| There are many eBay scams out there to keep | | | | bid or a purchase. Basically, just use common |
| an eye out for when you are selling on eBay. This | | | | sense. If it looks too good to be true, it probably |
| article will cover a few of the known and not so | | | | is, so read the auction carefully. |
| known scams to be aware of. Whether you're a | | | | Bad Check Scam |
| causal seller, or a professional seller on eBay, you | | | | This eBay scam is exactly what it sounds like. |
| need to know about these scams so that you | | | | The bad check scam is simple. Someone |
| can take measures to prevent or recognize if it's | | | | purchases your item and sends you a check as |
| happening to you. | | | | payment. You receive the check, and send out |
| Bid Shielding | | | | the item. However, 2 weeks later you find out |
| This scam is something you need to watch out | | | | the check bounces and now you are out your |
| for as a seller on eBay. Basically the scam is run | | | | item and the money. |
| using two separate eBay accounts. The scam | | | | To avoid this, simply do not send out any |
| works like this. You put your item up for auction. | | | | products until the check has cleared. |
| Let's say your item is worth $100 and you have | | | | Spoof eBay Emails |
| no reserve. The first bidder (scammer) comes | | | | This eBay scam is an attempt to get your |
| along and bids $5 on your item. Right after that, | | | | personal information and/or eBay account |
| another bidder working with the first bidder | | | | information. Basically the scammer sends you an |
| comes along and bids $200 on your item. Since | | | | email that looks like it's from eBay. The email may |
| your item is only worth $100, you receive no | | | | direct you to a website (that also looks like eBay) |
| more bids for the duration of your auction. Right | | | | where it asks to you verify your information. In |
| before your auction ends, the first bidder backs | | | | reality, the website is created by the scammer to |
| out and cancels their bid, leaving the $5 bidder the | | | | collect your personal information and use it for |
| winner, effectively shielding all other potential | | | | identity theft. The scammers can be very tricky |
| bidders because of the $200 bid. | | | | and make everything look very official. |
| Because of the potential for this scam it is always | | | | To avoid this scam, you need to be wary of any |
| good to have a reserve on your auction. Also, I | | | | emails that you get. The first thing you need to |
| would put some sort of disclaimer on your auction | | | | check is the email header. Emails from eBay, will |
| stating that if you suspect bid shielding on your | | | | have "@ebay.com" as the last part of the |
| auction, you reserve the right to back out of the | | | | senders email. Also any links that are in the email |
| sale. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on | | | | may be directing you somewhere other than |
| your auctions and watch for this type of behavior. | | | | where they say they are. Also copy and paste |
| If you suspect this is happening to you, be sure | | | | the links into your browser, and only visit official |
| to report the parties involved to eBay right away. | | | | links that start with " If anything seems suspicious |
| Wholesale List Scam | | | | to you, forward the email to eBay and wait for |
| This scam takes advantage of the fact that | | | | their response. They will let you know if it's |
| many people don't pay close attention or read the | | | | legitimate or not. |
| fine print on an auction. This scam is targeted at | | | | In conclusion, most people you run into on eBay |
| buyers who are looking for deals on electronics | | | | are good honest people and not out to scam you. |
| and technological items on eBay. The wholesale list | | | | You may do business on eBay for years and |
| scam is basically an auction that looks like the | | | | never run into any of this. However, occasionally |
| seller is offering a great deal on a product like an | | | | these things do happen so it's important to use |
| iPod for example. They may have a buy now | | | | common sense and use your best judgment |
| price of $40 for an iPod that is worth $150. | | | | when it comes to this stuff. Just be aware that it |
| However, if you actually read the fine print on the | | | | can happen, and take the necessary precautions |
| auction, you will find that you are not really buying | | | | and you will be fine. There's a lot of money to be |
| the iPod. In fact you are purchasing a wholesale | | | | made on eBay, so don't let anything scare you |
| list. | | | | off. Keep yourself armed with knowledge and |
| To avoid this scam, just be sure that you read | | | | information and you will be successful out there in |
| the entire details of the auction before making a | | | | the auction world! |