It is very easy for me to spot something wrong or get a "red flag" just by viewing the photo of an auction on Ebay. It baffles me that people can be fooled so easily! I'll tell you five ways to sharpen your Ebay experience, and not become one of the millions who end up ripped off or dissapointed.

1.When you are ready to bid on an item, look at the photo. Does it look generic? Did the seller steal the photo from a website?

9 times out of 10, a scammer who does not have the item they listed will go to Google.com, search the product, then click "images" ..Do the same if something seems funny, look through the first few pages and if you find the exact picture your seller posted, you might want to stay away. (Don't let a different cropping fool you, this can easily be done in Paint Shop Pro)

2.Look at the angle of a photo.

Is the seller trying to position the product in a manner to hide scratches, or shield missing pieces/parts? Sometimes a seller will take advantage of the flash or glare to minimize the appearance of scratches or wear.

3.Has the seller sold multiple items of the same product, using the same photo?

Check the sellers feedback, every item sold within 90 days will allow you to "View Item". Take the time to do so, especially with high dollar merchandise. Look at the descriptions, compair the feedback from others who bought the same thing you have in mind. Were they satisfied? If ten people bought it previously and had no complaints, chances are you don't have to worry either.

4.Look for signs of Photoshop/digital editing.

I hate to say it, but the older generation sometimes isn't up to date with newer technology. Photoshop is used for many things from touching up a portrait, to removing a "watermark" (User Id/Brand/ect..)  I have seen a lot of sellers steal another users product photo that had a piece of paper with their Ebay user name next to the merchandise (as proof they own it), then use Photoshop to erase the paper (This has even happened to me!)...Look around the edges of the pictured item for sale, if it is on a blanket for instance, does the pattern look smudged? maybe blurry in one spot? you may even notice small ripples, this is the attempted removing of a user tag, or perhaps an attempt at digitally touching up the product for better chances of making a sale. *If Ebay allowed links I would show a good example.*

5.Trust your instinct

If it's too good to be true, it probably is, and if something looks off, it more than likely is.. Just be careful and aware. Use a little common since and you will never have an unpleasant experience on Ebay.

I can spot something in a second, I hope that with these five tips you will be able to as well!