eBay Scams: Unveiling the Dark Side of eBay

Online scams are a severe problem, and eBay users are not immune. EBay scams are one of the most popular types of online scams. In 2022, eBay reported preventing over $1 billion in fraudulent transactions. This is just a fraction of the total money lost to online scams each year.

eBay is an online marketplace where people buy and sell goods and services. It is one of the most popular online marketplaces in the world, with over 182 million active buyers and sellers. eBay offers various products, including electronics, clothing, home goods, and cars. Buyers can find great deals on eBay, and sellers can reach a global audience. eBay is a safe and secure platform for buying and selling, offering various buyer protection features.

Here are some of the reasons why eBay is so popular:

• It has a wide variety of products for sale.
• Buyers can find great deals on eBay.
• Sellers can reach a global audience.
• eBay is a safe and secure platform.
• It offers a variety of buyer protection features.

Recently, we have received the following complaint from a person from Texas, USA, who claims to lose $7,100 to an eBay vehicle scam by a company called eCarsDD trader LLC. He reports:

eCarsDD Trader LLC listed a 1954 pickup truck on eBay. At the time, I looked up this company and they had great reviews. They claimed to be the middleman for the seller, and instructed me to send the full payment to them through a wire transfer. They would hold the payment while they sent me the vehicle. I was given 10 days to approve the vehicle, and if for any reason I was not happy, they would pick up the vehicle and refund my money. However, before the vehicle was to be delivered, they closed their website, and there was no other way to contact them. I am now out $7100 with no vehicle. Despite trying to do my research, the Better Business Bureau had no record of them, which I mistakenly took as a positive. Furthermore, none of the reviews I found are available on the web now. It was a well-planned scam.

In short, eCarsDD Trader LLC listed a 1954 pickup truck on eBay with positive reviews. They claimed to be a middleman for the seller, but after sending them full payment via wire transfer, they closed their website and became unreachable. A well-planned scam left the complainer out of $7,100 with no vehicle.

This article aims to raise awareness about common eBay scams and provide practical tips to help readers avoid falling victim to them.

As online marketplaces like eBay continue to gain popularity, scammers are constantly coming up with new ways to deceive unsuspecting users. By shedding light on these scams and equipping readers with knowledge on how to spot and avoid them, this article aims to empower eBay users to protect themselves and make safer transactions online.

From fake listings to payment fraud, this article will delve into common eBay scams and provide actionable advice to help readers confidently navigate the online marketplace and avoid falling prey to fraudulent activities.

Overview of eBay Scams

This section provides an overview of various types of eBay scams, such as fake listings, fraudulent sellers, and buyer scams.

Fake listings

In a fake listing scam, the seller creates a listing for an item that doesn’t exist. They may use high-quality images and descriptions to make the listing look legitimate. Once you have purchased the article, the scammer will either ship you a fake or nothing.

One way is to create a listing for a high-demand product, such as a new smartphone or a popular video game. They often use high-quality images and descriptions to make the listing look legitimate. Once you have purchased the item, the scammer will either ship you a fake or nothing.

Another way is to use stolen images and descriptions from other listings. They will often create a listing that is very similar to an existing listing but with a lower price. This can be very convincing, as the buyer may not notice that the images and descriptions are not original. Once you have purchased the item, the scammer will either ship you a fake or nothing.

Finally, scammers may also create listings for items that do not exist. They may use fake images and descriptions or not ship the item after you have purchased it.

Shipping eBay scams

Scammers will often ask you to pay for shipping outside of eBay. This is a red flag, as eBay has a built-in shipping system that protects buyers and sellers.

It is likely a scam if you are asked to pay for shipping outside of eBay.

Feedback eBay scams

Scammers often create fake accounts and leave negative feedback for sellers who have not responded to their messages or refused to ship items outside of eBay.

This can damage the seller’s reputation and make it difficult for them to sell items in the future.

Personal information eBay scams

Scammers often ask for personal information, such as your credit card or Social Security number, to complete a purchase.

Once they have this information, they can steal your identity or make fraudulent purchases.

Payment fraud eBay scams

Here are some examples of payment fraud scams you may encounter on eBay:

Fake payment methods. Scammers may create fake payment websites or apps that look like legitimate payment processors. They may also ask you to pay for an item through a wire transfer or other unconventional payment method. Once you have sent the money, you will never see it again.

Refund scams. Scammers may offer to refund you for an item you purchased, but they will ask you to pay a fee first. Once you have paid the fee, you will never receive the refund.

Overpayment scams. In this scam, the scammer will send you a check for more than the amount of the item you are selling. They will then ask you to wire them the difference. Once you have wired the money, the check will bounce, and you will be out both the item and the money.

Buyer scams

Buyer scams are scams that buyers perpetrate. Here are some of the ways scammers can take advantage of sellers on eBay:

Filing false claims

Scammers may file false claims with eBay, such as claiming that they did not receive the item they ordered or that the item was damaged.

If eBay finds in favor of the buyer, the seller may be required to refund the buyer’s money, even if the seller did nothing wrong.

For example, in item-not-received scams, the buyer will claim they did not receive the item they purchased. They may then ask for a refund or a replacement item. If you are a seller, keeping track of shipping confirmations and delivery receipts is essential.

Demanding refunds

Scammers may contact sellers directly and demand refunds. They may claim that the item they ordered was not as described or that they were unhappy with the purchase. If the seller agrees to refund the buyer, they may be out of the money and the item.

For example, in damaged item scams, the buyer will claim that the item they received was damaged. They may then ask for a refund or a replacement item. If you are a seller, taking clear and detailed photos of the item before you ship it is essential.

Return shipping scams

In this scam, the buyer will return an item that is not the same item they purchased. They may then ask for a refund or a replacement item.

If you are a seller, it is essential to inspect all returned items carefully before issuing a refund.

Conducting fraudulent chargebacks

Scammers may contact their credit card company and file a fraudulent chargeback for an item they purchased on eBay. This means the credit card company will reverse the charge even though the seller has already shipped the item.

Warning Signs of eBay Scams

There are several risks and consequences of falling victim to an eBay scam, including:

• Financial loss: If you pay for an item you never receive, you will lose the money you paid for it. In some cases, you may also be responsible for shipping costs.
• Identity theft: If you give out your personal information to a scammer, they may use it to steal your identity. This could lead to fraudulent charges on your credit cards, tax problems, and even criminal charges.
• Legal issues: If you are scammed on eBay, you may be able to take legal action against the scammer. However, this can be a time-consuming and expensive process.

It is therefore critical to be aware of warning signs of eBay scams:

• Unrealistically low prices. If you see an item being sold for a price much lower than the market value, it is likely a scam.
• Poor grammar and spelling in listings or messages. Scammers often have poor grammar and spelling skills. If you see a listing or message complete with errors, it is likely a scam.
• Requests for wire transfers or unconventional payment methods. eBay only allows users to pay for items through its secure payment platform. If a seller asks you to pay for an item through a wire transfer or another unconventional payment method, it is likely a scam.
• High-pressure tactics or urgency from sellers or buyers. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to get you to send them money or personal information. If a seller or buyer presses you to act quickly, it is likely a scam.
• Limited or no communication outside of eBay’s platform. eBay has a messaging system that allows buyers and sellers to communicate. It is likely a scam if a seller or buyer asks you to communicate with them outside of eBay.

If you see any of these warning signs, avoiding the listing or the seller is best. By being aware of these warning signs, you can help protect yourself from scams on eBay.

Tips to Avoid eBay Scams

There are several things you can do to protect yourself from eBay scams, such as:

• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Do your research before you buy anything. Read the seller’s feedback and check the item’s description carefully. Make sure the pictures of the product are clear and high-quality. Be wary of listings that have very few pictures or no pictures at all. Verify listings and products through multiple sources. Do a Google search for the product you’re interested in. Look for sellers with a good feedback rating and check the seller’s shipping and return policies. Be wary of sellers who have recently created their accounts, and avoid sellers who ask you to communicate with them outside of eBay.
• Only use trusted payment methods. If you’re not comfortable with a transaction, don’t do it. Only use secure payment methods. eBay only allows users to pay for items through its secure payment platform. If a seller asks you to pay for an item through a wire transfer or another unconventional payment method, it is likely a scam. PayPal is a good option, as it offers buyer protection.
• Never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know. Be wary of sellers who ask for personal information. Scammers may ask you for your credit card number, Social Security number, home address, or other personal information. Do not give this information to anyone you do not know and trust.
• Be aware of the latest scams. eBay has a page that lists the latest scams. Be cautious of red flags and trust your instincts.
• Report any suspicious activity to eBay. If you see something that looks like a scam, report it to eBay and law enforcement. eBay has a team of experts dedicated to investigating and preventing fraud.

For eBay sellers

Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from scammers:

• Be wary of buyers who ask for refunds or file claims with eBay. If you are contacted by a buyer asking for a refund or filing a claim with eBay, be sure to investigate the situation carefully before taking any action.
• Never agree to refund a buyer without first investigating the situation. If you agree to refund a buyer without first investigating the situation, you may be out of the money and the item.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from scams on eBay.

If you think you have been scammed on eBay, taking steps to protect yourself is essential. You should contact eBay and report the scam.

You should also contact your credit card company and dispute the charges.

If you have given out your personal information, you should monitor your credit report for unauthorized activity.

Complaints We Received

On October 23, 2023, we received the following complaint from a person who reported being scammed for $2400:

I was supposed to purchase a camper from eBay, but I’ve been scammed.

Bottom Line

eBay scams are a severe problem, with fake listings, fraudulent sellers, and buyer scams being common. In 2022, eBay reported preventing over $1 billion in fraudulent transactions.

Scammers may create fake listings for items that do not exist, use stolen images and descriptions, or ask for payment outside of eBay.

They may also ask for personal information or use fake payment methods.

To avoid falling victim to eBay scams, users should be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, use eBay’s built-in shipping system, be wary of requests for personal information or payment outside of eBay, and check seller feedback and reviews.

Be vigilant and protect yourself when buying or selling on eBay or any other online marketplace.

As highlighted in the article, eBay scams are prevalent, and scammers are constantly developing new ways to deceive unsuspecting users.

Now we know what this Bay scam is called: a fake listing eBay scam. In addition to eBay, the fraudulent company, eCarsDD Trader LLC, used the domain carsdd.com, registered on March 14, 2023, about one month ago, for one year through NameCheap, Inc. The domain is no longer available, but we find a mention of it in a gtoforum.com thread:

On April 6, 2023, a member named biggiefl1 on the Pontiac GTO Forum posted about a 1970 Pontiac GTO convertible for sale at a very reasonable price on a website called carsdd.com. Another member, armydarkness, expressed skepticism about the low price and asked for a link to the listing. Biggiefl1 provided the link, but another member, PontiacJim, pointed out that the price seemed too good to be true and shared recent sale prices of similar GTOs to highlight the suspiciousness of the listing.

ToddB suggested asking for a live video inspection of the car via FaceTime to verify its authenticity, and biggiefl1 mentioned that the seller refused to provide the VIN for verification. Armyadarkness also expressed doubt about the authenticity of the listing, considering the low price compared to similar cars.

We encourage you to share this article and raise awareness about eBay scams to help protect others from falling victim to fraudulent activities on online marketplaces.

By spreading the word, you can help create a safer online environment for everyone. Sharing the article with your friends, family, and online communities can help educate others about the importance of being vigilant and cautious when using eBay or any online marketplace. You can share the article through social media, email, or other communication channels to reach a wider audience. Additionally, you can participate in online discussions, forums, or groups related to online marketplaces and share the article as a resource to help others understand the risks and best practices for staying safe while buying or selling on eBay.

Knowledge and awareness are powerful tools for combating scams and fraudulent activities.

By sharing this article, you can be crucial in raising awareness and protecting others from eBay scams and other online marketplace frauds.

Let’s work together to create a safer online environment for everyone!

eBay has a Security Center that provides tips and resources to help you stay safe while buying and selling online.

They also have a page on avoiding seller fraud.

If you are a victim of these scammers, please let us know by commenting below, and if you have lost a significant amount of money to online scams, do not lose hope. We can help you recover your funds!