Everything you need to know to keep safe when buying on eBay – what to look for in a seller’s feedback, choosing the best payment method for you, understanding listings and descriptions and ensuring safe delivery.
Don’t buy items directly from sellers (i.e. always complete your transaction on the eBay site) – sellers can operate outside of eBay rules and policies
Don’t be fooled by ads or sellers who ask for down-payments to “reserve” an item (particularly cars) – fraudsters have no intention of returning your down-payment
Watch out for under-priced items and expensive items where the seller offers free delivery – if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is
Be extra cautious with Presale items (e.g. concert & event tickets) – check the seller’s feedback and selling history before purchasing and don’t leave feedback until you actually receive your purchase
Watch out for strange item descriptions – they’re often an indicator of a fraudulent listing. Common warning signs are:
Differences between the location of the item on the listing page and in the item description
The item description language differing from the seller’s country
The item description reading as if it’s been translated by an automated translator
If you suspect a listing is fraudulent or inappropriate you should use the “Report this item” link at the bottom of every listing page
Don’t buy prohibited items and always report these listings to eBay
Make sure you understand delivery costs and the estimated delivery time for your item before making your purchase
Some sellers give a choice of delivery services – if you’re item is unique or fragile, consider choosing a more expensive delivery service
Some services provide information on the delivery progress of your item – if you choose this type of service, the seller should provide a tracking number so you can check this
If you have any delivery problems you should contact the seller