someone bids but never purchase anything and uses the same telephone number but different names

Question

The person(s) that I'm referring to changes their names but always has the same telephone number. They bid on items but never want to pay and they ask me for my pay pal account number. Is there any way that I can block them?

tree*fern · Accepted Answer

@angeleseyes Also, as this buyer keeps winning your auctions, make sure you Cancel the order for Buyer Hasn't Paid after 4 days. The buyer will get an unpaid item on their record.

How to cancel for Unpaid Item:
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/resolving-unpaid-items-buyers?id=4137#section1

Then go here to set your buyer requirements: https://www.ebay.com/bmgt/buyerrequirements

Set your buyer requirements to:
Block buyers who caused 2 cancellations of unpaid purchases within 12 month(s).

More info on buyer requirements:

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/listings/creating-managing-listings/setting-buyer-requirements?id=4152#section2

shipscript · Answer

@angeleseyes

If these scammers are actually bidding, then they are in a transaction with you and can be reported to eBay as a "buyer". Put that phone number in your report.

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/resolving-buyer-issues/report-issue-buyer?id=4084

If the scammer has not yet bid, but is sending an eBay message, you can report the message. At the top of the screen, while the message is open, is an "Action" button that will allow you to report the abuse.

tree*fern · Answer

Hi @angeleseyes You can add the IDs you know to your Blocked Bidder List, but that won't block any future new IDs they create. Sounds like you're keeping on top of it, and of course never give out your PayPal, email, or other info. If they're targeting a specific listing, you might consider ending the listing and waiting a while to relist until they give up and go try to con someone else.

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/resolving-buyer-issues/blocking-buyer-ebay?id=4082

It's also a good thing to buy items so that you have more feedback. It helps sellers to learn the buying process firsthand, and with more than 1 feedback you'll look less attractive to these shady buyers.