Account Security Communication Partner Warning - What does this mean?

[secondlifeserver]

I just sold an item to "user", they paid after I sent an email and I received the amount in whole >$400. However I just received an email from moreinfo@ebay.com. I do not know what to do, I have not shipped the item yet. 

A Couple notes:

• Address matches in pp and ebay
• Username matches address name (closely)
• In PP: Seller protection Eligible
• Ebay account has 75+ positive (5 this month)
• Purchase history is in the same category of what I sold to him
• Member since 2011
• Seems like he actually lives in Ukraine, he left feedback 1+ year ago that he received in Ukraine.
• I don't know the specifics on being able to post the buyer's username / address.

The following is a paste of what the message was, with the name redacted.

*start of email*

MC010 Account Security Communication Partner Warning

Our records show that you recently contacted or received messages from "user" through eBay's messaging system. This account was recently found to have been accessed by an unauthorized third party, who may have used the account in an attempt to defraud other members.

We've taken action to restore this account to the original owner, but wanted to let you know to be suspicious of any communication you may have received from them.  Nothing is wrong with your account at this time – this message is just being sent as a precaution. If you have received any messages from that appears suspicious, please feel free to forward them to us at spoof@ebay.com for review.

--  Safety Tips --
-- Don't respond to the sender, through either eBay or your email provider, if the message is an offer to buy or sell an item.. This type of offer may be fraudulent, and the transaction won't be covered by eBay protection programs.

- - If you received what appears to be a Second Chance Offer for an item you recently bid on, and it appears in My Messages with the subject of "Message from eBay Member," it isn't a legitimate Second Chance Offer. 

Real Second Chance Offers appear in My Messages with a blue background and subject that says, "eBay Second Chance Offer for Item...".  Always check for both the blue background in My Messages and the subject line of "eBay Second Chance Offer for Item…" when responding to a Second Chance Offer.

-- Never pay for your eBay items using instant cash wire transfer services such as Western Union or MoneyGram. It is against eBay's Safe Payments Policy for a seller to request payment with these methods, as these types of payments are unsafe if you're paying someone you don't know.

-- If You've Already Sent Payment or Shipped an Item --
- - If you already sent payment for an off-eBay transaction, or if you're a seller who already shipped an item to a fraudulent buyer, we suggest you take the following steps:

-- Contact the payment service you used to make the purchase.  If you paid by credit card, most card issuers provide consumer protections in instances of online fraud. 

- - If you sold and shipped an item to a fraudulent buyer, contact the carrier you used to ship the item. You might be able to receive additional assistance from the shipping service. If it was sent through the United States Postal Service, you may want to file mail fraud charges. Please go to:
 http://www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect/

- - Report the fraudulent buyer or seller both to law enforcement officials in your area, and in the area where the buyer or seller lives. To find law enforcement agencies by area, please visit:
 http://www.usacops.com

When you contact a law enforcement officer, please explain the following:

  - eBay will be happy to help with the officer's investigation.
  - For more information on how the officer can contact eBay, go to:
    http://pages.ebay.com/securitycenter/law_enforcement.html

-- You may also want to file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The IC3 is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center. The IC3 will review complaints and refer information to the appropriate local, state, or federal agency. To file a complaint with the IC3, please go to:
 http://www.ic3.gov/

We also need you to take a few minutes to provide more information related to the transaction. The information you provide will allow us to work more effectively with law enforcement should an investigation occur. Please go to:
 http://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/transactions-outside-eBay.html

Click the "Item Bought Outside of eBay" or "Item Sold Outside of eBay" link. 

Thanks for your cooperation.

Thanks,

eBay

*end of email*

[secondlifeserver]

I am thinking about questioning the buyer about his history to see it it is legit, or if he is trying to scam me. Has anyone else dealt with this situation before?

[southern*sweet*tea]

Cancel using problem with buyer's address. Your fees will be refunded and there will be no negative effects to your account. Were it me, I would also block the user ID.   https://www.ebay.com/bmgt/BuyerBlock?

Ebay saved you from a scammer. Don't even entertain the idea of continuing this transaction.

[donsdetour]

Save your self time and aggravation:

cancel the sale as already suggested.

[secondlifeserver]

Alright I canceled, probably for the best.

[valueaddedresource]

@secondlifeserver  - good call on canceling.  👍

I was going to say that while all of the things you mentioned can certainly help, ultimately there is still the possibility that it could be a hacked/hijacked account which might have excellent previous history, feedback etc.

Many of the accounts that are being used to perpetrate triangulation fraud on eBay are just such compromised accounts - fraudsters tend to prefer to use established accounts if possible specifically because it does lend an air of legitimacy.

In theory you would be covered by PayPal and eBay protections if you had shipped, as long as it was shipped to the PP address, but in my experience dealing with online fraud I have seen in practice that doesn't always work out.  As much as it is disappointing to a lose a sale, in a case like this it's generally not worth taking the risk.

[coreymillia2012]

I recently tried to purchase an item for $27 and the seller got this message from ebay about me. I am not and was not trying to scam anyone. Not sure why the email was sent to the seller, who was mad. Cancelled the order, and sent a refund plus a rude message. Claimed my feedback was manipulated by all of the same buyers. Which it is not.  I opened a case for an item not received that was ordered almost 2 months ago with the expected delivery a few days ago, and opened a return for a defective scanner on the same day.  Both legitimate cases. So, not sure why this happened, if it was automatic or if one of the sellers reported me. But can say it is pretty frustrating as I do about 90% of my shopping, and have a store with 100% feedback.  Contacted ebay who said the seller should not have canceled the order, which I don't blame them, and wanted to know why ebay sent them the message in the first place. But said they were going to look into their account.  And that mine was in good standing and that there was nothing to worry about. They also had negative feedback saying the seller had cancelled their order for the same reason. However I am pretty stressed out about it.

[downunder-61]

This thread is from Nov 2020, if you are concerned post a new thread and you may get more advice

[coreymillia2012]

Yeah I was just thinking if I should shortly after posting. Just thought if anyone else was looking up the subject. The guy lost a $400 sale to someone who may not have been a scammer. Not sure if I am concerned too much, the ebay rep said there was no problem with my account. I made a sale tonight right before making the purchase that got cancelled, everything looks good.  Purchased the item again from another seller, and have not got a rude email saying I am trying to rip them off.

Other threads suggest the email may not even be legit. From the sound of the rep at the fraud department I talked to she knew nothing about any 3rd party activity on my account.