Avoiding Scams on eBay
Most eBay purchases are safe. The scams that do happen follow a small number of patterns. Recognizing them takes minutes.
Common scam patterns
"Too good to be true" pricing, brand-new sellers with branded products, requests to move payment off-platform, urgency-driven messages.
Phishing
Emails or texts that look like eBay but ask for password, OTP, or payment. Always log in via the official app or website rather than email links.
Off-platform payment requests
Never pay outside eBay's checkout. Doing so voids buyer protection.
Report and recover
Use the help center to report scams and request refunds. eBay's protection covers most legitimate disputes.
Frequently asked questions
I paid off-platform — what now?
Contact your bank to dispute. eBay cannot help.
How do I know if a message is real?
Open the eBay app and check the messages section. Real eBay messages appear there.
Related guides
How to Spot Fake Products on eBay
Identify counterfeit goods on eBay — telltale signs in pricing, photos, seller info, and reviews.
Safe Payment Methods on eBay
Which payment methods on eBay give you the strongest dispute and fraud protection.
eBay Account Security
Harden your eBay account against takeover — strong password, 2FA, session review, and alerts.
Two-Factor Authentication on eBay
Set up 2FA on eBay the right way — authenticator app vs SMS, recovery codes, and backups.