Whether you are a seller or a buyer using eBay, one thing you definitely want to do is protect yourself from eBay fraud. However, for both buyers and sellers, there are different things to be on the look out for, and then you are still not only going to have to be watchful while using the eBay website, but you have to be watchful over your email inbox or spam box as well. While it is extremely unfortunate, the world we live in is plagued with frauds and scammers.
Now, that being said, let us look at some of the things you should be watchful for. For buyers, you want to keep excellent records of all transactions. This means keep records of auctions, all emails you have received, payment receipts, and other such items. Keep a close eye, when buying any item, the location of the seller. Remember that the further away the seller is, the longer it will take you to get it.
Look at the shipping prices, if they are astronomical avoid them. Always calculate shipping on your own, while the seller might charge a little extra for shipping supplies such as wrapping and sturdy or secure containers for shipping, it should not be too much over the actual price of shipping and postage.
The feedback of the seller is also an indication of their reputation. Look for negative feedback; if there were a large amount of negative comments and ratings on the seller, it would be a safe bet to find a different seller. Read the comments as well, see what others are saying. One or two negatives out of 100 totals, is not a bad record, look to see what the problem was, perhaps it was just a unappeasable buyer. You also want to be aware of new sellers without feedback as well. There is not much we can tell you on new sellers, except that the risk is yours. Also, choose only methods of payment that can be tracked and disputed if needed.
If you do feel you have been the victim of fraud, contact the seller first and explain to them the issue. If the seller is uncooperative or does not answer, then you should contact eBay, PayPal, your credit card company, or even the police as well.
For sellers, you also have to be watchful of fraudulent buyers and keeping yourself protected from being defined as a fraud or scammer. Make sure you keep detailed records of every transaction, this means shipping receipts, payment receipts, copies of your auction, and photographs of the items you sold. When you have shipped the item, eBay provides an icon that will allow you to immediate notify the buyer, use it. You also want to look at the feedback of buyers; some sellers choose to exclude buyers without feedback or those who have negatives.
When it comes to fraudulent emails there are some surefire way to determine if the email you have received from eBay is real or a scam. One way is to look at the address provided in the email. The address should be identical to eBay's provided addresses. Look for slight differences if you notice them, you do not want to click on the link at all. Another great way to find out is to open up a new browser and go directly to www.eBay.com and log in. You will then be able to see any correspondence sent from eBay, do NOT click on the link in the email, this might be a scam to get your user name and password, thus getting your personal information such as credit card number or PayPal information.
If the email asks you for any personal information avoid it, eBay never asks for this information via email or telephone. Take note of the way you are addressed in the email, if your real name is not used and you see Account Holder, eBay seller, or any other name other than your own, you need to report the email immediately to spoof@ebay.com , this will enable eBay to take action against the fraudulent activity.
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