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Account restricted without notice
Summary: bhworksresellers is experiencing a restriction on their eBay business account without prior notice or clear guidance on how to resolve it. They are seeking advice on what documentation is needed and how to proceed, especially being self-employed. fashionsandbeauty4u suggested checking the eBay Issue Resolution Center and other eBay communication channels, but bhworksresellers found no messages. comics-scifi-collectibles provided detailed advice on ensuring that account information matches banking records and suggested contacting eBay customer service. Despite receiving an email requesting proof of employment, bhworksresellers faces challenges as their documents reflect self-employment. They expressed frustration over the lack of proactive communication from eBay to prevent such issues. comics-scifi-collectibles promised to seek further advice and emphasized persistence in working with customer service.
I’m looking for advice from anyone who has dealt with a similar eBay business-account restriction.
My account is currently restricted. It was turned off without any notice. I did not receive a message or email explaining what caused the restriction, what documentation is required, or how to resolve it. I was told a message was sent on the 14th but there is nothing in my message center or email.
After getting a call from eBay support (a bit of an adventure for the uninitiated), I was told that the issue appears to be related to my account being set up as a business account and that I may need to provide proof of employment?
I have several questions because I have not been given any written instructions and at this point I am not confident I will receive any:
What does eBay consider acceptable “proof of employment” for a business account?
If the account represents a self-employed person or small business owner, what documentation is normally accepted?
Where is this documentation supposed to be submitted?
Is there normally a verification link, appeal form, or request within the account?
Should I expect a message from eBay before submitting anything?
If anyone has encountered this specific type of restriction, especially as a self-employed seller or small business, I would appreciate hearing what documents eBay requested and how you were able to submit them.
I am not looking for a way around the restriction. I am simply trying to determine the correct verification process and provide whatever legitimate documentation eBay requires. Thank you in advance to anyone that can help.
comics-scifi-collectibles
Mentor3 weeks ago@bhworksresellers I have never heard of eBay requesting proof of employment. I do know that the eBay registration name and address and account type need to match your checking account exactly.
This is an AI answer which SOUNDS like it is a correct...
Why This Happens on a Business Account
Identity Mismatch: Your personal name, address, or tax ID (EIN) does not match public registries or banking records.
Security Flag: The system triggered a manual review due to unusual login locations, sudden buying/selling spikes, or proxy/VPN usage.
System Glitch/Misclassification: eBay's automated compliance system may have misclassified your business profile or applied a standard risk-assessment template meant for individual accounts.
Compliance & KYC: Regulations (like anti-money laundering laws) force platforms to aggressively verify who is behind an account. [1, 2]
**********************************************************
Use this method to contact customer service>
You will need to contact eBay customer service for assistance from #3
However I recommend checking a few things as eBay will NOT tell you what doesn't match for security reasons.
1. Verify that the name and address on your eBay account matches your brick and mortar checking account and government ID EXACTLY. I had to had my middle name to my eBay account so it would match my checking account and drivers license. You will need to provide your SS#. You can not use a PO box for your registration address as seller but you can use it for your ship from and to addresses.
2. Make sure the ACH routing number is the correct one to use for these type of deposits. Verify this with your bank.
3. Contact Customer service
Click this link> https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814
Then Type Verify Checking account in the chat bot box on the lower right. (Do not add any additional information)
Then AGENT after the bot responds. You might have to repeat those steps.
bhworksresellers
OP3 weeks agoThanks for the info. I really appreciate the response.
I did get an email shortly after my most recent conversation with a live agent. I had to stress with her that I did not receive any prior notices and would appreciate it if she could convey a sense of urgency to the "offline" review team.
That message asked for the proof of employment. I can't supply any of the pieces of information because they are all W9 employee related and I have been self-employed since the first of the year. So I sent them my EIN verification letter from the IRS, hopefully that works.
As for the addresses, I use a PO Box exclusively for mail but my ID and ebay account are my physical address. Unfortunately that EIN letter shows my PO Box as the address. Crossing fingers on that one.
Does anyone besides me think this shoot first, ask questions later method is a bit harsh for this type of routine issue? Maybe a "you have 10 days to provide this information before we restrict your account" might be a bit more customer friendly?
Thanks again!
comics-scifi-collectibles
Mentor2 weeks ago@bhworksresellers I posted this in our private lounge to see what I can find out. I'll get back to you but it won't be until Tuesday or Wednesday.
comics-scifi-collectibles
Mentor2 weeks ago@bhworksresellers The reply I received back from community staff is that you have to keep working with customer service that it is a legitimate message. :(
bhworksresellers
OP2 weeks agoThanks for the help. At this point I am just hoping to resolve it soon. The bigger frustration is how they handled it. Why isn't this just part of setting up an account?
comics-scifi-collectibles
Mentor2 weeks ago@bhworksresellers I understand your frustration. I wish I had more info to share.
fashionsandbeauty4u
Mentor3 weeks ago@bhworksresellers
I would check the Issue Resolution Center in your Seller Hub for messages or instructions. I would also check your personal email address connected with your eBay account.
If neither of those options provide help, you can message eBay on their Instagram page. That is staffed from 6am-6pm PST, Monday-Friday.
Https://Www.instagram.com/eBay/
bhworksresellers
OP3 weeks ago · EditedThanks.
Unfortunately, nothing was delivered to any of those options.
I'm still stuck on what to provide to them. As of the first of the year, I've been self-employed. I don't have an IG account so I'm hoping to resolve it in some other way.