eBay Security Tips
Consumer Reports offers tips to protect from traps and pitfalls of online auction sites like eBay.
Check Feedback. The most important step buyers told CR was to check feedback. More experienced buyers did extra research requesting more photos from the seller. eBay recommends trading with members that have a high positive feedback score. Look for at least 99 percent.
Avoid Shady Sellers. Go beyond the screen name to verify seller's identity by e-mail and confirm address and phone number. Before bidding buyers should determine shipping cost, understand auction terms and return policy, and check whether the seller has changed identities. Only 13 percent of survey respondents said they always take this precaution.
Comparison Shop and Read Between the Lines. To determine if a new item is a real bargain, consult Web sites such as Shopzilla and Yahoo Shopping. Older collectables generally have at least one reputable source for information. If needed, consult an appraiser. Insist that the seller provide proof of authenticity and condition. Some sellers might dangle words such as "genuine," but look for terms such as "inspired by," indicating the product is a knockoff.
Bid Smart. Establish a top price and stick to it. Survey respondents cautioned about overbidding, reasoning that the object of their affection would probably turn up again. Proxy bidding can make it easier to stick to a budget. It may have helped the 40 percent of respondents who said they lost track of an auction deadline during the past year.
Keep Your Reputation. A bid is binding. Retractions by a buyer or seller are allowed only under special circumstances. Those who back out of deal could have their accounts suspended and their feedback reputation damaged.
Don't Bite on Phishing Schemes. E-mail messages that appear to be from eBay and ask for sensitive information are designed to hack into your account. Don't click on any link and don't respond. eBay never makes such e-mail requests and the site provides Account Guard downloads to help folks avoid getting stung.