I've been a member of ebay for several years now, both as a seller and a buyer and never have I experienced fraud and scams so blatant that it makes one's head spin.

I purchased 24 Season 5 from a seller who had great feedback.  I didn't think twice nor did I hesitate to do business with him.  Unfortunately, it wasn't him who was the seller.  His account had been hijacked and a BUNCH of bootleg DVD's were on his account just waiting for naive folks like me to purchase them.

Well, loving 24 the way I do, I bought it.  My high feedback is based on my quick payments and truthfulness in the items I sell.  So, I paid this right away.  I WILL NEVER MAKE AN IMMEDIATE PAYMENT AGAIN. 

I have learned that there are good folks out here on ebay that will look out for others.  Someone had reported my item as a problem, and ebay pulled it.  Unfortunately, it took ebay two days to let me know it was pulled and that I should not pay for it.  Now, I will continue to make my purchases, only I will wait two to three days before I make my payments.  This way, I will protect myself if ebay sends me another "this listing has been canceled and you should not pay for it" emails.

Is it hard to admit this, yes; especially when I get reamed on the discussion boards about I should have known better.  I am trying to prevent others from suffering the same fate by sending emails and forewarning of the potential for fraud they are about to purchase.  

So, what I would like to ask is that anyone who purchases anything on ebay, no matter how innocent or terrific it seems, please wait at least two days before making payment -- you will be glad you did.

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