How to Spot Picture-Only Scams on eBay

Picture-only scams on eBay target buyers who are determined to buy an item on eBay at any price. These scams often operate using rare, valuable or in-demand seasonal items. To convince users to bid and be scammed, scammers will list physical details of the item even though they are only selling a picture of it. Read the following tips to learn how to spot picture-only scams on eBay.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Search for a high sticker item on eBay. Users who fall for this scam often look on eBay for great deals on electronics, rare or otherwise valuable items. Game consoles, television sets and cell phones are a few examples of the items that scammers choose to use in the scam.

2. Find a listing of your desired item. Note that the seller has started the bidding with no reserve. The scammer knows that starting an auction with no reserve price for expensive items will attract bidders.

3. Read the item's description. The listing often includes valued details describing the item's top-of-the-line features and reasons why you should buy from the seller rather than any other seller on eBay.

4. Study the fine print carefully. Very small print will indicate that the auction is not for the actual item, but for the picture of the item shown on the listing. The disclaimer will often be found in a place where a buyer may not usually look, such as underneath the supposed last part of the listing or far away from the margins.

Tips & Warnings

• Buyers who fail to read the fine print often bid more than twice the retail price for the item if the item is in high demand.
• If you ignored the fine print and won the bid you'll receive an envelope in the mail. Inside will be a picture for your expensive purchase.

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