WARNING: New(?) eBay scam - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Schenkenstein
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 11:44:53 am
content: Hi all!I wanted to share my experience with a new (at least new to me) type of eBay scam with you so that you don't repeat my mistakes.eBay does not offer purchase protection on certain kinds of stuff like real estate, vouchers, or businesses. Unfortunately, on localized eBay sites (e.g., ebay.de as in my case), the categorization of the item does not always show and the "Not eligible for eBay purchase protection programs" in a tiny font is easily missed if you find an awesome piece of equipment with a irresistible 'buy it now' price. I fell into that trap and after I paid for the item, the seller activated his 'on vacation' notice and a couple of days after that, his account was deleted.I only found out about that because I wanted to check one of the pictures and could not access the listing anymore. I was unable to file a regular complaint ("please contact the seller first" - yeah, great...) or cancel the purchase since it's not covered by the protection. I finally managed to 'return' the item and got my money back but I don't know if I just was lucky and had a really nice chap working on my ticket, saving me lots of back and forth with the rather pedantic eBay 'customer service'.I happened to find another listing with the same scam and took a screenshot (see below). I tried to report it as fraudulent but, unfortunately, someone did already hit the buttonTL;DR: always check, if the item you want to buy on eBay has purchase protection!Take care,Schenkenstein

author: Schenkenstein
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 11:51:42 am
content: somehow, the second screenshot did not make it...

author: Haenk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 02:32:48 pm
content: This is awful, glad you got your money back.But a hint for future purchases: Don't buy from zero-feedback users 2000km away with a mid-3-digit purchase price. That's just asking for problems.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 03:02:33 pm
content: Interesting scam. Thankfully as soon as an eBay customer services representative reads the auction they will note that it is not in the correct category for the item and clearly a scam. Hopefully they would always side with you in such circumstances. I have certainly found them to be very helpful in the past.Fraser

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 03:06:21 pm
content: A seller with zero feedback is a red herring. Although I did buy a rather expensive scope from a seller with zero feedback many years ago. But I paid using Paypal plus a credit card on top for my own protection.

author: mwb1100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 04:35:42 pm
content: I don't know anything about writing browser plug-ins, but it seems like it would probably be pretty easy to have a plug-in that made the "Not eligible for eBay purchase protection programs" display in a larger font and color it in red. Maybe even have it do the dreaded blink or disable the buy/bid button so you'd really have to jump through some hoops to send money to someone pulling this kind of scam.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 04:41:59 pm
content: Quote from: Haenk on February 20, 2023, 02:32:48 pmAlso: They often time sell a lot of 1 dollar items with free shipping to gather positive feedback, and then switch profile and start scamming. So they have 95% positive rating with thousands of items sold, and then fake listings with high price come in. So check what they were selling before.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 09:59:44 pm
content: In situations like this, depending on your location, you may have the option of filing a claim with Paypal or your bank/credit card provider. Even if eBay buyer protection doesn't apply, you may be able to receive your money back.In Australia, guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law also apply to sales made on eBay (if the listing is not an auction and the seller is not an individual/private seller).

author: MrMobodies
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 10:43:01 pm
content: I once brought a used Windows 7 pro COA sticker over 10 years ago.Seller was supposedly selling hundreds of recycled stickersI was expecting to receive a sticker and stick it to a case.Hardly no feedback about the seller.A key came through email immediately after payment. I got suspicious and when I looked it up it was all over search obviously blacklisted which it turned out to be. No communication from seller.I phoned up ebay and they said that because it is software their guarantee don't cover it. I said it is a piece of paper with numbers that I was expecting and the seller listed it as ebay moneyback category.Agent replied "which is why we are refunding you this time.""We don't generally cover software so when you see software selling with Ebay Moneyback Guarantee it's not covered regardless what category it is under so be careful next time."I was also told to report anyone doing this.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2023, 10:53:19 pm
content: Quote from: Halcyon on February 20, 2023, 09:59:44 pmYep, pay for it on your credit card. Instant protection, if not a bit of a hassle to claim on. You might piss eBay off though, but you can always use it as a threat when talking to customer service (not the first level, you'd need to elevate it to beyond the "no sorry sir" droids.)

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 21, 2023, 11:24:27 am
content: Quote from: tom66 on February 20, 2023, 10:53:19 pmFor those in Australia, chargebacks also apply to debit cards (i.e.: Your normal, every-day bank cards without a credit facility, but operate on the same networks as Visa, Mastercard, Amex etc...).Most banks will still process chargebacks on goods not received or "as described" even on accounts where you don't pay any fees (which are most personal bank accounts without a credit facility).https://financialrights.org.au/factsheets/chargebacks-factsheet/