Asked a seller a question through eBay message. They responded by texting my cell.
I asked a seller a question through eBay message about tickets I was interested in buying. Instead of replying through eBay, they texted me directly on my cell. How did they get my cell/Name? Why would they text instead of replying through eBay message? This seems like a red flag, is it?
13 comments
christworks
·8 months ago@canes1993 Why not just ask them?
I agree with the others though. You've bought from this person in the past, perhaps they were under a different handle. Contact info. disappears after 90-days, I think, but some sellers may make a client list with contact details. Since you have apparently bought from them before, they may be able to give you a better deal.
It sounds like they simply answered the question you asked. I'm not sure why that isn't good enough?
wastingtime101
·8 months agoIt disappears from the order details page after 90 days, but you can still download the data from transaction reports.
I you save order confirmation emails it's easy enough to look up a userID in your email and if they purchased from you in the past it'll come right up.
And as you said, can go into a centralized database seller keeps across all ecommerce accounts.
kensgiftshop
·8 months agoI use the same ID on all my selling accounts and had a guy message me a few years ago here on Ebay wanting to know what it was he bought because I showed up on their credit card statement, but nothing in their purchase history.
Finally tracked it down and it was a purchase he made from me on Etsy.
roccotacodad54
·8 months agoI wouldn't consider it a red flag them just answering a question (although I would "auto reject" their number now, just me) via text message.
If the seller wanted to do any part of the actual transaction via cell phone that would raise red flags for me.
simba6
·8 months agoDoes not sound like a scam as your a buyer. So many people now just use their smart phones.
canes1993
OP8 months agoAppreciate some people understand how to use their phone. Was just asking how they could get my name/number if I didn't provide it and never purchased from them before. Also why they would not want to communicate through eBay. My gut is this feels odd and its an expensive purchase.
stainlessenginecovers
·8 months ago@canes1993 Why play 20 questions? Simply ask the seller how they got your number?
You may have purchased from them before, as they could have more than 1 ebay id and store/selling account.
Most buyers never return to see messages.
Most buyers don't even know what 'messages' are or where to see them.
Phone call is best. If it's an 'expensive' item- what is the number in the () by their name?
wastingtime101
·8 months agoPossibly you purchased from one of the seller's other accounts. I've had buyers purchase from me on my different selling accounts many times in the past.
Possibly your userID is searchable on the internet because you use it for other sites?
Seller couldn't get the info through eBay.
evry1nositswindy
·8 months agoUnless you have been/are in a transaction with a seller, they have no idea your name or phone number. This is impossible. Even finding a phone number for a buyer you have sold something to is not easy to find.
kibble-net
·9 months agoDid you share your phone number with them?
Generally speaking, a phone number is only made accessible if you already have a transaction with this person.
canes1993
OP8 months agoI did not provide may name or cell. They texted me directly and referenced me by my name.
Unavailable member
·8 months ago@canes1993
I have to agree with @kibble-net Sellers do not have access to your contact information unless you purchased from the seller recently. Only sellers you have transactions with have your contact info ( name, address and phone number) in order details. Sellers you never did business with don’t have access to that information.
kibble-net
·8 months agoHave you purchased from them before? That would explain how they know your phone number AND your name.