How do scams work on eBay?
eBay scams include off-platform payment requests to bypass buyer protection, second-chance offer fraud targeting auction losers, and SNAD (significantly not as described) return fraud exploiting sellers.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
eBay is one of the oldest online marketplaces and has well-developed buyer and seller protection systems, but scammers continually adapt tactics to circumvent these protections. Understanding how the protections work — and how they can be bypassed — is essential for safe trading.
Off-platform payment is the most common buyer risk: a seller, often just before the auction ends or immediately after, contacts you directly offering the item for a slightly lower price if you pay by wire transfer, crypto, Zelle, or a personal PayPal payment. This bypasses eBay's Money Back Guarantee entirely. eBay explicitly prohibits these contacts, and any such message should be reported.
Second-chance offer fraud targets bidders who did not win an auction: the scammer creates a fake account mimicking the real seller and sends a message offering you the item because the winning bidder backed out. Payment is requested outside eBay. A real second-chance offer arrives through eBay's official system, not through personal messages or email.
Sellers face return fraud where buyers purchase high-value items, file SNAD or not-received claims, and return empty boxes or different items while keeping the genuine article. Thorough photographic documentation of every item before shipping provides evidence for disputes.
Common red flags
- Message offering to sell you an item outside eBay for a lower price
- Second-chance offer received via email or eBay message that directs you to pay externally
- Seller asks for payment via wire transfer, Western Union, crypto, or Zelle
- Listing photos look copied from another source; item appears too cheap for its described condition
- Buyer files a not-received claim for an item with verified delivery tracking
- Seller with a new account or very low feedback selling high-value items well below market value
What to do now
- Pay only through eBay's checkout using PayPal, credit card, or eBay-supported methods to retain Money Back Guarantee
- Verify second-chance offers by logging into eBay directly and checking your Messages section
- As a seller, photograph items thoroughly before shipping and retain tracking information
- Report off-platform payment solicitations to eBay through the Report a buyer/seller function
- Open an eBay Money Back Guarantee case within the required timeframe if an item is not received
- File a report with the FTC if you lost money to eBay-related fraud
Frequently asked questions
Does eBay's Money Back Guarantee cover all purchases?
eBay's Money Back Guarantee covers most purchases when payment is made through eBay checkout. It does not cover transactions paid outside eBay, some vehicle purchases, and other specific exclusions. Check eBay's current policy for the full list.
What is a second-chance offer and how do I know if it is real?
A legitimate second-chance offer from eBay appears in your eBay Messages inbox and links to an eBay checkout page. Any offer received via email only or directing you to pay outside eBay is fraudulent.