eBay

valkyrie_5828 · ‎01-12-2023

I got a 200$ dollar gift card for Christmas I went to check balance and there it said $200.00. My Mom standing next to me can vouch for me. I go to buy a violin and guess what. balance total: $0.00

My money was stolen almost the moment I went to check balance. I'm screwed to because since I was given as a gift and don't have receipt I AM 100% SCREWED. Thanks for destroying my hopes and dreams of playing beautiful classic music on violin.💥🎻😭

stainlessenginecovers · ‎01-12-2023

Did you go to the 'back of the card' to check the balance before buying?

Did you check it again now (using back of card site) ?

Did you give anyone the 'numbers' via any 'email' or 'text' messages?

redmodelt · ‎01-12-2023

Most people start learning an instrument at a young age, so if you are under 18 you are not allowed to open an eBay account, not that age would be the reason why the $0 balance.

Did you try calling the number on the back of the card to see if they can give you any information why the $0 balance?

These are user chat boards, other buyers and sellers, so we can't see why you might have a $0 balance.

To be clear, you did find the violin on eBay and only entered any card information on the eBay site?

The link below is to information about using a gift card, maybe something there that might help you.

eBay gift cards | eBay

You can also try using Help/Contact that is in the header or bottom of every page.

simba6 · ‎01-12-2023

Scammers remove the strip in the back of unsold gift cards and write down the numbers. Replacement strips can be purchased on the internet to make the card look untouched. Then they keep checking the balance and when the card is sold they spend the money. That is why they are now sold in a package you have to tear open to get to the card.

Gift cards should NEVER be purchased. Your giving your money to a third party and may never see it again.

Call the number on the back of the card and see what they say. In some cases the card is locked if it's balance is checked before it's sold and the funds are safe.

ms.rodriguez* · ‎01-13-2023

Sorry about this. You reached the Ebay community boards and we are just regular ebay members that volunteer our time here to help others. Ebay is not to blame for this. Your hopes and dreams should NOT be destroyed because a scammer stole your money. Get a job and save and buy that violin.

In the future, tell family members to NOT give you a gift card. Ask for cash for your violin. Goodluck.

12345jamesstamps · ‎01-13-2023

Most people who send a gift card nowadays they send it with the receipt of amount on it. Anyone who bought the gift card for you can usually have that sale on their bank statement from which they used.

valkyrie_5828 · ‎01-14-2023

I wasn't given a receipt with my card because it was Christmas present, and it's code was not ever scratched off. I'm standing there with my Mom she seen how fast it happened. It was like someone was sitting there waiting for me to walk in and give them all my money. I promise I was at the legit eBay site I made new account and what I thought in my mind was that once I enter my digits in I would tie the balance to my account. There is no recent transactions no history it's like everything just ...poofed.

This was very strange because right when I noticed the balance was wiped out I check my emails and I see there was someone in my eBay account and so I reset my password. Then like a few hours later I get another email from someone else from a different location and they are now in my account so I changed my password again.

I guess they have no reason to keep hacking my account they got me for everything. I just thought I'd share my story. I know there isn't anything I can do but let you all know what happened.

My love for playing violin will never fade I will make it work out one way or another I'll work really hard and save up. Thanks everyone have a wonderful day!

ms.rodriguez* · ‎01-15-2023

If someone took your new Ebay password the same day that means that they are getting into your regular emails or your device and finding the new ebay password. Immediately, as soon as you finish reading this, CHANGE your password on ALL of your devices, on your email account and also your ebay and paypal account. Do NOT use a public computer or a shared computer when you do ebay or banking.

Your passwords should be totally different from your old passwords. Do not just add a new number at the end. Don't use passwords named after your dog or kid . Get a notebook and keep the passwords there but make sure that no one gets your notebook.

Always remember to sign out of Ebay or whatever site you are on so that no one else can use your account.

If you have a roommate, I would be very careful around them. Don't tell anyone about any gift cards you received. Goodluck on your music career.