Ebay sent me a security code I did not request.

[mpoconnor]

Hello,

Thirty minutes ago, I received a security code from eBay that I did not request.  Then I logged into my account but prior to that, I had not logged into it for several months. Are other members getting unrequested security codes? If it was an unauthorized login attempt, can eBay IT tell me from which city/country the attempt was made?

By the way, why doesn't eBay allow me to speak or chat directly with someone in their fraud department? Ebay's auto-attendant refers me back to the Help Page to use Chat even though I mentioned I had a possible fraud issue. 

Also, once I'm in the Help Page, eBay hides the Chat tool; so, posting my problem in this community forum is the only place, I can get assistance.  Does eBay even have a genuine fraud department (i.e., not artificial intelligence)? If they do and they are closed on Saturdays, then why not just post the department's operating hours?  I expected a lot more from eBay.

Sincerely,

Michael 

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

@mpoconnor    This is what you do if you think your account was hacked; 

You will call eBay in step 8.  You only need to call if the hacker used your account to buy or sell an item. 

#1 Run a full scan with your virus software to remove any spyware from your computer.

#2 Go to my eBay> account> addresses and make sure that all information is correct including your cell phone number and registered email

https://accountsettings.ebay.com/uas/addresses

#3 My eBay> account> communication preferences> delivery options make sure that ALL of the email addresses are correct.

https://my.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MyEbayBeta&CurrentPage=MyeBayNextNotificationPreferences&ssPage...

#4 Change your passwords and secret questions. My eBay> account> sign in and security

https://accounts.ebay.com/acctsec/security-center

#5 You can check here to see if there are any logins that you do not recognize. Once you change your password it should log you out of all devices. https://signinalert.ebay.com/sgninalrt/sessions

#6 Secure your PayPal and email accounts. Change the passwords and secret questions. Be sure to use different passwords and secret questions on eBay, your email, and PayPal. Do not use these passwords on any other account.
Hacked accounts often start with a hacked email account. 

#7  If you allowed "quicker checkout" on eBay or other websites (not recommended) you can disable that by logging in to PayPal

Once you log into PayPal>

To turn this feature off, follow the steps below:
Click the Settings icon next to "Log out."
Click Edit next to "Stay logged in for faster purchases."
Click Log out beside the device to turn off One Touch

#8 Calling is the only way to report hacked accounts for security reasons.

IF you are outside the US or Canada you will need to use Skype to call.
https://support.skype.com/en/faq/fa10613/how-do-i-make-a-call-on-skype

 This is the dedicated number for Hacked Accounts:   1-866-961-9253

( customer service agents at this number can only help with account security issues)

This is where you can ask eBay to remove any transactions from your account and refund your money. Be sure to ask for a credit for sellers fees if the hacker used your account to sell any items.

#9 If you are a seller then be sure to check the email address on any listings as hackers will often change this so that funds from sales go to their PayPal account and not yours.  If you are now receiving payouts via managed payments verify that your bank account is still correct here: https://www.ebay.com/sh/fin/settings

#10 For extra protection consider turning on two-step verification.  It's towards the bottom of this page:
https://my.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MyeBay&CurrentPage=MyeBayPersonalInfo&gbh=1&ssPageName=STRK:ME:...

#11  Unlink all Social Sign in methods and change your passwords on those accounts too.    The hacker will be able to use the social sign in links to sign in to your account again if you do not disconnect this option. 

https://accounts.ebay.com/acctsec/security-center

[inceptions · Accepted solution]

Don't assume this is fraud. You can log in with your user ID or your email address. Someone with a similar user ID or email address may have mis-typed, couldn't get in, and likely attempted to sign in too many times.

Whether they were fraudsters or not, they didn't get into your account because the security code was sent to you. Unless you were directed to contact eBay, there is no need to. eBay will not disclose any information about another member to you, but in this case they won't even know who it is because the only thing eBay knows is they used your email or user ID to try to sign in.