AirTag linked to another account

I recently purchased a new AirTag from an online store, but when I tried to set it up, it showed that it was linked to another user account. I've tried to reset without success. I even tried removing and replacing the battery five times, listening for the sounds the device makes, but I still can't set it up. The seller doesn't respond to my messages. The question: Is there a way to set it up if the original owner doesn't remove it from their Apple account? Thanks for your comments.