QR Code Scams on eBay
eBay sellers and buyers are targeted with QR codes in messages and listings that redirect to phishing pages or off-platform payment systems designed to bypass eBay's buyer and seller protections.
Part of: QR-Code Scams (Quishing)
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
QR code fraud on eBay typically arises in messaging between buyers and sellers, where a code is offered as an apparently convenient way to complete payment or verify an address. Because eBay's internal messaging system does not provide the same level of link-scanning protection as email, QR codes embedded in screenshots or documents can pass through unseen.
Off-platform payment requests via QR code are particularly dangerous because they remove the transaction from eBay's Money Back Guarantee, leaving victims with no recourse through the platform.
How this scam works on eBay
A buyer or seller contacts the other party through eBay messages and sends a QR code described as a payment confirmation, address verification form, or shipping label. Scanning the code leads to a page outside eBay requesting card details, account login, or cryptocurrency payment.
Fraudulent sellers embed QR codes in listing images or description attachments as apparent ways to 'view more product photos' — clicking or scanning leads to a phishing page. Some sellers use QR codes to direct buyers to near-identical counterfeit product pages on external sites where the purchase is made without eBay protection.
Buyer fraud also occurs: a fraudulent buyer sends a QR code to the seller claiming it represents a PayPal or bank payment confirmation, when in reality no payment has been made.
Common red flags
- eBay message from a buyer or seller containing a QR code for payment or verification
- Seller listing that includes a QR code image in product photos or description
- Request to complete payment outside eBay by scanning a code
- QR code destination URL that does not match eBay or a recognised payment provider
- Buyer claiming the QR code is 'proof of payment' before goods are dispatched
How to protect yourself
- Complete all eBay transactions through eBay's official payment system — never off-platform via QR code
- Report any eBay message containing a QR code to eBay customer service
- Do not scan QR codes embedded in listing images or message attachments
- Verify payment has cleared in your account before dispatching goods, using eBay's dashboard — not a QR code
- Block and report any buyer or seller who asks to move payment off eBay
How to report it
- Use eBay's 'Report this member' function on the buyer or seller's account
- Report the listing or message to eBay customer service
- File a report with your national consumer protection authority if financial loss occurred
Frequently asked questions
Is it ever legitimate for an eBay seller to ask me to scan a QR code?
No legitimate eBay transaction requires scanning a QR code outside the platform. All payments go through eBay checkout. Any request to scan a QR code for payment, verification, or to complete a transaction off-platform should be treated as a scam.