fraud
Based on your experience, the eBay seller is attempting a scam by demanding additional payment outside of the official eBay platform
. Here’s an explanation of this tactic, what you can do, and how to report it.
Understanding the scam
- Request for off-platform payment: The seller is violating eBay's policy by directing you to pay customs fees through a third-party service like UPS directly. This is a major red flag. All payments for eBay transactions should be handled through eBay's checkout system to be covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee.
- Loss of buyer protection: By paying the additional $324 through UPS, your transaction is no longer protected by eBay. This is exactly what the seller wants, as they can take your money and potentially disappear without providing the item.
- Fake customs claim: The "federal tax and Trump's tariffs" likely is a fabricated story to make the charge seem legitimate and urgent. The scammer's misrepresentation of tariff timing further confirms this. While some international packages may have legitimate customs fees due upon delivery, you should never pay them directly to a seller or through a link they provide. Genuine customs fees are paid directly to the carrier or customs authority.
- Holding the package hostage: The seller is threatening to prevent delivery unless you pay the extra fee. This pressure tactic is designed to get you to act quickly before you have time to research or report the scam.
What you can do right now
- Do not pay the additional fee. Paying the seller outside of eBay will make it much more difficult to recover your funds.
- Contact UPS directly. Call the official UPS customer service line (not any number the seller gave you) and provide your tracking number. Ask if there are any legitimate customs charges due on the package. If the representative confirms no fees are owed, you will have evidence for your case.
- Report the seller to eBay immediately.
- Find the item in your Purchase History.
- Contact eBay Customer Service and explain the situation clearly.
- State that the seller is requesting payment off-platform, which is a direct violation of eBay's policies.
- Provide any communication from the seller, as this will serve as proof.
- Open an "Item not as described" case if needed. You can argue the item is not as described because you are not receiving it under the conditions you agreed to on eBay.
How to avoid this in the future
- Keep all transactions on eBay. Never agree to pay a seller directly for any reason. Legitimate customs fees will either be included in your checkout total through a program like the Global Shipping Program or be collected by the shipping carrier upon delivery.
- Be wary of high-pressure tactics. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to bypass your normal vigilance. If a seller insists on unusual requests or off-platform communication, it's a major warning sign.
- Check seller feedback and history. Look for reviews, especially for new sellers or those selling high-value items, as scammers often operate with newly created accounts.
Your report about the seller [seller name removed] and their methods will help protect other buyers from falling victim to this common scam.
