eBay is warning users about a new phishing scam that is circulating in the form of calls and text messages. The scammer pretends to be from eBay and tries to trick the user into giving away personal information such as their credit card number or bank account details.
The platform is urging users to be vigilant and to not give away any personal information to anyone purporting to be from eBay. Unfortunately, the number of fraud cases clearly shows that people are still unaware about the ground reality.
Only way to address this type of issue is by raising awareness and that is what we want to accomplish via this post. If you want to familiarize yourself with the way this fraud works and the ways you can use to deal with this threat, continue reading.
eBay Scam Calls Explained
eBay is one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, making it a prime target for scammers. One common scam is the eBay scam call, where a caller pretends to be from eBay and tries to trick the person they’re speaking to into giving them personal information or money.
There are a few different variations of this scam, but the most common one involves the caller pretending to be from eBay’s security department. They’ll say that there’s been suspicious activity on the person’s account and that they need to verify their information in order to protect their account. They may even say that the person’s account has been suspended and that they need to take action immediately.
If the person falls for the scam and provides the caller with their personal information or agrees to send money, they may find that their eBay account has been hacked or that they’ve been scammed out of their hard-earned cash.
eBay Phishing Texts
eBay phishing texts are becoming more and more common. These texts usually come from an unknown number and try to trick you into clicking on a link that will take you to a fake eBay website.
The website will look identical to the real eBay website, but the goal is to steal your login information. Once the scammers have your login information, they can access your account and do whatever they want with it.
If you receive an eBay phishing text, do not click on the link! Instead, forward the text to spam@ebay.com and then delete it. eBay will investigate the text and take appropriate action.
Traits of a phishing message
Phishing messages are designed to trick you into giving away your personal information or clicking on a malicious link. They often masquerade as being from a trusted source, such as a bank or well-known company. They may also create a sense of urgency or fear, in order to get you to act quickly without thinking.
Here are some red flags that may indicate you’re looking at a phishing message:
- The message is from an unknown sender, or from a sender you don’t normally communicate with
- Message contains typos or other grammatical errors
- The message is vague or contains strange requests
- Message includes a link or attachment that you weren’t expecting
If you’re ever unsure about the authenticity of an email or other message, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not respond or click on anything.
How to stay safe from eBay Scams?
If you’re looking to buy or sell items on eBay, it’s important to be aware of the potential for scams. Scammers can create fake listings for items that don’t exist, or they may try to get you to pay for an item without ever sending it to you. They may also try to get you to pay using a fake escrow service or by sending you a fake PayPal email.
To avoid being scammed on eBay, only deal with sellers who have a good reputation and who offer buyer protection. If you’re unsure about a listing, contact the seller directly before making a purchase. And be sure to pay using PayPal, so you’re protected if something goes wrong.
eBay Scam Bottom Line
As there is no one shot cure to nullify scams, we all need to take certain steps to ensure our safety. One of the best ways to beat hustles like this one is by keeping yourself updated. If enough people know the way scams work, crooks will have to stop their activities and look elsewhere.
If you have encountered eBay Scams, then report it as soon as possible. Comment your story below to educate others.
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