Online marketplaces that connect regular buyers and sellers can be a great place to find a great deal or offload items you no longer need. But they’re also an easy target for scammers looking to exploit other users.
eBay has been a go-to for auction sales for nearly 30 years, yet fraudsters are still finding ways to steal money and goods.
“Like a good novel, a scam is all about the story,” said Chuck Bell, programs director for advocacy at Consumer Reports. “It must be convincing and, above all, new. Consequently, con artists frequently change their techniques to respond to changing consumer awareness.”
Fraudsters come up with all kinds of creative ways to trick you out of your money. Here’s a rundown of some of the scams you may run into on eBay and what you can do to protect yourself.
Common eBay scams — what to look for
Many common eBay scams involve seller fraud, in which sellers misrepresent their identities or products to take advantage of buyers and never deliver items paid for.
For example, to provide legitimate buyers with a USPS tracking number, fraudsters will send empty or worthless packages to incorrect addresses. Because the scammer can show proof of delivery, the buyer may have trouble submitting a claim for reimbursement to eBay or to their credit card company once it becomes clear the purchased item will not arrive.
Another scam you may encounter is a fraudster peddling a fake second chance to buy an item that has already been sold….
