Exchange of contact information

[rakefinger169]

Many sellers on Ebay provide their personal phone numbers and email addresses for potential buyers to contact them for information, or to discuss an item.  Years ago, I was temporarily suspended and scolded by Ebay for having contact with a seller "outside of Ebay Messaging".  Have the rules changed?

[jacbarcollectibles]

Except in specific categories the sharing of contact information is prohibited.  Some sellers will place their contact information in a photo which cannot be read of the AI bots.  This can be reported to eBay and the listing will be removed.