eBay Scams
Common scams on eBay — protecting buyers and sellers alike.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
eBay's peer-to-peer marketplace model creates opportunities for both buyer and seller fraud. Scammers act as either party: fraudulent sellers list items they do not own or will not send, while fake buyers use counterfeit payment proofs or chargeback abuse to take goods without paying.
Off-platform payment requests are a consistent red flag on eBay — any seller who insists on payment outside the platform removes buyer protection and makes recovery nearly impossible. Phishing emails impersonating eBay are also common, often arriving shortly after a listing is posted or an auction ends.
This guide covers the most frequent scam types on eBay, the signals to watch for, and how buyers and sellers can protect themselves.
Common scams on eBay
Non-delivery by fraudulent sellers
Sellers collect payment for items that do not exist or are never shipped.
Off-platform payment requests
Sellers request payment by bank transfer, wire, or gift card outside eBay to bypass buyer protection.
Fake buyer overpayment cheques
Buyers send a cheque for more than the asking price and request a refund of the difference — the cheque bounces after the seller pays.
Phishing emails mimicking eBay
Emails about account alerts, payment issues, or listing inquiries link to fake eBay pages that steal credentials.
Counterfeit or misrepresented goods
Items are described or photographed as genuine but arrive as counterfeits or low-quality substitutes.
Common red flags
- A seller asking to complete the transaction outside eBay
- Prices significantly below comparable listings without explanation
- Buyer offering to overpay and requesting a partial refund
- Seller with no feedback or very recent account registration
- Emails from eBay that include spelling errors or unexpected urgent warnings
- Listings using stock photos rather than actual item photographs
How to protect yourself
- Always pay through eBay's checkout — this activates buyer protection
- Never pay by bank transfer, wire, or gift card for eBay purchases
- Be cautious of buyers who offer more than the listing price
- Check a seller's feedback score and read negative reviews before purchasing
- Log in to eBay directly to verify any alerts — do not use email links
- Enable two-factor authentication on your eBay account
How to report it
- Report listings and sellers through eBay's 'Report this item' or 'Report this member' tools
- If you paid and did not receive the item, open a case through eBay's Resolution Centre
- Report phishing emails to [email protected]
- If money was lost outside eBay's system, report to your bank and national fraud service
Frequently asked questions
Am I protected if I pay through eBay's checkout?
Yes. eBay's Money Back Guarantee covers most purchases made through its checkout if the item doesn't arrive or doesn't match the listing. This protection is lost if you pay outside eBay.
A buyer wants to pay me by cheque for more than the asking price — is this a scam?
Almost certainly yes. This is the classic overpayment cheque scam. Decline and report the buyer to eBay.
How do I tell if an eBay email is real?
Check that the sender address ends in @ebay.com. Ignore links in the email and log in to your eBay account directly to see if the alert is shown there. eBay also has a 'Messages' section in your account where genuine communications appear.