How to avoid scams when buying on eBay
Published
Most eBay sellers are genuine, but deals that look too good attract scammers. These simple rules keep your money safe.
Never pay outside eBay
If a seller asks you to pay by bank transfer, gift cards or a payment app outside eBay checkout, stop. Paying through eBay is what gives you buyer protection. Anyone asking you to go around it is a red flag.
Be suspicious of prices far below value
An item listed at half its usual price is either faulty, missing something, or not real. Setting a sensible price floor on your alerts means you see fewer of these in the first place.
Read the whole listing
Phrases like "box only", "photo of", "read description" or "for parts" in a high-value listing are common tricks. Check the condition field and every photo.
Check the seller's history
Look at total feedback, recent feedback, and what else they have sold. A brand-new account selling expensive electronics cheaply is a classic warning sign.
Watch out for messages and links
eBay will never ask you to log in through a link in a message from a seller. Only sign in through the eBay app or by typing the address yourself.
Know your protection
When you pay through eBay checkout, eBay's Money Back Guarantee covers items that don't arrive or aren't as described, within the time limits eBay sets. Keep all communication on eBay so there is a record if you need to open a case.
FlipaMarket never handles payments. Every link we send goes straight to the listing on eBay, so you always buy with eBay's protection.