I've been on Ebay since '99 and have never been able to "Call" them ..Unless things have changed since the last time I even looked for telephone support,I think it is still done via email only..I do not buy this guy's response to you at all,
IMO he's trying to pull a scam here. Ask for the Ebay tel # and person he spoke to..I doubt he will send cover back,so I would email Ebay and tell them the situation if you have not already.