Ebay is going to make you return the item to get a refund, it's just their policy. They don't who is telling the truth so they just divide the responsibility. They have no proof that the seller did it.

I can't imagine why a seller would do such a thing but I would be tempted to contact the USPS and report it to them.

Maybe the police? I have no idea what someone would do in this instance.

You got the item for about $6. If it were me, I would not return it. Losing $6 would be worth it not to handle the thing anymore than I had to just to get it out of the house.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Always take a banana to a party, bananas are good! - Ten