Awe crap....was I scammed? DH Gate seller

[vito117]

This store:
https://www.dhgate.com/store/21625948

Placed an order few weeks ago for a TT-X42 w/ Wheeltop Electronic carbon bike. About $980.00
His DH Gate store looked legit, reviews, etc.
I know from China it's a slow boat so I waited, watched the tracking and order status like a hawk. Package tracking said supposed to arrive today . (maybe earlier than 10/3...good)  Package did arrive in the mail box! did. A freaking envelope with a small piece of foam. Is this the ol fake package scam?
But on DH Gate the order still notes "package in transit  arriving 10/3/25".
Order tracking still says " unverified"...so I wonder?

Immediately got with DH to file claim// dispute. Hopefully a refund?
On DH, Is the money paid for an order held in escrow until buyer actually receives item and verifies?

[cyruscycles]

Yes DH has buyer protection, and if you don't get a satisfying resolution, dispute with your credit card company. They should have your back. Take photos and screenshot evidence

[vito117]

Well some good news I hope.
DH Gate is telling me after they reviewed my dispute case the full amount will be refunded.
5-10 days so I'll believe it when I see it.

What a pain the ass though. Literally takes days to simply  answer back and forth. Communications sucks from both the seller and DG Gate.
I understand they are dealing with thousands of online sellers and then customers but I hope this fraud or lost parcels isn't this common.
I'm still perplexed about who would go to all this trouble to supposedly intercept my bike box, write up and send me a phreaking small envelope with nothing in it if the parcel was lost/ stolen at some airport or dockyard?