Fishy request from eBay user?

[stylewithkyle]

In regards to one of my listings, I received a message from a potential buyer stating an offer a bit higher than my listing's actual asking price. 

They are asking me for my cell phone number, asking for screenshots of my number, and other odd requests. I told them I was unable to reveal my cell phone number and personal info of the like because of eBay policy, and the user responded that eBay is just telling you that, so you pay their fees. So, I suppose they are looking to make this transaction off eBay.... a clear violation of eBay's policy.

I am trying to find out how to report this user, but I have no idea how to! He did not buy anything from me yet; he was just trying to deceive me via private messages since my account is new. (I have been around for quite a few years - deleted my old account since I thought I was done with the site). 

Anyways, if someone could please help, I would greatly appreciate it. I do not want this scammer taking advantage of new users!!

[a_c_green · Accepted solution]

Stop responding to the scammer, add the ID to your Blocked Bidder List (here), delete and forget. Especially do not engage in dialogue with him, in case an eBay bot thinks that the two of you are attempting an off-eBay sale. Reporting the ID will be a waste of time as they simply set up another and keep on going. Congratulate yourself on recognizing a scam before it burns you, and move on.

P.S. Scammers will be coming out of the woodwork to scam those $400 Yeezy shoes off you, a seller showing a feedback count of (5). Best to sell those locally for cash.

[ersatz_sobriquet]

You need to reply asap to the scammer quickly in messages that you don't give out your number and that you don't do off ebay sales. 

Otherwise there is a good chance you will get the off ebay sale warning, which something like 3 can get you banned from selling at all. 

Immediately block this ID that sent you the message. 

Then delete without opening any other messages from them. 

[zzydny]

Put this person on your Block Bidder list.  Ignore any future messages. 

[stylewithkyle]

Yeah, I added him to my blocked bidder list already.

I thought eBay could blacklist him somehow. I don't know - wishful thinking I suppose.
In regards to the listing, I am thinking of removing it soon anyways and holding onto for a little while since I know the price will appreciate overtime.

Thank you for your help!

[muttlymob]

What the "buyer" is trying to do is get your phone number so he can send a text outside the eBay system to start the scam.  These scammers used to direct eBay message asking for your PayPal email so they could send a fake email claiming that he paid but you need to send the item in order to receive the payment.  Hoping that you would not actually check your PayPal account to see that there was no payment.

Now eBay blocks email address (and phone numbers - thus the request for a screenshot of your number) from their messages so the scammers are coming up with workarounds.

Ditto another poster on congratulations for recognizing a scam before it was too late.

Add the ID to your blocked bidder list, but this may not do much since these scammers can easily get lots of new IDs either their own or hijacked.