Bought $1,800 Louis Vuitton bag on eBay that's definitely fake - seller refusing refund, what are my options?

I bought what was advertised as an authentic Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM on eBay for $1,800. The listing said "Authentic, purchased at LV store, have receipt" and the seller had good feedback (98%, 500+ ratings).

Bag arrived and immediately something felt off. The stitching is uneven, the hardware is lightweight and tarnished, the date code doesn't match any real LV format. I took it to the LV store in Beverly Hills and they confirmed it's counterfeit.

I contacted the seller asking for a refund and they said "all sales final, bag was authentic when shipped, maybe you swapped it." Now they're threatening to report ME for fraud if I file a chargeback.

I paid through PayPal (funded by my Amex). What are my options here? This feels like clear-cut fraud. Located in California.

I authenticate luxury goods professionally. A few notes:

The "date code doesn't match any real LV format" is a dead giveaway. Counterfeiters often use fake date codes that don't follow LV's actual coding system.

Cost is usually $30-50 and worth it for an $1,800 dispute.

I went through this exact situation with a Chanel bag from Poshmark. Seller had great reviews, claimed authentic, bag was clearly fake.

Poshmark initially sided with me after I provided authentication evidence. But here's the twist - the seller appealed and Poshmark reversed, saying they couldn't "definitively determine" authenticity. I had to escalate to PayPal, which ruled in my favor within 5 days.

Moral: don't rely on just one avenue. Be prepared to escalate if needed.

Smart to be cautious. Here's how to protect yourself on the return:

• Take detailed photos/video of the bag right before packing it - show all the defects that prove it's fake
• Video yourself packing the bag and sealing the package
• Ship with signature confirmation and insurance
• Keep ALL documentation (tracking, receipts, etc.)

If the seller tries any funny business after you return it, you'll have evidence that you shipped the same counterfeit bag back.

Also take clear photos of any serial numbers or unique markings. Counterfeit bags often have specific manufacturing flaws that are unique to that particular fake. If they claim you returned something different, you can show it has the same fake serial number/date code from your original photos.

Several paths forward: (1) Credit card chargeback — file immediately. Selling counterfeit goods as authentic is fraud, and your credit card company will reverse the charge. This is your fastest remedy. (2) FTC complaint — report the seller for deceptive trade practices. (3) State AG complaint — most state attorneys general have consumer fraud divisions. (4) Small claims court — if you can identify the seller, sue for the purchase price plus any statutory damages available in your state. (5) The brand owner may also be interested — luxury brands actively pursue counterfeiters and may have enforcement resources you can leverage. Do NOT return the counterfeit item before documenting it thoroughly — photos, measurements, comparison to authentic product specs. This is your evidence.