I do not claim to be an expert on the issue nor am I.  However, I do think I have some good advice to offer on the issue expecially to a new ebayer. 

1 Never, I said Never do business on ebay using Western Union, even ebay will tell you this is not secure.  If you don't take my word for it go to western unions website, they even have a page dedicated to showing how scammers use there service.

2 Read Feedback.  Yep, everybody looks at the pretty little number next to a seller or buyers name but if you want to see what is really going on you need to actuallly click on that number and read the good and the bad feedback.  If you see something that seems wrong or out of place beware. 

3  Remember just because a seller has something you want does'nt mean that you cant find it from another seller on ebay.  So dont be afraid to jump ship when something smells fishy!

4 Ask the seller a question, prior to bidding. Many people will bid on an item, before they really know what the item is or what they are getting into.  I dont care if you think the description tells you all you need to know, you need to test the water by actually communicating with the party you are planning on buying from.  You will be amazed how much a first response from a seller can tell you.  Were they curtious, professional, and prompt in there response?  If not, remember, its ok to jump ship.

5 If you are going to purchase an expensive item, you must insist on secure payment but tell the seller you will pay the cost of using a service like cod, ups cod, or escrow.  If the seller refuses, no matter how good of a story he will give you, and belive you me, they will give you a great story, THIS IS A SCAM.

I will write some more on this issue as soon as it comes to me, hope this helps some new ebayers out there.

Nick Simpson