Whether you are new to eBay or an experienced member, this list should help you avoid painful problems.  It has been compiled from years of postings found in the various Discussion Boards and the eBay Answer Center.

1. Assume you will get a valid manufacturer's warranty for electronic items or cameras
2. Believe all  emails from "eBay "or "PayPal" are really from eBay or PayPal.
3. Believe buyers whose email message includes the word "Nigeria".
4. Believe that eBay acts as an agent for Craigslist or any other auction site
5. Bid on an item before determining shipping/handling charges.
6. Bid on an item worth more than $10, when listed by a 10-FB Chinese seller.
7. Buy a designer item not listed by an authorized distributor.
8. Buy an item via email, after losing an auction, without a real Second Chance Offer.
9. Click on a link in an "email from eBay" or "email from PayPal".
10. Close a complaint before you are really satisfied.
11. Email the seller to get the Buy-It-Now price.
12. Ignore Paypal / eBay filing deadlines if a transaction problem arises .
13. Ignore seller's feedback numbers and comments.
14. Ignore the admonition: "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is".
15. Include your email address or pictures of your kids in your ME page or on an auction.
16. Let buyers use their own shipping accounts.
17. Log in -- then log in again while looking at auctions.
18. Pay for an auction with Western Union or Moneygram instant payments.
19. Ship an item without Delivery Confirmation (or Signature Confirmation when necessary).
20. Use the same password for eBay and PayPal.

For expanded info on the above recommendations, as well as  information on staying safe when using eBay or PayPal, read the information in the following links:

Pi_R_Square's ME Page

Trust & Safety Unofficial FAQ

If you found this information useful, please click on the YES button, below.
If you would like more / specific guides on maintaining your safety on eBay or PayPal, send me a message via eBay's Message System.

Looking for a list of internet and governmental watchdogs to which you can complain if you were scammed or cheated?  Visit my ME page, and follow the trail of breadcrumbs to the "Got Stung, Got Scammed?" area.