Customers of Wessaebl, a third-party seller on the e-commerce platform Rakuten, were recently asked—sometimes several months after their purchase—to return the phone they had bought. Despite assurances from customer service, they were not given a replacement phone or a refund. This is a new type of scam that has affected many buyers. In February of last year, a customer (whose name has been changed) purchased a Samsung phone for 116 euros on the Rakuten platform. Five months later, the seller, a professional named Wessaebl, contacted the buyer, claiming that after verification, the phone received was not the correct model. It was supposedly intended for the American market, which may have technical issues and is not covered by Samsung’s warranty. The seller asked the customer to return the phone, promising a full refund and 30 euros as compensation for the inconvenience. The customer complied. However, once the phone reached the warehouse, the seller refused to return the money or send a replacement. Instead, they directed the customer to contact Rakuten’s after-sales service. The customer shared his experience on the website Quechoisirreclamations.org, and he is not the only one who has fallen victim to this scam. Dozens of others have told similar stories, especially on a dedicated Facebook group. All of them ended up in a difficult situation. Although Wessaebl lists an address in Lyon, France, it appears the company is based in China. Additionally, its merchant site no longer exists. As for Rakuten, it refuses to intervene, stating that the return process was handled directly between the seller and the customer, without the platform’s customer service being informed or approving the transaction. The Rakuten site also permanently closed on September 30 last year. When contacted, Rakuten’s press service said it suspended the seller’s account after receiving complaints. It also emphasized that in cases of commercial disputes, the seller is solely responsible, and the marketplace only acts as an intermediary, especially when the process is conducted directly between the parties without involving the platform. To avoid similar issues, buyers should take precautions when shopping on marketplaces. Check the seller’s details, such as their age, headquarters, and reputation, using review platforms like Google or Trustpilot. A quick search on Pappers.fr can provide useful information about the seller’s address, company status, and other relevant details. Be aware of the country from which the items are shipped. If they arrive from outside the European Union (EU), you may have to pay customs duties. If the seller is based outside the EU, you may not have the same rights regarding returns, warranties, or dispute resolution. Use the tools provided by the marketplace for payments, returns, and inquiries. Be cautious if a seller insists on using an external messaging service or sends you a link via email. If you encounter a problem, contact the seller first, and if necessary, also the marketplace. You can also reach out to your bank, the insurance linked to your payment method, or use a chargeback if needed.