How to Avoid Fraud on eBay

Getting a good deal on eBay can be fun, but you must protect yourself from the site's predators. They are anxious to take your money and leave you at your computer screen with your mouth ajar, feeling like a fool. Don't be suckered. Avoid becoming a fraud victim on eBay by making yourself as aware as possible and be cautious.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Research
• Discretion

1. Check the seller's feedback and history. Read the comments and how the seller responded to them. If the seller has no feedback, do not even consider purchasing anything of value. A fraudulent seller, once he starts receiving poor feedback will simply obtain a new account and start over. Zero feedback is a bad sign, especially when the seller has listed expensive items. Avoid these sellers.

2. Read the fine print when bidding. Sometimes, what is advertised in the title isn't actually what you will be receiving and a dishonest seller will specify that in small print buried in a lot of useless information on the product's page. For example, you might be bidding on a DVD and in fine print it will say, "DVD comes in sleeve to save on shipping." This is probably not a genuine original DVD, only a copy.

3. Consider the price of the merchandise you are purchasing. If the price is too good to be true, it just might be. Don't pay a rock bottom price for a brand new high ticket item. Red flags should be flying all around your head at this point.

4. Never give out checking account or credit card information when making a payment. Do not wire money or send cashier's checks and money orders. Once that money is gone, it's gone and there is no way to retrieve it. Use secure methods of payment such as PayPal, an eBay company.

5. Request a VIN number from the seller to obtain an information report from Carfax or the department of motor vehicles when purchasing a vehicle on eBay. A vehicle can be in a lot worse condition than advertised and it is only smart to informed before you buy.

6. Don't allow yourself to be tricked by people emailing you, trying to buy your item under the table to avoid eBay fees. Chances are this is a fraud scam of some kind and you won't be able to file a claim against this person through eBay or PayPal.

7. Use your best judgment. If you feel unsure about the seller or the product advertised, don't bid on it. Don't buy it simply because you don't want to miss out on a good deal. There will always be another one tomorrow.

Tips & Warnings

• Factor the cost of shipping in with the price of the item you are bidding on, especially high priced items such as vehicles. Avoid paying more than the sale item is worth due to high shipping costs.
• Look for sellers who are covered by PayPal Buyer Protection, which gives you protection of up to $2,000 on your purchases.

Who Can Help:

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Resources

• Get a vehicle report with or without a VIN number.
• Another source for vehicle reports.
• Questions about eBay answered here.
• PayPal website.