Midwestpcwhares Mail fraud scheme, preshipping info, Tracking number without actual shipment Anamosa Iowa

   On July 31, 2016, I went to the site ETSY.COM which is an online site where sellers can offer their wares. I purchased a high end, expensive video card that was advertised from a seller operating under the company name Midwestpcwhares.  I used PayPal.  I had contacted the seller about whether the product was new and unused.  He assured me it was.  I put in an order for it.  He stated that it would be sent ASAP and in a couple days, I received a message that the product was sent.  There was indeed a tracking number provided through the United States Postal Service.

    I checked the tracking number but only received information that the USPS had been sent pre-shipping information that the package would be sent.  After a few more days, and not getting the package, I inquired again from the seller about the delay.  He stated that perhaps it was late because of the materials of which it was composed (Unlikely.  It was a video card.).  No further information was available from the post office indicating that the video card was sent or was in transit.

   I called the post office in the city where the pre-shipping information was sent.  They told me no package was sent.  I am wondering why a tracking number is issued by the post office even before a package is actually sent. This seems to be a gredat way to scam people since I was under the impression that it was sent.  The website also indicated "Your package has been shipped."  Nothing was ever done except for obtaining a tracking number using pre-shipping information sent to USPS.

   I have contacted PayPal and Etsy indicating that I have received no merchandise.  Waiting to see if my charges can be erased.  I suppose I should also contact USPS as this is mail fraud.