How to Recognize Feedback Extortion on eBay

The popular auction website eBay's success is built around the trust members have with each other through the feedback system. But sometimes, users will try to abuse this system to get things that weren't in the original agreement. This is referred to as feedback extortion, and it's against eBay's rules. Recognize feedback extortion so that you can help eBay put a stop to this harmful practice.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Be suspicious if you get a message from an eBay user in which they threaten to leave negative feedback on your eBay profile if you don't do something that they are demanding.

2. Read the demands in the email or message you received from the eBay user and see if they were part of the original agreement of the auction. Things like shipment or payment within a certain number of days and items described to be included in the sale are part of the auction agreement and, if demanded, should not be considered a form of feedback extortion.

3. Determine the eBay user is practicing feedback extortion if what he is asking for is something that was not in the original agreement. Examples of feedback extortion include, "Give me $20 extra or I'll leave negative feedback" or "Include personalized engraving at no extra charge or I'll leave negative feedback."

4. Contact eBay if you experience feedback extortion, as it is a violation of eBay's terms of use. Go to your "My eBay" page and use the "Contact Us" link in your "My Messages" to send a message to eBay. Be sure to include "Feedback Extortion" in the subject line and include as much information about the incident as possible.