[powderfinger]

On January 4th, I purchased an autograph on eBay and paid immediately on PayPal as I ususally do. The next morning, while checking my watch summary on eBay, I noticed that the seller had been suspended by eBay, but when I tried to contact eBay, the site instructed me to wait 14 days before I did anytihing.

In the meantime, I received the signed photo. The autograph was sold to me as an original and I did receive a copy of an "auction house" JSA letter in which the autograph was listed. As I was preparing it for shipment back to JSA for an individual cert number, I looked at it closely for the first time and noticed the signature was integral to the photo - not laid on top as would have occurred if signed with a Sharpie or other pen. In short, it wasn't a forgery, it was just a preprint. While I'm glad I didn't embarass myself by spending another $58 on fees and shipping, eBay won't let me access the item and I can't file a claim. The seller has never verified receipt of the payment (which is as really clever additon to this type of fraud) and I'm wondering if I have any recourse at all. Anyone who'se ever found him/herself in a similar situation, I could use some guidance. Anyone have a phone number?