10 Common eBay Scams (and How to Avoid Them)

10 Common eBay Scams (and How to Avoid Them)

Nobody want to become a scam victim…especially on eBay. Here are the most common eBay scams that you need to know about and how you can avoid them.

1. Buyer Wants to Settle Outside of eBay

Never agree to work outside of eBay, no matter how tempting a “deal” may be. If you handle a transaction outside of eBay you’ll have no protection from eBay. Plus, you’ve violate eBay policy and could lose your eBay account. When communicating with buyers, always remember to use eBay messages. Doing so allows eBay to monitor communications and screen for offenses like “intent to defraud”.

2. Seller Runs Off with Money

For most items on eBay, you have protection if the seller takes your money and doesn’t give you what you paid for. But, there are several categories of items that aren't covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee (like real estate, vehicles, and other large purchases). Avoid shopping in categories that aren't covered by eBay's Money Back Guarantee.

3. The Seller Sends an Empty Box

Never rush to buy items on eBay, and always read a listing thoroughly before committing buy. Doing so can prevent you from buying an unintended item (like an empty box). You can always return an item for a refund, but you may be out some money in the end. Shipping fees typically aren’t refundable.

4. Buyer Claims that the Seller Sent an Empty Box

Make sure to always send packages with tracking. Additionally, it’s wise to document your shipping process by taking photos of your items. Doing so can protect you in the event that a buyer claims that you shipped them an empty box. If a buyer opens an eBay claim, you’ll need evidence to stop this scam.

5. Buyer Claims that the Item is Broken

Always make sure to take good photographs of the items you’re selling on eBay. If possible, include serial numbers and other distinguishable item features. Don’t ever use stock photos on your eBay listings. You’ll need photographic evidence to prove that you shipped the item in good condition.

6. Phishing Scams
Phishing scams typically occur when a scammers sends a fraudulent eBay message to your email account. The email that looks like an official notice from eBay, but it’s fake. It might ask you to take one of many actions: review your security details, update your password, confirm a recent purchase or sale, etc. This fake email always includes a link to log into your account. Don’t ever share your eBay info. If eBay ever needs to update your information, they’ll ask you to do it in your account when you’re logged into eBay.

7. Buyer Issues a Chargeback

If a buyer requests a return for a refund, it's always in your best interest to issue the refund. If you don’t, they may resort to a chargeback. You can try to dispute a chargeback, but if you lose, you'll have to pay additional fees.

8. Buyer Offers to Overpay

Never send items until you have the money in your account. If you take a check as payment, it may appear in your bank account right away (but can take up to two weeks for it to show as "bounced”). For maximum safety, you should never accept checks of any kind on eBay. And always complete transactions on eBay.

9. Seller Ships Wrong Item
Never refuse a deliver if a seller asks you to. Always inspect your eBay items and make sure that the item that your ordered is the item that you received. eBay’s “Money-Back Guarantee” is only valid for 30 days. Once you’re outside the time window, you’re out of luck.

10. Wrong Delivery Address

If a buyer asks to you to change their address to a new one, it’s important to know that if you do you won’t be protected by eBay. It’s always best to cancel a sale and have your customer purchase the item again (with the correct address of course).

Thanks for watching!

~ Justin

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Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:57 - Buyer Wants to Settle Outside of eBay
1:50 - Seller Runs Off with Money
3:10 - Seller Sends an Empty Box
5:08 - Buyer Claims Empty Box
6:35 - Buyer Claims Broken Item
7:36 - Phishing Scams
8:46 - Buyer Issues a Chargeback
9:52 - Buyer Offers to Overpay
10:44 - Seller Ships Wrong Item
11:42 - Wrong Delivery Address
12:58 - Conclusion