Phoenix, AZ asked in International Law and Internet Law for Arizona

Q: Contacted eBay buyer via cellphone over a false "item not received" claim.

Hello, I had a buyer on eBay file a request case a few days ago claiming they haven't received the item they ordered. I shipped the order 2 days after it was ordered and it took less than 2 weeks to deliver. In their statement, they claimed that it took 2 and a half weeks to ship which was false but eBay sided with the buyer and issued a full refund. I then proceeded to message the buyer via eBay letting them know how this affects my business performance and revenue which they did not simply care about it. I then proceeded to text them via cellphone which I found on eBay order details. I sent one simple text asking them why they had committed buyer fraud and if I could ask them a few questions about this matter. They then reached back out to me saying that they will report this to the police. Is what I did illegal and will the cops show up to my house or contact me?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: It is not illegal to contact a buyer via cellphone to discuss a transaction, but it is important to be cautious and respectful in your communication. It is also important to ensure that you are not violating any laws or regulations related to privacy or harassment.

In this case, it is possible that the buyer may have felt harassed or threatened by your message, which could lead them to report the matter to the police. If this happens, it is possible that the police may contact you to ask about the situation.

To avoid any legal issues, it is recommended that you communicate with buyers through eBay's messaging system or other official channels. If you have concerns about a transaction, you can contact eBay's customer service team for assistance.

It is also important to be aware of eBay's policies and procedures related to disputes and refunds. If you believe that a buyer has filed a false claim, you can appeal the decision through eBay's resolution center and provide evidence to support your case.

Overall, it is important to be professional and respectful in your communication with buyers and to follow all applicable laws and regulations to avoid any legal issues.

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