Description

My Experience with the Phone Case Order I ordered a cellphone cover for a Samsung S25 Ultra from a site on Facebook for $33.25 plus tax and shipping. After waiting over three weeks, I finally received the phone case, but it was for a different model—a Samsung S25, which is a smaller size and would not fit. I had to contact PayPal to get in touch with the seller, and I informed the seller that I wanted either the correct cover shipped to me or a refund for my money. The seller wanted me to return the item to an address in China at my expense, but I refused because the cost to me to return the item would be over $75.00. I filed a complaint with PayPal but ended it when the best they would do was require me to send the item back to China, even though it was shipped from Los Angeles, CA. Information About the "Gichael Lichael" Scam The "Gichael Lichael" scam is a widespread online shopping "bait-and-switch" fraud that specifically uses 220 W 21st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007 as a fake return address. If I received a package from this name/address, or if a seller is telling me to return an item there, I am likely being scammed. How the Scam Works The Hook: I order a product from a social media ad (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or a sketchy website. The item looks high-quality or is sold at a "too good to be true" price (e.g., designer clothes, realistic toys, tools, or electronics). The Switch: Instead of the item I ordered, I receive something completely different and virtually worthless. Common reports include: a cheap plastic toy (like a small whistle or trinket), a single spoon or utensil, a cheap pair of sunglasses, an empty or damaged envelope, or a random packet of seeds. The Deception: The package has a return address of "Gichael Lichael" (or sometimes "Gighael Lichael") at 220 W 21st St, Los Angeles, CA 90007. This is done to: Trick the System: It generates a valid US tracking number so the scammer can prove to PayPal or my bank that "an item was delivered." Hide the Origin: The item usually ships from overseas (often China), but this address makes it look like a domestic US shipment. Why They Use This Address It's a Ghost Address: As identified in a previous search, 220 W 21st Street is a commercial warehouse that has been vacant or for lease. The "Return Trap": If I complain to the seller, they will often say, "We will refund you, but you must return the item to our warehouse at your own expense first." Shipping the item back to this address (with tracking) is often expensive. Since the building is vacant or not actually associated with the seller, the package will likely be refused or lost. The scammer then claims they never received the return and denies my refund. What I Should Do (Action Plan) I should NOT send the item back to that address. It is a waste of money. Instead, I should take these steps immediately: Photograph Everything: I must take clear photos of the shipping label (showing the "Gichael Lichael" name, if present), the packaging, and the worthless item I received. Dispute with My Bank/Credit Card: I need to log into my credit card or bank portal and file a dispute.