Access denied on server, but able to log on to account on another device.

[point-device]

I got the following Access Denied announcement:  "You don't have permission to access 'http://www.ebay.com/shi/i.html?' on this server." --- and I am now blocked on my home computer.

I was not given any explanation: no warning, or reason why, or instructions on how to reestablish access. 

And my actual eBay account was not suspended, because I am still able to logon to eBay on my phone.

Moreover, I did NOT get an eBay message concerning the access denial, either on eBay or on my personal email account, but I DID get a prompt notification about my subsequent (atypical) log in on my phone.

I started a chat conversation on eBay.com help - which I broke off when it was clear that their offer of a quick and easy fix required a "refundable" $1.00 membership purchase with a credit card or through PayPal.

This looked and felt exactly like a phishing scam !!!

Exposing their customers to scams may not be an official part of eBay's business model.

But, whether it is intentional or not, hermetically sealing off Customer Support, or eliminating it altogether, has the practical effect of leaving their customers vulnerable to scammers.

[point-device]

Following up on my "access denied on this server" posting...

What I would like to know is: 

1) Is this a legitimate eBay issue - or is it some sort of hacking scam?

And, If it is legitimate: 

2) Why did it happen?

3) How can I fix it?

4) And how can I prevent it from happening again?

I would also like to know: 

A)  Is it possible to contact an actual person at eBay?  And, if so, how?

B) And, how can I tell if a contact or communication venue is legitimate or part of scam?

[dhbookds]

Certainly a scam..........I'd run a Malware scan of your computer.......  Ebay has nothing to do with your server.  You can google Server denial scams.

To contact ebay , go to help/contact on top of any page.......go thru the questions as to the subject of your question and you will get a phone # to call, or they will call you back.  Note that they aren't open 24 hrs......

Do NOT google Ebay for a phone number.........some of those are scammers.

[eburtonlab]

"Access Denied" errors when trying to check out or pay usually indicate some sort of network error.

If you are using a VPN or Disconnect, try disabling it.

If you are using a custom firewall, that may be causing problems.

See here for further suggestions of things to try:

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Technical-Issues/Access-Denied/m-p/29845776#M56948

[eburtonlab]

"Access Denied" errors when trying to check out or pay usually indicate some sort of network error.

If you are using a VPN or Disconnect, try disabling it.

If you are using a custom firewall, that may be causing problems.

See here for further suggestions of things to try:

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Technical-Issues/Access-Denied/m-p/29845776#M56948

[eburtonlab]

"Access Denied" errors when trying to check out or pay usually indicate some sort of network error.

If you are using a VPN or Disconnect, try disabling it.

If you are using a custom firewall, that may be causing problems.

See here for further suggestions of things to try:

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Technical-Issues/Access-Denied/m-p/29845776#M56948

[friskya]

Which page are you trying to access?

The link you provided takes me to a "We looked everywhere" error message.  I don't think I've ever seen an "i.html" ending to any eBay link and I don't recognize "shi" either. I usually see "m.html" at the end of the links.

Also, all eBay pages should be an https address... your link is http, which very few (if any) commercial sites use any more.