eBay scams
Last updated September 18, 2026
The short answer
eBay scams target both buyers and sellers. Buyers face fake listings, non-delivery of items, and counterfeit products. Sellers deal with false "item not received" claims and overpayment schemes. Always use eBay's official checkout and payment system. Never pay outside the platform.
eBay's auction format and massive marketplace create opportunities for various scams. Fraudulent sellers post items they don't have, ship counterfeits, or never deliver. Fraudulent buyers exploit eBay's buyer protection to keep items while getting refunds. Phishing emails impersonating eBay are also common. The key to staying safe is always transacting through eBay's official systems.
How eBay scams work
- 1
Fake or misleading listing
A seller posts an item at a great price but uses stock photos. The description is misleading, and you may receive a counterfeit, a lower-quality substitute, or just the box instead of the actual product (buried in the fine print).
- 2
Non-delivery scam
A seller accepts payment through eBay but never ships the item. They may provide a fake tracking number or a tracking number for a different package sent to a different address in your zip code.
- 3
Off-platform payment request
A seller asks you to pay outside eBay (via wire transfer, gift cards, or Zelle) to "avoid fees." Once you pay outside the platform, you lose all eBay buyer protection.
- 4
Buyer "item not received" scam
A buyer claims they never received an item that tracking shows was delivered. They file a claim and eBay refunds them while they keep both the money and the product.
Warning signs
- A seller asks you to pay outside of eBay to save on fees
- The price is significantly below market value for a popular item
- The seller has few reviews or recently created their account
- The listing uses only stock photos instead of actual product photos
- A buyer insists on a specific shipping method or address change after purchase
- You receive a second-chance offer from eBay for an item you didn't win, which may be a phishing email
Examples
Fake PS5 listing with "box only" in fine print
A listing shows a PS5 console at $250 with real product photos. The title says "Sony PS5." Buried at the bottom of the description in small text: "This listing is for the original retail box ONLY." You receive just the empty box.
Off-platform payment for a car
You find a great deal on a used car on eBay. The seller says eBay's vehicle payment system has a long hold time and asks you to wire $8,000 directly. You wire the money. The car and the seller disappear.
What to do
- Always pay through eBay's official checkout. Never send wire transfers, gift cards, or off-platform payments.
- Read the full listing description carefully, including fine print.
- Check the seller's feedback rating and history before purchasing.
- If an item doesn't arrive or isn't as described, open an eBay Money Back Guarantee case.
- For sellers: use tracked shipping with signature confirmation for expensive items to protect against false claims.
Report it to eBay
Forward spoofed email to spoof@ebay.com and report the member straight from the listing.
Getting your money back
eBay's Money Back Guarantee covers most purchases made through the platform. If an item doesn't arrive, arrives damaged, or doesn't match the listing, open a case within 30 days of estimated delivery. eBay will refund the full purchase price including shipping. Payments made outside eBay's system are not covered.
Frequently asked questions
Does eBay protect buyers from scams?
Yes. eBay's Money Back Guarantee covers purchases made through eBay's checkout system. If you don't receive your item or it's significantly different from the listing, eBay will refund you. This protection does not apply to payments made outside eBay.
How do I spot a fake eBay listing?
Check for stock photos instead of actual product images, prices far below market value, sellers with little or no feedback, vague descriptions, and requests to pay off-platform. Read the full description carefully for disclaimers like "box only" or "for parts."
What should sellers do to avoid eBay scams?
Use tracked shipping with signature confirmation for items over $750. Ship only to the address on the eBay order. Photograph items before shipping. Don't accept payments outside eBay. Be cautious of buyers who immediately request address changes after purchase.
Other companies scammers impersonate
Scams reuse their scripts across brands. If you were contacted about eBay, these are the guides worth reading next.