputes usually go no where. They'll try and scare the hell out of you but it's about all they legally can do.

As far as the credit bureau goes it will probably end up in your file. The second you find this out go to the bureau, which will likely be Equifax, and put in an explanation. This should just about negate the damage.

 

[bboyz]

Start off with giving paypal the tracking number and showing proof of delivery. That is your end of the deal. He must show that the computer did not work on delivery, not a month later. How long has he had it for? If he has had a reasonable period of time ...say more than 30 days, then it worked and something happened. Did you sell the unit "as it is" ...that is important. You can fight it. Good luck.

 

[El_Mariachi]

He had it for about 2weeks. Do I have to make this payment that this collection agency wants? I just found out that he put in a claim stating that he did not even receive the laptop but he received a pair of roller skates. WTF? The collection agency is called NCO financial or something.

 

[papasmerf]

Shipping a laptop one might assume there was insurance on the package. All of which is payed for by the buyer. Why was not an insurance claim begun?

 

[El_Mariachi]

I'm not sure. The buyer did not want insurance. I should've known he was setting up for a fraud. I hear paypal mostly sides with the buyer, and i'm extremely worried. However, I just called paypal and the agent said that she is requesting a seize of collections claim until paypal has come to a final decision. She also stated that this will not affect my credit at all. I hope she's telling the truth. Anything else I can do guys? If paypal sides with the buyer, what are my options? Do I have to pay back this bastard?

 

[papasmerf]

I'm not sure. The buyer did not want insurance. I should've known he was setting up for a fraud. I hear paypal mostly sides with the buyer, and i'm extremely worried. However, I just called paypal and the agent said that she is requesting a seize of collections claim until paypal has come to a final decision. She also stated that this will not affect my credit at all. I hope she's telling the truth. Anything else I can do guys? If paypal sides with the buyer, what are my options? Do I have to pay back this bastard?

It is my experience the best way to sell anything is hold firm to shipping and insurance. No need to profit from them on bigger ticket items.

 

[bboyz]

Did you sell this thing on Ebay and if so - what was his star/feedback rating?
Never sell expensive items to people with little or no feedback ...period!
Get proof of delivery ...find the exact day it was received and see when he put in his claim. Try to question his honesty with Paypal

 

[S.C. Joe]

I would not send pay pal the $1800. They want it now so if they side against you they have your money.

Let them sue you...as for your credit rating, well I D K but I rather have a lower rating and $1800, then the other way around.

I bet the guy thought he over paid and now like his money back. You can get a good used Ibm think pad lap top thats 3 years old for $400-$500, and those sold for $3000+ new.

 

[LateComer]

He had it for about 2weeks. Do I have to make this payment that this collection agency wants? I just found out that he put in a claim stating that he did not even receive the laptop but he received a pair of roller skates. WTF? The collection agency is called NCO financial or something.

I did a quick Google search on NCO Financial. They seem to be pretty shady - not sure if that is good or bad for you. They were assessed a $1.5 million civil penalty for bad business practices.

 

[El_Mariachi]

I'm getting a little worried. How much will my rating get affected by? Is there a difference between a claim in a collection agency and a credit bureau? The collection agent threatened me saying that it will be sent to a credit bureau and my file will be ruined. I'm a business student and will eventually enter the field of finance, and a credit check is mandatory. I do not want to be tainted, but at the same time, I do not want to be ripped off.

 

[LateComer]

If they do report it to a Credit Bureau, you can dispute it. Here is a link showing that Equifax removed a disputed NCO item from someone's file:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/193/RipOff0193382.htm

 

[Robio]

I do not use paypal or eBay any more for a very similar reason. I find it is best to sell on CL or Kijiji if you do not like to have people over to your home meet at a coffee shop.
or use amazon

 

[toughb]

You're not a little worried. You're panicking...

I'm getting a little worried. How much will my rating get affected by? Is there a difference between a claim in a collection agency and a credit bureau? The collection agent threatened me saying that it will be sent to a credit bureau and my file will be ruined. I'm a business student and will eventually enter the field of finance, and a credit check is mandatory. I do not want to be tainted, but at the same time, I do not want to be ripped off.

****************************************

Do yourself a favour, go back and read my previous post.

Then read the link on this agencies reputation.

Just let it ride and follow my first post. Man relax. They love to panic people.

 

[S.C. Joe]

Good advice...I might sell on E-bay but think it be money orders only, no pay pal. Why, they take a good % of your money, like 5% and then can go after you for BS.

Might not get as many bids but then oh well, this sounds messed up. BTW, those places flat out lie...I am not sure what they can and can not do...but they do lie

 

[S.C. Joe]

I am not a lawyer...know a few but I have no legal training.

That said...for some reason I recall something that if say you do send the money back, they can then say, well you knew it was bad so thats why you sent the money back. Something like that...

You need a lawyer advice who knows Canadian law...hopefully 1 will post on here for you.

My gut feeling is they can say, blah balh balh but what they can do might be another thing.

 

[RogerRabbit]

********************************

They won't sue you for the money because this is a dispute. Disputes usually go no where. They'll try and scare the hell out of you but it's about all they legally can do.

As far as the credit bureau goes it will probably end up in your file. The second you find this out go to the bureau, which will likely be Equifax, and put in an explanation. This should just about negate the damage.

NCO/ collection agencies in general are all about the percentage they can get from whatever they can scare out of people. NBC did a piece on paypal/ ebay scammers, scary stuff...

Make sure you document all of your communications in emails, record phone calls, etc. Proof is key with equifax, ebay, etc.

If you live in Toronto and you still need [free] help:

http://www.citynews.ca/shows/shows_656.aspx
Silverman Helps

If you're caught in red tape, he's the man with the scissors. No matter what your consumer complaint, Peter Silverman is your ombudsman who'll speak for you in places your voice won't be heard. Join him every month for a show that tells you how to protect yourself in the maze of business both big and small. And in Peter's words, make sure you 'watch it, buddy!'

or

http://www.canada.com/globaltv/ontario/features/consumer_sos/index.html

by Sean on Thu 25 Oct 2007 11:22 PM EDT
I'm remiss in updating the web page since the summer but now - an update.
I've launched Consumer SOS on Global News (Ontario) - a twice-weekly consumer news segment.Thanks to my regular viewers for all the regular encouragement and constant feedback.
You can always reach me at sos@globaltv.com The Global stories can be found at www.globaltv.com/sos And my toll free phone number in Toronto is

1.866.SOS.1414

. Or, if you just want the numbers, that is:

1.866.767.1414

Looking forward to keeping the blog updated and the Consumer SOS story file stoked!


Are there any other Canadian consumer advocates who can help him?

 

[Gyaos]

I received a call from a collection agency today stating that I have to pay the $1800 or they will send it to the credit bureau.

Tell them to screw, change your phone number and take the phone off the hook. You should have known that when you mailed the laptop from day one. Paypal is a bunch of unregulated total crooks and the buyers work for them. Next thing Paypal will set up shop in Nigeria and not just for a tax break.