It Might Be A Scam If...

It might be a  SCAM if......... The Seller has no feedback and/or has just registered in the last week or so and is running a private auction The Seller insists on  wire or bank transfer of funds with in a very short time frame The Seller has a Product that is one of the common 'TARGET'  items....Hot Game Systems, Impossible to get Concert Seats, High End Sporting Equipment, The Newest Toy , Designer or "Name" items The Seller has a real 'story' for how they came about having the item..."My Boss gave me a case of these to sell for the orphans......" The Seller is very explicit as to how to pay, but says nothing about refunds etc The Seller uses stock pictures and descriptions of the item......or none at all The Seller doesn't return E Mails or has a phone that doesn't answer The Seller offers to sell "Off EBay" to 'save us both money' The Seller has an account that has been inactive for a long time (could be an account take over) The Seller insists the item must be purchased "NOW" usually runs a 3 day auction The Seller is very scant on details about shipping/ delivery The Seller tells you the tickets will be "waiting for you " at the box office or travel agent The Seller tells you that if you don't get the item in 30 days...he/she will refund your money The Seller is in one country but wants money sent to another The Seller has no or low feedback...feedback looks "funny"...most is from transactions marked private or with people not registered any longer...most of the feedback is within a day or 2 of the auction closing.. not nearly enough time for the item to have been delivered.. Remember that most designer items cost what they cost.. the makers could hardly ask premium prices if they allowed a limitless secondary cheaper market to exist.. they would be cutting their own throats...take a moment to question how some one would have gotten the item and why they would sell it so cheap.  Why sell a $500. new "name" handbag for $200.00 if new ones are worth $500. Why would any one in the far reaches of central Europe or Asia even HAVE the newest Plasma Screen TV ?  The BIGGEST mistake most people make is getting all caught up in an auction...then paying for it with out knowing ANYTHING about the Seller.  Copy Auction Pages...Get Telephone Numbers...Do NOT send that Money until you are sure where it is going and what you will be getting. The Holidays are especially bad.  Scammers know people have the money to spend  The Scammer does not care if it is Christmas and your kids will be without gifts. The Scam Seller is waiting for that payment and as soon as he or she gets it... GOODBYE If it sounds too good to be true it is

Protect Yourself!

You protect yourself by reading the available tutorials about how eBay works before you even start You protect yourself by bidding with reputable Sellers and by actually checking out feedback before you bid You protect yourself by making contact with the Seller BEFORE you bid on Big Money items to be sure that the Seller seems legit You protect yourself by keeping records and hard copies of EVERYTHING...including the ad You protect yourself by saying NO to any Seller/Buyer soliciting an "off E Bay" deal..If they will cheat eBay...they will cheat you You protect yourself by taking charge and insisting the Buyer/Seller act as agreed You protect yourself by getting contact information and actually investing in a phone call You protect yourself by getting delivery confirmations for your payment You protect yourself by asking about shipping fees before the Auction ends You protect yourself by reading the information about fraud and fraud protection available on this site You protect yourself by NEVER responding to a request for information such as account numbers and/or passwords You protect yourself by making VERY sure that any Factory/Original Warranty will transfer.…most will not You protect yourself by following up on a problem immediately ..NOT 3 months later You protect yourself by understanding that bad decisions on your part can not be "fixed" by eBay You protect yourself by understanding eBay does not have phone support..they are an On Line Venue Only You protect yourself by remembering that eBay is a run for profit company...not a public utility or charity You protect yourself by knowing that eBay is not the only online auction company...you have choices You protect yourself by understanding the terms of delivery..seller DOES NOT have to allow local pick up or combine shipping You protect yourself by finding out refund terms BEFORE you even bid if not clearly stated in the auction You protect yourself by getting a "real" address and phone # BEFORE you use an online payment of any kind. You protect yourself by ALWAYS remembering that if it sounds too good to be true ..it is Remember..the cheese in a mousetrap is always free

Password Scam Alert!

PASSWORD SCAM EBAY AND PAYPAL Any E MAIL that asks for your PASSWORD, SS# and or CREDIT CARD Info in order to confirm your E Bay or Pay Pal Account is a FRAUD.  Any one wanting that same information to give you a "Prize" you "randomly" won is also a FRAUD. It is NOT from E Bay or Pay Pal no matter what it says.  Many times the E Mail will direct you to a very official looking  E Bay or Pay Pal  page ..this page is a very clever fake.   These emails make it sound as if you will be suspended if you don't reply.  The intent is to get your personal information and hijack your account. E Bay and Pay Pal  DOES NOT work this way.  If you get the message ignore it.. if you have replied to it... change your password immediately and inform Safe Harbor and/or Pay Pal.  You are most likely to get this kind of scam mail  if you use your E Mail Address as part of your ID.

RETURN to Ocean-Gypsy's eBay Page.
RETURN to Scely10's eBay Page