How to Spot Triangulation Scams on eBay

Triangulation scams occur when a scammer steals a credit card from one victim, gets unauthorized access to another victim's eBay seller account and sells items to yet another victim. Each victim loses money and faces problems with law enforcement, even if they didn't know the scam was taking place. Read the following tips to learn how to spot triangulation scams on eBay.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Use caution when viewing listings that demand immediate payment. While not all auction listings that require immediate payment are fraudulent, it works within the scammer's best interest to receive your payment and use a credit card soon, as quick action reduces his chances of being caught.
2. Win a short auction or a "Buy-It-Now" listing. Pay for your purchase using an immediate payment method.
3. Get your item in a timely manner. The scammer may have even sent out the package before he received full payment.
4. Note that your package was sent by a major manufacturer. It will not be wrapped as if it were from a private seller, even though you bought the item from one.
5. Open your package and inspect its contents. Pay special attention to any forms or papers that come with the product. Documentation that points to a triangulation scam is easy to spot. Forms and receipts will be addressed to someone you don't know, will have credit card details other than your own, and may be marked with the word "gift." All of these instances are indicators that you've just been scammed by a seller who used someone's credit card without authorization to fulfill your order.
6. Expect the website and credit card company to question you about the purchase. Attempt to explain your situation. In some cases, law enforcement may become involved. Present all entities with copies of the transaction and correspondence with the seller. You may be able to help them trace the scammer.

Tips & Warnings

• Fraudulent transactions may refuse to cash checks.
• Scammers may list their item as a gift that they don't want anymore so that you won't suspect a scam when you get documentation with your item claiming it is a "gift."