eBay scams: how to spot fake eBay messages, calls and sites
Quick answer
eBay itself isn't a scam, but scammers pretend to be eBay to steal logins and card details. A message that creates urgency, asks for your password or card number, or links to a look-alike site is fake. Don't click. Check your eBay Messages, and report it to eBay and the FTC.
- Comes by
- Email, Phone call, Text, Website, Ad
- Pretends to be
- eBay
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers copy eBay's logo and wording and contact you by email, text, phone or an ad, or send you to a fake sign-in page. eBay's own help page describes the pattern.
- Phishing emails and texts. The message has a link to a fake website where you're asked to sign in and enter personal and account details. They often use a generic greeting like "Attention eBay member" and an urgent or threatening tone.
- Fake websites. The address includes the word "ebay" but isn't an official eBay domain, or has typos and extra characters. The page may ask for things eBay wouldn't normally request, such as your full card number, PIN or answers to security questions. You can land there from a link in an email, text, chat message, social post, ad or QR code.
- Phone calls. eBay says it generally won't call you unexpectedly. If it does contact you, for example about an outstanding balance, it emails you first.
- Gift card demands. The FTC says scammers tell people to put money on gift cards, eBay cards among them, and read out the numbers. No real business or agency will ask you to pay with a gift card.
What they want is your password, card or bank details, or money. They may also ask you to download software.
Red flags
- An urgent or threatening message telling you to act now about your eBay account
- A generic greeting like "Attention eBay member" instead of your name
- A link to an address that includes "ebay" but isn't an official eBay domain
- A sign-in page that asks for your full card number, PIN or security answers
- An unexpected attachment, or a call you weren't told about by email first
- Any request to pay with a gift card, wire transfer, payment app or cryptocurrency
- A message that doesn't show up in your eBay Messages
Example message
Attention eBay member: we detected unusual activity and your account will be suspended within 24 hours. Confirm your identity and payment details at [link] to keep selling and buying.
What to do
- 1
Don't click, call or reply
Don't open attachments or use links or numbers in the message. If you're unsure, close the page and type the eBay address into your browser yourself, or use the official eBay app.
- 2
Check your eBay Messages
eBay says a real message about your account will also appear in your eBay Messages. If it isn't there, treat it as fake.
- 3
If you entered your login, change your password
Change it on eBay and on any other account that uses the same one, and turn on two-step verification. eBay has a help page for a hacked account.
- 4
If you gave card or bank details, call your bank
Use the number on your card or statement, not one from the message. Tell them it was fraud and ask about blocking the card and disputing charges.
- 5
If you paid with a gift card, contact the card company
The FTC says to report it to the gift card company right away and ask for your money back. Keep the card and the store receipt.
- 6
Report it
Forward the email to eBay as an attachment, or tell eBay about the phone call, then report it to the FTC.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers send these messages in bulk, and the ones that name you or your address are more convincing. Names, emails, phone numbers and home addresses are easy to find on people-search sites and in breached data. Serus finds your listings on those sites and requests removal, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you. You can see how in our guide to data brokers.
Common eBay scams
Frequently asked
Is eBay a scam?
No. eBay is a real marketplace, and scammers copy its name to trick people. The scam is the fake message, call or website, not eBay.
How can I tell if an email is really from eBay?
Check your eBay Messages. eBay says it sends a copy of any important message there. It also never asks for your password or card details and doesn't use threatening language.
Will eBay call me?
eBay says it generally won't call you unexpectedly. In some cases, such as an outstanding balance, it contacts you, and it emails you first to say so.
How do I report an eBay scam?
Forward a suspicious email to eBay as an attachment at the spoof address on its help page, or report the call there with the number it came from. Then report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Is it safe to buy eBay gift cards from a stranger?
No. The FTC says to avoid buying gift cards from online auction sites because they may be fake or stolen, and to buy from stores you trust.
Sources
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