E-bay has become one of the most popular online marketplaces in the world, with millions of users buying and selling items every day. While eBay is generally a safe and secure platform, there are scammers out there who are always looking for ways to take advantage of unsuspecting users. As a buyer or seller on eBay, it’s important to be aware of these common scams and take steps to avoid them. In this article, we’ll take a look at ten of the most common eBay scams and offer tips on how to avoid them.
1. The Phishing Scam
One of the most common eBay scams is the phishing scam. This occurs when a scammer sends an email to an eBay user that looks like it’s from eBay, asking the user to click on a link and enter their login information. Once the user enters their information, the scammer can use it to access the user’s account and steal their money or personal information.
To avoid falling victim to a phishing scam, always double-check the sender of any emails you receive from eBay. Legitimate emails from eBay will always come from an @ebay.com email address. If you’re unsure, you can also log into your eBay account directly from the eBay website instead of clicking on a link in an email.
2. The Non-Delivery Scam
The non-delivery scam is another common eBay scam, which occurs when a seller receives payment from a buyer but fails to deliver the item they purchased. The seller may disappear altogether or provide fake tracking information to the buyer.
To avoid this scam, always check the seller’s feedback score and read their reviews before making a purchase. If a seller has a low feedback score or negative reviews, it’s best to avoid them altogether. Additionally, make sure to pay with a secure payment method, such as PayPal, which offers buyer protection in case of a dispute.
3. The Overpayment Scam
The overpayment scam occurs when a buyer sends a seller more money than the item they purchased is worth, asking the seller to refund the difference. The buyer’s payment may be fraudulent, and the seller may be left without the item they sold and out of the additional money they refunded.
To avoid this scam, always be wary of buyers who offer to pay more than the listed price for an item. If a buyer does offer to pay more, ask them to cancel the purchase and re-purchase the item at the correct price. This will help protect you from any potential scams.
4. The Fake Escrow Scam
The fake escrow scam occurs when a scammer sets up a fake escrow service, offering to hold the buyer’s payment until the item is delivered. The buyer sends the payment to the fake escrow service, and the scammer disappears with the money.
To avoid this scam, always use a legitimate escrow service, such as eBay’s own escrow service. Additionally, be wary of any sellers who insist on using a particular escrow service that you’ve never heard of before.
5. The Account Takeover Scam
The account takeover scam occurs when a scammer gains access to a user’s eBay account and uses it to make fraudulent purchases. The scammer may use the account owner’s saved payment information to make purchases without their knowledge.
To avoid this scam, always use a strong, unique password for your eBay account and enable two-factor authentication. Additionally, regularly check your account activity and report any suspicious activity to eBay immediately.
