This is a list of the top 5 current scams and frauds effecting eBay today. This list will be constantly updated, as new scams arise.

Phishing email

This is the #1 scam running today. People with nothing better to do are sending phishing email around hoping to get a bite. The email looks like a winning bid email or request to update information. If you click on the link, you are directed to a site that gets your eBay login info. The hackers then login to your account and try and sell high priced items under your account they don't have, only to make a quick buck before eBay or you find out.

Western Union

Now-a-days, anyone who uses eBay has a valid email account and can use PayPal. If for some reason, they don't use PayPal, they will offer another reputable online bill paying company. If they insist on using Western Union or another wire money transfer, they are probably trying to scam you. There is NO REASON to use Western Union instead of PayPal.

Auctions requiring you to email seller before bidding

Any auction that requires you to email the seller at an outside email address before bidding is a scam. They are trying to circumvent eBay and it's fees, but most importantly, if you purchase outside of eBay, you are not protected, and they never send the item after they get your money.

Fake Items

If an auction has a Buy It Now price that is too good to be true, it probably is a fake. Mostly targeted at the newest and hottest technology items, fakes or knock-offs are sold as the real thing at a fraction of the cost. Also used for sunglasses, jeans, iPod, PSP, XBox 360, Motorola cell phones; fakes can be everywhere.

1 day auctions

The majority of auctions last 7 days. The longer the auction > the more people see it > the higher the bidding > the more you make. 1 day auctions are usually hijacked accounts trying to sell a big ticket item quickly that they never intend to ship. If you think an auction is too good to be true, it probably is. Report the item to eBay’s Security Resolution Center.

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