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How to spot an eBay scam (with examples)

Posts: 333 Threads: 51

Here is a classic example of an eBay scam.

http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-LUDWIG-BLACK-OYSTER-PEARL-SET-W-MATCHING-SNARE-/250738779519?pt=Vintgae_Drums_Percussion&hash=item3a6132257f

Notice that the starting bid is VERY VERY low with no reserve.

The real giveaway is the image that has the sellers information on how to BUY IT NOW. There instructions will always demand that you contact them outside of eBay and they warn you not to bid directly.

Notice that the instructions from the scammer is an image rather than clear text. This is because eBay has bots that continually scan auction texts for tips on typical eBay scams. So, by hiding the tag words in an image, the bots don't detect it.

Just a little FYI to watch for.

Also, the proper thing to do in a case like this is to click the "REPORT THIS ITEM" link on the auction page and follow the instructions to advise eBay of the infraction. They will investigate and react accordingly.

I reported the item so the link will probably be dead in a short time.

Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 4009 Threads: 209

Clapping Happy2Clapping Happy2Clapping Happy2Clapping Happy2

Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 333 Threads: 51

Here is another example...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ludwig-Drums-Anniversary-Stainless-Steel-Shell-Pack-/260704332913?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb3306c71

And, as you can see, it is from the same seller.

This is a dead assurance that the person's eBay username and password have been compromised and are being used by a scammer.

The way it usually happens is called "Phishing". This might happen when you get an email from eBay (or, at least it LOOKS like it comes from eBay) and it says that they are doing maintenance or that they are updating or some other BS and that they need you to sign in with your username and password.

Sometimes, they ask you to put it directly into the email. Mostly, they have a link for you to follow. When you click the link it takes you to a page that looks just like the eBay logon page but if you look at the top of your browser in the address line, it will not be a real "ebay.com" address.

So, you enter your username and password and it sends it right to the scammer.

Many times the scammers page with actually direct you a real eBay page after they have your password and you don't even know that you have been phished.

It's always a good idea to keep an eye on the top of your browser and watch the url. And, never follow a link from an email.

Just a little more FYI LOL

Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 333 Threads: 51

Lookie here (I should be an eBay detective. LMAO)

Here is a list of this sellers auctions.

http://shop.ebay.com/le-gem/m.html

You can see that this account was hijacked today between 12:38 and 12:52 PST

Scroll down and you can see where the sellers legitimate auctions end and when the scammer took over and started listing everything for $0.66

Let's see how long it takes for eBay to squash it. LOL

Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 4009 Threads: 209

From KapperDog

Lookie here (I should be an eBay detective. LMAO)Here is a list of this sellers auctions.http://shop.ebay.com/le-gem/m.htmlYou can see that this account was hijacked today between 12:38 and 12:52 PSTScroll down and you can see where the sellers legitimate auctions end and when the scammer took over and started listing everything for $0.66Let's see how long it takes for eBay to squash it. LOL

It usually doesn't take long if it's reported to ebay quickly.....

After they "investigate" it they will contact the real account owner and get it straigtened out for them.....

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 333 Threads: 51

And, don't think for a second that these scammers aren't prepared and adept at their craft.

This guy got almost 100 auctions listed in just over 2 minutes. That's a lot of "lines in the water". He's liable to get at least one fish to bite

Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 6288 Threads: 375

Holy crap.... Great job KapperDog !!!

Kevin
Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 22 Threads: 5

Those posts are already down, as they should be. I would like to have seen the things you described. Next time you catch a scam, do a screenshot and save it for us to see, then report that trash!

Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 333 Threads: 51

Gotta luv eBay. :) The rightful seller is back in possession of his account and he is listing new auctions already. I must say, they are pretty good at this kind of situation.

People cry a lot about eBay's regulations but, it's that tight fist that makes it possible to resolve situations like this quickly and easily.

I should have grabbed a screen shot. I will next time. I see an auction with a hijacked account like this about once a week. I'll grab a screen shot and revive this thread when I find one.

Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 96 Threads: 24

Thanks for taking the time for the info session Kapper Dog!!

Very good tips and things to watch for.

Mighty decent of ya!

Posted on 13 years ago
#10
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