ebay now sending codes to your phone to bid on an item
I tried to bid today and was unable to because ebay has a new security "enhancement" where they will send a code to your phone before you can place a bid. This is problematic for TWO reasons.
1) No more last minute bids in the final seconds if there are several steps to make now, and you have to wait for a code.
2) If you don't have a cell phone (I don't) you can't receive a text. And if you have Comcast/Xfinity VoIP, which I do, they block ebay's call from coming through as it's suspected to be spam. Not surprisingly I can't get Comcast agents to understand the issue, after talking to 4 of them for well over an hour. And my spam control is set so that I'm SUPPOSED TO get ALL calls. It's not working.
The Cust Service agent told me that the codes are only sent for auctions, but we can (supposedly) BIN without a code. What the hell ever. So no more bidding from me, and I bid a fair amount. Correction... I USED TO bid a fair amount. I won't be able to bid any longer. And no, I don't want a darn cell phone.
Anyway, just a FYI to folks.
mabddburke
·8 months agoeBay probably thinks there is something helpful about this new feature, but all is does is suppress prices for sellers. If they were interested in preventing "sniping" they could do what I've seen on a few other sites, if a bid is placed in the last 60 second, the auction end is bumped up 5 minutes and the countdown begins all over again, which is in the best interest of the sellers. This latest change isn't well thought out, limits seller revenue, reduces competitive bidding and is counterproductive to the essence of selling via auction on eBay.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoI was just able to bid without it wanting to send a code!!! And I almost lost out because the auction is ending today. I've been trying over a dozen times to bid on this particular auction. I know the block will get thrown up in my face again but for now I'm happy.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoHere is some more data that I found interesting in my case. I've been unable to bid, but had put a bid on an item before this whole mess started. Tried to bid on a few other items after that (the auction was still live at this point) and kept getting the window to input a code that never came. Kept trying several times a day and various auctions, just to never receive the code.
Then I was able to put a bid on an auction so it appeared to be sporadic. But I just realized that the bid I was able to put in after this whole mess started was with the same Seller as the auction I was already bidding on. What I don't know (not enough data at this point) is this... was I able to bid because I already was bidding on the same guy's auctions, or was it a fluke? It was likely a fluke because I was unable to raise my bid on that auction, so I'm leaning more toward me being able to make that bid after this all started was just a fluke.
valueaddedresource
·1 year agoMore updates from UK community staff on this:
https://community.ebay.co.uk/t5/Buying/Unable-to-place-bids-without-phone-verification/m-p/7893224#M77536
Just to clarify on some of the questions being asked. When asked to verify by phone it will give the option of sms if you have a mobile number on your account and call/sms for a landline. When you complete the verification once you won't need to do it again for the same auction. The bid goes ahead as normal. However you may be prompted to verify on future auctions. We are unable to share any specific criteria details due to security reasons that could allow circumvention.
We appreciate the points raised on this process and will share the feedback with the relevant team.
I would assume all of that is also likely true for US/.com site but hopefully @devon@ebay @elizabeth@ebay or @kyle@ebay can confirm that.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoHere's the issue as I see it with codes being sent to prevent snip bids... ebay really, REALLY doesn't want people to take their purchases off ebay as they can't make money that way. I can see this driving some people to somehow work with the Seller to also list elsewhere so they can buy off ebay and not get blocked from bidding by a code that never comes. I don't think they thought that through..
As for BIN... I asked a Seller if they'd add BIN to the auction so that I could BIN as that's SUPPOSED TO work without a code. We shall see... I'll update this thread when they add BIN so I can see if it works.
ETA - BIN worked! I just had to pay extra for it, but not by much. They had a DVD listed by auction for .29 cents, but it didn't sell, even though they kept relisting it. I asked if they'd add BIN for the same price, they said they would but ebay has a lower limit of .99 cents, so I paid .70 cents more. lol But I got the DVD this way at least! Just what a pain.
No more bidding, which is bad when a Seller lists an auction with a fairly high BIN that even the auction might sell for much less than their BIN. So we're stuck paying the higher BIN prices, and not allowed to try to get items cheaper by bidding. This sucks. 😞
an-57470
·1 year agoI just closed my account. This will save me a TON of money.
Oh, and ebay, you must have had a LOT of problems with shill bidding. I feel there is a class action lawsuit in the making. How long have you known about this?
valueaddedresource
·1 year agoFYI - this appears to be a global change as I am seeing reports of requirement to verify by phone before bidding across eBay's other markets/sites as well.
And UK community staff say it is an intentional change with the explicit goal "to help enhance the overall experience for buyers and sellers by reducing sniping, shill bidding and unpaid item situations."
https://community.ebay.co.uk/t5/Buying/Unable-to-place-bids-without-phone-verification/m-p/7891110#M77412
@devon@ebay @elizabeth@ebay @kyle@ebay can you please confirm that information and also provide as much detail as possible about when/why this requirement may be triggered and how buyers can make sure it doesn't disrupt their bidding activity?
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoThank you SO much for your response as to why ebay started doing this! The issue for a lot of us is the fact our phones don't ring (the number is correct) or texts don't come in (for those that choose the text option). Their numbers are correct too. I THINK it's our phone companies thinking it's spam and blocking those calls. At least that's what's going on with Comcast/Xfinity in my case.
And as for ebay doing this "to enhance the overall experience for buyers and sellers"... it's a real crappy experience when the codes aren't received so we can't bid.
Way to go, ebay. Not.
Again, thank you for taking the time to provide the information you gathered. I've marked it as Best Response.
valueaddedresource
·1 year ago@dreambiglovelife you're welcome!
I completely agree with you about it not really enhancing the experience - especially since so many seem to be having difficulties even receiving the codes.
From these initial reports it sounded like this was maybe a user verification requirement, ie. eBay wants to verify that your account info (phone number in this case) is correct.
If so, that would be an inconvenience for sure, but one that should go away once verification is complete.
But that response from eBay UK staff makes it sound more like the point is to verify the specific bid, not just a one time account verification - and if that's the case, then the inconvenience and potential problems of not receiving the code is much worse since subsequent bids and/or bids on other auctions could possibly require additional verification as well.
Hopefully the US staff I tagged will be able to provide some additional detail on this so users will at least know what to expect (one time verification vs possibly having to do it on future bids/auctions as well) and also hopefully they can report the problems with not receiving the codes to the appropriate teams too.
unemployed_husky
·1 year agoNobody cares. No more bid scammers and sniper bots. This is the best thing ever. If you don't win it, you don't need it. Simple as that. Go out and get a job at McDonalds if you want to make money.
ilamfan
·1 year agoJust sent this in to ebay feedback:
"Unable to bid without cell phone verification (!). I am already signed in, so ebay knows who I am, I have been a customer for 25 years. I don't much care for this unnecessary personal intrusion, just to bid on a garage-sale item (but buy-it-now works without code). What is the *real reason* behind this? Is keeping track of bids too stressful/costly on your system? Disappointed."
This is certainly not a "Security Enhancement", it must be something else: no one is out there, masquerading as me, trying to surreptitiously bid on the idiotic junk that I like, so now "always-concerned-for-customer-security" ebay needs to verify that it is actually me?
Not buying it
roccotacodad54
·1 year agoOK. I don't usually bid early as to not show extra interest in an item. After reading this post I just opened another window and went to my watchlist and placed an early bid on something.
No request for a code. I placed my bid just like always. I had to bid three times to get past someone elses max bid but it went smooth with no request for a code.
I don't know if the problem has been fixed or if it's just happening randomly to some bidders or auctions or what. Hopefully it's fixed.................
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoFrom my own personal experience... it's sporadic. It also has nothing to do with your phone carrier, as several of us are having this issue, but our means of doing it aren't the same (Some has Comcast, others don't. Some request a phone call, others a text). Both of us sometimes get the code block, other times it's clear sailing.
Also worth noting for those doing a test... you don't have to actually bid on an item as the block, if you're going to get one, it comes before you actually place a bid. You'll get it after you click on Place Bid the first time (if you're going to get the code block). Just a FYI for those that want to test, but don't like placing early bids.
Also worth noting... the "first Place bid" is if you run across it from search results. It would be your 2nd Place Bid if you're trying to bid from your watched list. Easier to remember is if you see the screen where you input a dollar amount for your bid... you're one of the lucky ones that wasn't blocked with a code request popup that might not arrive.
onewiz
·1 year agoDoes anyone know if this is having an effect on sniping programs?
This "security" stuff has gotten out of hand. We have to make it more and more secure, so secure that it's to the point of being unusable. Why don't we just place it in a steel safe, weld it shut, and drop it into the Mariana Trench for extra security? Won't be very useful down there, but there's no way it can't be more secure!
Add me to the list of those who don't have a cell phone. I've always seen it as an extra bill I didn't need. For some reason, that concept seems impossible for most people under 35 to grasp.
airsheep
·1 year agoI'm having the same issue; long time buyer here. I tested it out, and bidding will block me unless I participate in their security farce, but I can do a BIN. I don't know if that is something ebay has put on the sellers without their knowledge like opting them into select payment. I hope it can be turned off.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoI got a block on a BIN and the best I can tell, the block is sporadic. I'm the OP, was finally able to bid on 2 items yesterday, after MANY, many attempts. Tried again just now and the block came up and no code sent. I refreshed the page 10 times, trying to bid after each refresh hoping the block would go away but it's still wanting to send a code that never comes.
I'll try again later, and again tomorrow (and the next day, and the next...) until either I can bid again, or the auction is over. This is getting tiresome and frustrating.
mister-heart
·1 year agoOh. What a pity
sbsjhm
·1 year agoI'm going to be saving a lot of money because I won't be spending it on ebay anymore.
sbsjhm
·1 year agoSame here. I don't have a cell phone either so after 30 years of buying and selling and almost 5000 transactions I guess I'm retired from ebay. There are other places to buy things and if ebay wants to make it harder for me to spend my money I will go elsewhere.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoCan I ask where you're going, @sbsjhm ? And per chance do you buy DVDs over there? That's pretty much all I buy, but not 100%.
sbsjhm
·1 year agoI buy books and CDs mostly on Amazon. I haven't done it yet but will look into Facebook Marketplace. I hope ebay comes to realize they are driving buyers away with this code requirement nonsense.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year ago2 for 2. I wonder if they removed that block to send a code. It's gone 2 out of 2 tries. But... will try 3 (or 4, or...) have the block thrown up in my face?
Are you still getting the block when you want to bid, @ittybitnot ? It hasn't asked how I wanted a code twice in a row now.
ittybitnot
·1 year agoAre you still getting the block when you want to bid, @ittybitnot ?
@dreambiglovelife
No. The only obstruction I get now is if the seller retains the "Buyer Rules" for auto-pay which indicates I will NOT get combined shipping if I should win more than one auction. I don't play that, so I just back out of those.
In today's drama on another ID, I changed my OLD magic jack phone number (listed as verified) to my cell that now works where I live. In the original drama, I never had a code sent, the changed to same phone number was listed as "verified" and I was not sent a code to use. The screen was taken away, so I could bid as normal. Today's drama sent me a code BEFORE they removed the "verify (or else you can never use eBay again LOL screen). The previous one never sent anything. I WAS NEVER GIVEN A CHOICE of a phone call or text....it was code sent to phone or you don't get to play.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year ago@ittybitnot What the heck? 😲
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoOMG! Guys! Look what I got!!!! I am SO glad I decided to try to see if auctions weren't blocked 100% of the time. I'm thinking it's sporadic, and hasn't gone away completely.
ittybitnot
·1 year ago@dreambiglovelife
Guess what? I just went to bid on something...had the send code to phone block appear again....AND IT DOES NOT WORK...requested the code be sent 4 times now......So all is not good. Different day, same garbage.
ittybitnot
·1 year ago@dreambiglovelife
Update to latest post. It is fixed. I was signed into a different ID, got the verify with code message to bid, and of course it didn't work. This ID had a verified phone number, but it was one I used waaaaay back when I had a "Magic Jack" (like yours it worked as a landline, but utilized the internet) since cell service was not an option. I guess they used to call me on it and it worked. It has been many years so I really don't remember. I changed the old number to my cell, this time they DID send a code to my phone and all is good.
I get the feeling, you could likely use any cell phone if someone in your household has one if you changed the number to theirs. It is more like a verification of having a cell phone as opposed to verifying who you are.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoThanks for the suggestion but my cat doesn't have a cell phone that I could use. She's very particular and allows NO ONE to touch it. Her claws come out if I try to reach for it. 😾
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoThis is so not surprising that it didn't work for you, then you "fixed" it and could bid, and now it's not working for you again. But what that tells me is that it's sporadic. I'm going to continue to try bidding daily, as I've been doing for years, and see if I can get a bid in without a block. I hope ebay pays attention to my feedback but doubt it. I think they need a LOT of people all with the same issue before it bubbles up to the top and could get fixed. That's why I'm contacting Seller's telling them that I want to bid but ebay is blocking me by not being able to receive their authentication codes. I figured that might get some sellers all upset and sending in their own feedback.
rokkworks
·1 year agoReading this thread, I’m wondering how (or if) the sniping services still work…
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoI had to look that up as I manually snipe. Or used to... I can't bid any longer. 😞 Do let us know when you next use that service!
ittybitnot
·1 year agoAfter many many hours and lots of drama, my issue was fixed (at least for today). You do NOT want to know, other than how it was fixed.
Go to your account settings> choose Personal Info. > Phone number....it may say "unverified" here. Click to edit...remove whatever phone number is there and carefully add your phone number again and click whatever is appropriate. https://accountsettings.ebay.com/profile
I removed the phone number, put the same one back in, and chose to verify. THEY DID NOT SEND ME A TEXT to confirm anything (even though I have a phone that can get texts from the whole world other than eBay LOL) At that point the phone number was listed as verified and I am good to go.
Not to say they didn't do something special just for me, but I doubt it. F.Book ebay threw me under the bus, and sent me to regular CS....this took six hours to figure out.
Let me know if this helps you or not....you may not need a cell phone, but hate to tell you that some of the "blues" aka ebay staff that post here says you do. I guess we are going to find out.
wastingtime101
·1 year agoThanks for sharing @ittybitnot - my account says "verified" next to my phone and email but it's good to know if others say they can't get texts to submit their auction bids they should check to see if their number is listed as "unverified" on their profile page.
Edit to tag @eburtonlab - FYI, see above in case this comes up on the ask a mentor forum.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoUnfortunately mine says Verified (and I'm the OP of this thread, reporting this issue originally). 😞
campanaelia
·1 year agoI'm curious how did you manage to verify your phone number without being able to receive the code to verify it?
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoBecause ebay doesn't send a code to verify it. How STUPID is that?!?!? And yes, I SS lots of things I do online. lol
When I went to my settings and clicked on Edit to enter the same number they had on file (which was already Verified, BTW) I saw this:
So I typed over the same exact phone number and hit enter and got this:
No call to "verify" that it was really me changing my phone number. It just stated "Updated successfully". But they then send an email saying your account info has been changed (but not what changed address? email? phone #? and to get in touch with them if that change wasn't done by me.
campanaelia
·1 year agoWell that's weird , when I verified my number I received a text with a code I had to enter on the ebay account edit page on my laptop. Even if they couldn't text you, they should of called the new number with the code. Without doing that I don't understand how it's verified.
ittybitnot
·1 year agoWithout doing that I don't understand how it's verified.
@campanaelia
The OP @dreambiglovelife had his phone listed on his account where it stated "verified" for that phone number anyway. That was not the case for me. I have been thinking about this some more, and very sorry the solution that finally worked for me, did not for the OP.
I don't know why my phone was listed as "unverified", but I have an idea. I had the same number for at least 15 years, the same email address since 1998. Before I moved from FL, I did not have cell service where I lived. It was a total dead zone. No calls coming in (except for some reason various robo calls), no calls could go out, and if someone sent me a text, I might get it in a week or so or not at all until I traveled from the swamp back to town. I had to have most places that started the "send code to phone for security purposes" remove that requirement for me. My bank removed it, my merchant account removed it, my website hosting service removed it, my cell phone company removed it, etc.
As far as I can tell, eBay never pulled this 'verification' via text (only choice) until the other day. Doing it so I couldn't bid was annoying. In my subsequent six hour drama, with eBay, I could not get a 'call back'. They said I didn't answer the phone (at least five times). Then they gave ME a phone number to call with a pin code. I could connect, I could talk to an agent, but as soon as he asked for my name, the agent could no longer hear me though I could hear them just fine (about four attempts at that).
Finally, after being transferred, transferred again, and again, and some more, in a chat box I had an agent beg me to try the "call back" feature again, and I actually got one (on the same unverified phone number they insisted I never answered). I guess the new call back guy took one look at the hours of chat transcripts and transferred me again. LOL.... the last guy (still on the phone call) was good. Told me where to look, told me to reenter the number, go see if I could bid on something and the "verification roadblock" eBay had been dishing out for hours that didn't work was gone. My phone was listed as 'verified'. This is the 'short version' and I am so sorry it didn't work for the OP.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoNow that is VERY weird and makes NO sense except this is ebay we're talking about. lol I've seen some strange things here.
And I agree with you, I SHOULD have gotten a call to verify my number, but nope. I showed you my SS's in my above post. Perhaps the texted it and it didn't go through because I don't have a way to receive texts?
I know, you're thinking "why would they text me when I don't have a cell phone listed?". Because some site's code isn't very well written, IMO. An example is Comcast. I don't have a cell phone listed, only a landline (VoIP), and they KNOW I don't have a cell phone because when I log on a window pops up asking me for that info (to update with my (nonexistent) cell phone number). Then what happens? They send me an email saying...
So bottom line... they KNOW I don't have a cell cuz they ask for that info every time I log on, and then they turn around and text me, then tell me it didn't go through. Well, duh, Comcast. Sheesh.
So if Comcast does that, I can see ebay letting my ph # change go through without me receiving a call. Wonky backend stuff like this makes me wonder how secure our info is with them. I know where I'm placing my bets and it's not in their favor.
roccotacodad54
·1 year agoThank You ittybitnot. I haven't run into the "get a code" thing yet but do bid on auctions.
I checked mine and it says verified................
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoCould you click on Bid to see if you get that popup window to send you a code? I'm curious if you get that popup. You obviously don't have to go through with a bid, clicking on bid will either bring up the send a code window, or it won't.
Thanks.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoI hope this works @ittybitnot , because you said "it may say "unverified" there", and mine actually says Verified. I'm scared to edit it with the same number and break something. Fingers crossed that RE-verifying it works. 🤞
Thank you for the headache it sounds like you went through to come up with a solution!
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoI wanted to report back that my phone number was Verified, but I changed it to the same number and clicked on update as the OP suggested, just to see if that would work. It did not work. I got a thank you for updating my phone number, tried to bid, and the phone still isn't ringing. 😞
metaldvdslive
·1 year agoI chose the call me option and i got the call right away on my landline and they computer gave me the numbers to input on the pc.
campanaelia
·1 year agoSo how well does that work when you're bidding in the last 5 seconds? And for int'l bidders, they will only call back numbers in the US and canada
metaldvdslive
·1 year agoThe code they gave me is still working so who knows when i need to call again for a temp code to bid. They should just go back to how it was.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoWhoa... those codes usually time out after so many seconds. That's.... odd. Or maybe it's a 1 time thing until your IP changes, and then you have to do it again. Strange. I just want to bid. *cries* ðŸ˜
wastingtime101
·1 year ago^^^ Did you see the option for a call with the code @dreambiglovelife or only a text?
When you look at the phone number on your account settings and click the edit button, do you have 'mobile' or 'landline' selected?
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoWhen I click to make a bid I get both a text and a phone call option, even though I don't have a cell phone. In my settings my phone number, which has been verified for as long as I've lived here (8 yrs), is labeled correctly as a landline. Except it's not really a landline I've come to find... it's VoIP as my physical old-school phone plugs into the modem, and not into a phone jack at the base of a wall.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoBidding in the last few seconds was one of the issues I raised when I started this thread. You can't do it anymore. Or, you'll need to figure out how long the process now takes with requesting the code to be sent, then entering it (correctly), and then clicking Enter, and then I have no idea if there's another screen before you can actually input a dollar value and hit Bid.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoI wish I had a landline. I thought I did since it's an old-school phone but it's actually VoIP (internet calls) since the phone plugs into my Comcast modem, and not into a wall jack. Who do you use for your landline? I'm data collecting trying to analyze this issue. I analyze everything in my life. lol
wastingtime101
·1 year agoHi @dreambiglovelife. Click the ? icon on the bottom right of the item page. Select the "send feedback" link as those comments will go to the product developers.
Same to you @ittybitnot except in your case maybe use the option to report a tech issue rather than send feedback.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoWouldn't I be reporting a Technical Problem, since that's what it appears to be? Not sure which department gets what in your example (Send Feedback and also to Report a technical problem).
wastingtime101
·1 year agoWell it's not really a tech issue when VoIP numbers are intentionally incompatible, but you could use the tech error link if you want.
I was looking at it more like submitting feedback that you don't want to have to take the extra step of entering a verification code each time you bid on an auction and instead would rather eBay verify your account outside of the bidding process.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoI sent this msg to a seller who I had 5 items I wanted to bid on:
Hi, I just wanted you to know about a (new) issue with ebay that is preventing people from bidding on items.
They are now sending authentication codes to our phones, but several of us aren't getting them. I started a thread about that issue in the ebay community which is how I know others aren't receiving a code as well.
The reason I'm telling you is if Sellers become aware that people (A) can't bid on their listings, or B) raise a bid (if we had placed our initial bid before this "security" feature of ebay's went into effect a few days ago), then the knowledge that they aren't selling items for more money might get Sellers to also contact ebay about their displeasure with this new feature.
Lastly, I had FIVE auctions of yours saved that I can't bid on. One of those I won ONLY because no one else bid. But if they had, I wouldn't have been able to raise my bid. I also missed out on this DVD because I bid before the security feature went into effect, but was unable to raise my bid. I wonder how high this item would have gone as I'm thinking I might not be the only Buyer who isn't receiving ebay's codes.
Sign me UNHAPPY about this change.
despatch
·1 year agoI was on the phone today with eBay Customer Service and they couldn't correct it. And they didn't tell me that this was a new security feature. They did thank me for my "loyalty" after being on the platform for over 26 years. eSnipe does work, though - but it is an inconvenience and a pain when right there to bid. If this gets corrected, will reply to you again. Take care.
chases_card_shop
·1 year agoDo you have 2 factor authentication turned on? I'm having no issues bidding on items, and it seems like many others aren't having an issue either. It might just be your settings, as this definitely isn't a global change to ebay's system.
valueaddedresource
·1 year ago@chases_card_shop this is something different than the standard 2FA for account log in.
eBay staff have confirmed that some bidders on some auctions will now be required to verify their bids by receiving a code via text or phone call and that this is being intentionally done "to help enhance the overall experience for buyers and sellers by reducing sniping, shill bidding and unpaid item situations."
They declined to provide details about criteria that triggers the requirement, so who knows why some bidders get it while others, like you, have not had it happen yet but it is not something that can be opted out of or turned off in any settings.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoNo, I do not have 2 factor authentication turned on. I still get the block trying to send me a code that never comes. I don't mind having to input a code to bid, I just need the darn phone to ring and it doesn't! THAT is my issue with this whole mess. I THINK some phone providers think those calls are spam so they block them. I have the same issue with some things I try to do inline with financial institutions. Nothing I can do about it if I can't get Comcast to understand the problem and fix it. With that said... other's are having the same issue and they don't use Comcast so it's not just them. It's wider than that and affecting a lot of us.
You'd THINK that ebay wouldn't want to block bidders because less buyers, or less people driving bids up = less revenue for ebay AND less money for Sellers and you'd think that would upset Sellers that they aren't getting top dollar.
In answer to it must be something in my settings... I'm of the belief it's with our phone providers, not our ebay settings. At least all my research has led me to believe that.
gator08041971
·1 year ago@dreambiglovelife
Wait:
@dreambiglovelife
I just need the darn phone to ring and it doesn't!
It's not going to. The service uses texting, not phone calls. Usually it's a text message that you get. Here is what I would suggest:
Visit your account settings page regarding contact info here:
You may need to login to view this page
https://accountsettings.ebay.com/profile
Under here, review your Phone number. It should say "Verified" below it. You may need to click "Edit" to see the entire number.
If the number is not a mobile phone number, or is incorrect, you need to update it, then save (at some point it will send a text to verify the number) then you should be set.
If for some reason this IS correct, I would try to re-update the number anyway, save it again, and see if it will re-verify your number. If that fails, see if you have a relative with a mobile phone that you could use to verify if it has something to do with your phone or service settings and their phone allows the text through.
valueaddedresource
·1 year ago@gator08041971 several people in this thread have reported when they get the pop up it gives them either only an option for a text message or the ability pick either text or a call, with the call being an automated recording that provides the code.
UK community staff have said that if your number on file is a cell phone, you will only have the text/SMS option but if it is a landline you will also have the option to receive the code via call. I would assume that is likely also true for the US, given that some here in this thread say they were given that option.
The issue @dreambiglovelife is having is that neither of those options actually works because the text or call is never received - and I agree that is likely probably an issue with their phone service blocking the text or call.
If so, unfortunately that's not likely something eBay can really do anything to fix but that would be a good argument for why eBay should not launch requirements like this with no notice or announcements, no help or policy pages with details about how it is supposed to work, and no ability to opt out or have the code sent to email instead.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoRe: unfortunately that's not likely something eBay can really do anything to fix but that would be a good argument for why eBay should not launch requirements like this with no notice or announcements, no help or policy pages with details about how it is supposed to work, and no ability to opt out or have the code sent to email instead.
How about an emailed code! My email provider likely wouldn't think it's spam. And even if they did, I could retrieve it from my Spam folder. This is REALLY annoying.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoI'm not following you regarding your comment:
I had said this: I just need the darn phone to ring and it doesn't!
You had replied with this:
It's not going to. The service uses texting, not phone calls.
Are you talking about my being unable to get a phone call from ebay before bidding? If so, there is a "call me" option. See image below:
Regarding this: " review your Phone number. It should say "Verified" below it. "
It says verified. It's been verified for as long as I've been on ebay (21 years).
Regarding: "I would try to re-update the number anyway, save it again, and see if it will re-verify your number. ".
Been there, done that, I posted upthread about that. It didn't work. But! I REALLY, REALLY appreciate your chiming in because if someone could come up with something I haven't tried but worked... I'd be beyond thrilled. 😄
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoI am going to message every single Seller that posted an item that I want to bid on what I'd love to, but ebay won't let me because multiple people can't receive the codes via phone. So they'll end up getting less for their items since a lot of us can no longer bid. THAT'LL set a fire under the Seller's behinds to get ebay to change or fix the issue. Cuz they sure aren't listening to me, but if their Sellers get upset... maybe they'll listen. More voices will hopefully help resolve this issue. One can hope.
kensgiftshop
·1 year agoIt's not just Ebay.
Just about every site I use, have to have a cell phone to receive the text codes.
ittybitnot
·1 year agoIt's not just Ebay.
LOL. That is why I know that I can get texts.....EXCEPT from eBay.
@dreambiglovelife
Update. Facebook CS says they can't verify my account. Sent me a link to my email with a code, and I signed in and used it. They say the verification did not go through, and referred to to THE REGULAR CS from hell "that may have other options"......
I am so mad since I would rather have a root canal at this moment. LOL. the auctions I wanted ended anyway. Feel bad for the seller.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoARRRRGGGHHHH! I'm sorry you missed out on those auctions. Here is and update on the issue I started this thread about... The customer service rep assured me that I'd have NO problem raising the bid on any auctions I currently had bid on before this fiasco of a security change was implemented.
WRONG!!! I am not allowed to even raise a bid. What the ef ever.
And from what ittybitnot says... even a cell phone won't help as they have one and are getting all codes EXCEPT from ebay.
smh with a sigh.
despatch
·1 year agoJust bid on an item without getting any requests for texts / codes. Had 3 sent to my landline yesterday and didn't answer the calls. Maybe they got too many complaints?
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoWow. Lucky you. I tried just now after seeing your post and got the block to get a call or text. You know, those calls and texts that never come? Yeah, those. *mutters under my breath*
Lastly, I had posted upthread that I think it's sporadic, as I was able to bid ONCE since this whole mess started. Due to that I try multiple times a day, hoping for the ability to put a bid in.
roccotacodad54
·1 year agoLucky me too I guess. After reading your reply I opened a new window and placed a bid on an item on my watchlist, no problem.
I'll just keep my fingers crossed that it doesn't start happening to me. It hasn't yet.
Makes me wonder if it's sporadic or some criteria involved that I seem to not trigger.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoI am beyond happy for you! I was able to bid once after this issue started, but haven't been able to bid again, even though I try several times a day. It's my turn for a bid to go through! lol
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoDo like I'm doing and msg the Seller and tell them they could have made more on their item and why they didn't. I'm setting fires under butts. Could use some help. 🙂
mudshark61369
·1 year ago@dreambiglovelife ,
You may not be receiving what Comcast is calling Spam because you marked an ebay call as Spam possibly by mistake instead of Not Spam at some time. I to use Comcast/Xfinity and see that I received Spam calls and the number they came from, and I just activated a new phone. Maybe that is what you need to ask their C.S. reps about, how to see what number a spam call came from?
You can always try using your phone to bid but by logging into ebay using your phone's browser the classic way with your username and password. They may not recognize your device at first but you can have a message sent to your email with a code instead of calling you. So logging in before you intend to bid a few times would help. Once you've done that a few times you shouldn't need to verify your device unless you clear your cookies and temp files. Then you will have to go through the verification again.
Your other option would be to engage a Bid Sniping service and have them place a last second bid for you.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoThanks for your reply to my Comcast issue. I have never marked any phone calls as Spam so I can confidently say I didn't accidentally block ebay, or Wells Fargo, or my local credit union, or Schwab and Fidelity. See where I'm going with this? Comcast is blocking calls they think are spam from financial institutions when I try to transfer money online, and now they are blocking ebay. The bottom line is... Comcast thinks that code authentication calls are spam and blocks them. I can't get their reps to understand the issue. They want to reset my modem. *eyeroll* I've also explained to them that I have the spam setting at the lowest level I'm allowed to do which is supposed to allow ALL calls to come through. God I hate Comcast but I'm stuck with them. *mutters under my breath*
I can't use my phone to bid. And I do not have a cell phone as I had stated, so I can't receive their texts. My only option is to receive a phone call with the code, but they are blocking those. It's their new and enhanced spam blocker that they recently pushed out. Below is what they sent me, but in all honesty, I was having this problem before they rolled this out. I have it on the least sensitive setting that they allow me to, and calls are still blocked. They are driving me batty. I figured out workarounds for the financial institutes, but don't have one for bidding on ebay. I really, really, really do not want to get a cell phone in order to do things online. 😞
roccotacodad54
·1 year agoYes. I think you may have two step verification turned on. I don't and just placed a bid on an item on my watchlist just to see if this was something new.
No code requested.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoI don't have it set up. I also think that ebay rolls stuff out in batches, not to 100% of everyone all at once. This is so annoying. 😞 No more bidding for me, apparently. Unless I break down and get a cell phone which I just don't want. 😞
jimmybeee
·1 year agoI am having the same issue. Does anyone know how to turn off the two step verification? When I go to "Sign in and Security", it only allows me to edit. Where can i disable it?
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoI don't think two-step verification is the issue as I don't have it set up (and I'm the OP w/ this problem).
dryophelia
·1 year ago@dreambiglovelife
Did you happen to activate 2 step verification?
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoNope. I figured if I did it was something ebay did for me. I just now checked and it appears I don't as it's wanting me to choose a method to set it up.
ittybitnot
·1 year ago@dreambiglovelife
I am having a similar issue today. I am trying to bid. I keep getting blocked from bidding with this "send verification code" to my phone number. I have requested the code seven times so far. I have not received a text. I do not have the 2 step nonsense either, nor do I have Comcast.
I posted a message to eBay F.Book, but they haven't answered yet. I feel for the seller, he would have had better sales if it wasn't for this. I get texts from everyplace else....maybe eBay is using a VPN...LOL.
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoWhoa.... So you have a cell and the ability to text (I have neither), don't have Comcast (lucky you), and you STILL can't get their code?!?!? This is a problem, folks. A big, fat problem. 😞
Please do keep us updated if they respond, or anything new in regards to this issue.
ittybitnot
·1 year ago@dreambiglovelife
No codes. 10 attempts now. I get codes from everyplace else, I get plenty of "spam" texts and I simply just block those numbers as opposed to using any filter. The auctions I wanted are almost over anyway. I have another 15 minutes before I have to go out. So if I don't get any response I won't be able to update and have to start over. I will report any changes.
kensgiftshop
·1 year agoI don't know if it's an option or not, but is there a setting on your phone where you can get a message if they think it's spam and let you decide to receive it or not?
On my phone, once in awhile I'll get one of those messages and it'll ask if I want to receive a text message from this number.
I don't know if it's automatic or something I turned on somewhere?
dreambiglovelife
OP1 year agoGreat suggestion, but I think the bigger issue is that they, and I, aren't getting codes and we're trying to receive them in 2 different manners. Mine through Comcast V0IP as a phone call as I don't have a cell phone, and ittybitnot NOT through Comcast, and asking for a text to their cell phone. That makes me think it's ebay with the issue, since ittybitnot and I aren't doing anything remotely the same way.
unemployed_husky
·1 year agoEvery time eBay has a new security system set up or some new website feature, there's just a constant flood of nobody NPC's flooding in and blaming the user for doing something. How about get educated on what eBay is doing behind the scenes. They are constantly manipulating the site every single day.