eBay is a pioneer in the age of informal market trading online.Most of the experiences you've had with eBay have been great.No matter how rare this chance is, you should always be prepared for it.When buying or selling on eBay, there are a couple of ways to avoid being cheated.
Step 1: Take care of your account.
Make sure your eBay and PayPal settings are secure before you bid on your first item.It's a good idea to have a separate email and bank account for eBay transactions.Pick up the package at the post office if you're buying something from a long-distance seller.Adding security and retention of privacy is provided by this method.
Step 2: It is a good idea to be familiar with common scam.
You're going to end up as a statistic if you don't know the playbook.Sending faulty products for an insane mark-up or not sending a product at all is a common eBay scam.If you must purchase a vehicle or similar item through eBay, be sure to insist on a mutual meeting place, because these kinds of scam happen most often with big-ticket items like cars or property.Asking for more information about the item and the terms of the sale will help you avoid most basic scam.You should give the item a pass if the seller is unwilling to give you information.
Step 3: The user's account should be scoped.
This isn't the most accurate way to determine if someone is a scam, but it does eliminate the possibility of buying from someone with a lot of negative reviews.This is mostly precautionary, so be sure to ask questions.If the seller tells you that they've been working on eBay for years when they register their account, that's a red flag.
Step 4: Paying attention to the terms of the transaction is important.
eBay will not side with you in a dispute if you don't read the fine print.It's shady, but technically legal; therefore, you should spare yourself the trouble by reading through every single detail on the listing before you bid.If the seller is unwilling to accommodate your request, request additional photos or information.
Step 5: Look for flags that are red.
Negative reviews, a lack of a refund policy, missing or vague information, and requests for money orders, checks, or other third-party payment methods are some of the things to look for before contacting a seller.You should be on the lookout for things that sound too good to be true.It's probably a scam if you see someone selling a piece of expensive hardware for well under market price.
Step 6: Pay with eBay-approved methods.
Going through third-party sites or payment methods is a sure way to lose the support of both companies in the event of a scam, because they keep records of transactions and you have access to them at any time.Collection of big-ticket merchandise such as cars, large furniture, or similar items can be paid for.Meeting face-to-face in a neutral area with plenty of visibility is the easiest way to ensure cooperation in an event like this.
Step 7: Take care of everything.
If a seller wants to discuss business over the phone, politely explain that eBay and PayPal only deal in written records.If they are trying to scam you, they will likely be deterred.For insurance, you should keep any written records of transactions for at least a year.
Step 8: Go to your bank account and check it.
You should keep an eye on your bank accounts in the days following your transaction.You can report the circumstances by contacting eBay, or your local branch.
Step 9: Review your settings.
Make sure your refund policy, payment settings, and shipping information are accurate before you list an item for sale.You don't want someone to accuse you of scamming them based on inaccurate information-- in fact, some scammers will find ways to exploit errors like this to get eBay to side with them in a dispute, leading you to lose both money and your item.
Step 10: Set up dedicated bank and email accounts.
If you want to keep your money safe, consider opening a separate account for transactions only, complete with an email address.If a buyer contacts the PayPal email with an inquiry, you automatically know it's a scam if you have a separate email for eBay and PayPal.
Step 11: It's a good idea toFamiliarize yourself with common scam.
Buyers are always looking for the best deal, so what you might think is a scam is them trying to haggle the price.Most scam that are run on sellers tend to be about refusing to pay for an item or trying to get their money back after purchasing said item.bait and switch refund is a scam in which a buyer complains about receiving a broken or faulty device after it ships.Since eBay is obligated to side with the buyer in the event that they provide proof--an easy process, since all they have to do is buy a broken version of whatever you sent them for practically nothing, you will be forced to pay them a refund.If you include buyer's insurance in the transaction, you can prevent this scam.A common scam is buyers attempting to settle transactions over the phone, which leads to eBay having no written record of the transaction if they choose to scam you.Don't settle for anything less than a written record of your transactions, email is the best way to counteract this.
Step 12: A strict return policy is necessary.
If there is an honest mistake with shipping and handling, you want to have a return policy.You should state the terms of your return policy in your posting.This is an easy way to close any loopholes.Changing the terms of your listing to "no refunds" is a good idea if you're selling an expensive item.Some genuine buyers may be deterred by this, but it will also keep crooks away.Honesty is on your side and you can always say "more information upon request" in your posting.
Step 13: There are red flags.
The buyer might be hiding something if they refuse to pay through eBay approved methods.Reconsider if they want to settle outside of eBay or give you an unconfirmed address.If you tell them you're worried about being a scam, it's a good idea to scare them off.Email, however, might lie, and neither does eBay.To make sure that all of your emails are correct, log into the service and check manually.Even if your buyer's intentions are good, you should not accept money orders or checks because of the high risks.
Step 14: Wait to pay until you receive your payment.
As soon as you and your buyer agree on a price, transfer the money to PayPal.You can ship your item after you see the transaction in progress.As long as the two corroborate, you should be safe from any attempt at a scam.
Step 15: Track postage
The option to track your package along its route is offered by services such as FedEx, and you can take advantage of it to make sure the package arrives.If your buyer tells you that it did not arrive, you won't be able to give them a refund.If you have retained all of your written records, eBay and PayPal will back you up once again.
Step 16: Monitor your bank account.
You should keep an eye on your bank accounts in the days following your transaction.You can report the circumstances by contacting eBay, or your local branch.