Rarely used account suddenly suspended indefinitely (last acticvity was 2 years ago)

[muol]

I have a problem with my second account, which I've only used for selling some private stuff during recent years. I've had that account for 16 years and sold approx 10 items during that time. Last sale was two years ago, and didn't go well because the buyer claimed the item as defective to force a return. Needless to say, there was no defect, and I'm still using the item, a video card, daily.

Anyway, today I receive an eBay email telling me that they have suspended this account indefinitely. No explanation and no further message explaining what I'd have to do to reactivate the account. I had no negative feedback, no fees open, and didn't even log in during the past two years.

eBay "support" is completely unhelpful. Their phone # doesn't work anymore, and the chatbot keeps telling me that there's no direct chat (with a human being)  available. Really?

So, how can I get in touch with eBay to resolve the matter? Is there really no other option, except an unhelpful chatbot and a help site sending people in circlets?

[cubano4u]

Currently there is no way to speak with anyone other than the usual customer service, which is outsourced and those folks are extremely limited in what they can and do tell you. Your best bet is to use social media, such as eBay for busi8ness on Facebook. Send them a message that way and they are good about responding within 24 hours. 

Regarding your suspended account, it was most likely because it wasn't used for so long and those types of unused but still open selling account are the ones that get targeted by online scammers. It is most likely a safety issue that they closed it because of non usage. You will have a very difficult time getting it reopened, if at all. More than likely you will just have to open a new selling account, but give Facebook a try. 

[mkaczorsee]

The email will give you a reason. 

What exactly does the email say?

[a_c_green]

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@muol wrote:

Anyway, today I receive an eBay email telling me that they have suspended this account indefinitely. No explanation and no further message explaining what I'd have to do to reactivate the account. I had no negative feedback, no fees open, and didn't even log in during the past two years.

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I think that's the key detail right there. There's no particular advantage to either you or eBay in keeping an account open but inactive for years on end. 

If following the Forgotten Password path to reopen the account with a fresh password doesn't work, I would just abandon it and start over.

[muol]

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@mkaczorsee wrote:

The email will give you a reason. 

What exactly does the email say?

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The message / email titled "Your account has been suspended"

says the following:

"

We wanted to let you know that your eBay account has been permanently suspended because of activity that we believe was putting the eBay community at risk. We understand that this must be frustrating, but this decision was not made lightly and it’s important that we keep our marketplace safe for everyone. Learn more about how and why accounts can be suspended.

Here’s what you need to know

• You will no longer be able to use your account to buy or sell items and any new accounts you set up may also be suspended. 
• Any listings have been removed and they can be viewed below. 
• We’ve credited all associated fees except for payments processing fees and the final value fee for your listing(s). 
• Any outstanding selling fees are due and will be charged to your payment method on file. If you’ve already opened any dispute claims for these fees, they won’t be charged until the claims have been resolved. 

If you have any questions or concerns, or think we’ve made a mistake, please get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Help & Contact

Thanks,
eBay

Please don't reply to this message. It was sent from an address that doesn't accept incoming email."

So I have no idea what's going on. If this account was closed due to inactivity, they could at least state this as the reason. Or maybe even send me a reminder to login, or otherwise it will be closed.

[muol]

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@a_c_green wrote:

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I think that's the key detail right there. There's no particular advantage to either you or eBay in keeping an account open but inactive for years on end. 

Well, I'd have to start over with a zero feedback account, which would limit me in which items I could sell, and of course scare many potential buyers away.

[dirk12955]

I wonder if this account has been "hacked" and eBay stepped in to stop whatever the "Hacker"   was up to?

Scammers love to take over dormant accounts. 

[simba6]

Then they said this

and any new accounts you set up may also be suspended.

[femmefan1946]

You really don't want to talk to a phone reps. They are nice people, but they are also undertrained subcontractors in a boilerroom somewhere in Utah. They just want to get you off the phone so they can get a pee break.

Choose Chat or the social media to have an online written discussion with actual trained employees with some authority.

https://twitter.com/askebay
https://www.facebook.com/eBay/

Further advantage, you get a transcript of the Chat which allows you to learn what you actually were told, rather than what you think you heard.

I suspect there are two factors at play here.

The first was an attempt by a hacker to steal the abandoned account as @dirk12955  suggested

The other is that the account is not set up for Managed Payments, which in itself may almost by accident be protecting such accounts from hacking.

Do you have a checking account in a bank in your own country? You will need one to sell on eBay in future as Paypal is no longer an option.

[wrong66]

Sounds like someone might have tried to hijack the account. Dormant accounts are prime targets for these scammers.

[muol]

If had been hacked, there would have been email notifications regarding a login from a new device / location, and also confirmation messages for newly listed items, etc.

But nothing of the kind happened.

[wrong66]

You've sold 10 items on that account in 16 years and you're worried about losing the feedback? Seriously?

[muol]

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@wrong66 wrote:

Sounds like someone might have tried to hijack the account. Dormant accounts are prime targets for these scammers.

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Maybe, but then I'd expect eBay to inform me and perhaps ask me to change my password / security questions?

[dhbookds]

I would guess it's in connection with the new MP system.......your old payment methods won't work...they need new info from you before you are able to list..... That said....."suspension" is unfortunate wording.......if that's the case.  

[dirk12955]

Seems to me any of the scenarios we've discussed the OP should have quanity of messages in my eBAy

 to guide him along.

If it's a MP issue he should have half dozen warnings that it was coming.

If he's been hacked,    Check and see if somebody unknown made any listings.    Or '  made 

any purchases.    

Apparently something occurred to make eBay suddenly suspend an unused account.    

"....Because of activity that we believe was putting was putting the eBay community at risk...."     

What activity?     Typical eBAy makes you guess what's happening.