Can I get a refund for an ebay scam?

QI bought a sunlounger from an ebay seller for £21.99. A few days later, after paying for the item via Paypal, I discovered the sale was a scam and the real seller’s account had been hijacked by fraudsters. I tried logging a complaint with ebay, but wasn’t able to. I know it’s not much money, but is there anything I can do to claim my money back?

Theresa Coll

AIt may not be much money but it belongs to Theresa, and she’s entitled to it. If she can’t get help from ebay, Theresa should log a dispute with Paypal under its Buyer Protection scheme ( www.snipca.com/28091). The sunlounger isn’t excluded from the list of goods covered by the scheme. However, Theresa has to open the dispute within 180 days of purchase and give Paypal full details of her case.

We’re puzzled by ebay’s refusal to accept her complaint, because like Paypal it also offers buyer protection, under its Money Back Guarantee ( www. snipca.com/28092). This covers victims of fraud, as well as buyers who are unhappy with an item. We’ve asked ebay for an explanation.

It’s vital to point out that Theresa can’t claim money from both Paypal and ebay. She’s entitled to just one refund.