SCAMS

[dqueenz]

Is it just my experience or is EBay just full of scams and it’s no protection for sellers!

[mtgraves7984]

You didn't offer many options, but of the choices... I'd pick that it's just your experience.

Granted there are more than enough scams and not much protection for sellers, but good buyers and sellers abound.

[itsjustasprain]

---

@dqueenz wrote:

Is it just my experience or is EBay just full of scams and it’s no protection for sellers!

---

A zero-feedback seller with iPhone listings is an absolute scammer magnet as you have probably found already. It is unlikely that you will get a successful sale under those conditions. 

Start out small by selling items you can afford to lose if things go sideways. List as Fixed Price with no Make Offer because they can give you an offer you accept and then send you fake payment notifications. Find the Immediate Payment Required option in the payments section of the listing form and check it.

Beyond getting actual payment you also have the risk of getting a fake damage complaint or a fake empty box complaint and you will have to refund either with or without getting the item back first. (Your choice) Again scammers know all the ins and outs of the process so it would be better to list those devices as Local Pickup Only for cash.

[sawithe-47]

Hahaha telling someone to sell stuff they can afford to get scammed on first is totally a good solution. Maybe eBay should quit scamming at Sellers on behalf of the buyers and people won't have to make posts like this. 

[katzrul15]

---

@dqueenz wrote:

Is it just my experience or is EBay just full of scams and it’s no protection for sellers!

---

You are a brand new Seller.  Unfortunately, scammers target those types of IDs....thinking you are easy prey.  And many are.

Consider building up some FB by buying a little with your ID and avoid all offsite interaction/emails. 

Anything over $750 requires signature confirmation.  For expensive items, I use fedex and require adult signature.  You might state in your listing that the item will require signature at delivery. 

Good luck!

[itsjustasprain]

---

@sawithe-47 wrote:

Hahaha telling someone to sell stuff they can afford to get scammed on first is totally a good solution. 

---

Unfortunately it is - yes. This is dealing with the situation you have - not the situation you wish you had.

---

@sawithe-47 wrote:

Maybe eBay should quit scamming at Sellers on behalf of the buyers 

---

What does 'scamming at Sellers' mean?

Ebay has no idea who is telling the truth in a dispute but at least gives the seller the option of getting the item back before refunding. Beyond that if the buyer returns a rock or swaps the new item for an old one the seller will need to go after them in civil court. Selling on-line is a risk that you need to be prepared for.

[itscalledapostingid]

I don't think an experienced buyer, or any serious buyer, would buy a $900 phone from a new user with zero feedback.

I might buy a $9 item from a new user.

[ckimodog]

Since you are new I would suggest that you revise your listing and accept returns with paying for the label by the seller.  That's another way you can be scammed if the buyer is not honest.  You're taking a big risk selling something this expensive with no selling experience.  People here are only trying to advise and help you from being another scam victim.   It's a constant and daily topic on these boards.  Make sure they don't ask you to text them either.  Hopefully you have immediate payment required checked off as well.  

Good luck. 

[stainlessenginecovers]

Ebay does not 'allow' scammers but just like CL, FBMP etc. that sell 2002 Toyota Tacoma's for $1200 and ask for Gift Cards etc. it's all about this world and scammers ARE RAMPANT everywhere! 

Do your homework before selling anything that can be reversed (electronic payments). 

NO WEB SITE on the PLANET can protect you from a thief. YOU have to protect YOU from a thief. 

[dbfolks166mt]

     Most transactions take place with little or no problem. Unfortunately there are those, both buyers and sellers, that attempt to extort items from each other. Some items attract scam buyers more than others: cell phones and other electronics, precious metals and stones but lately it seems like about anything is fair game. 

     EBay has attempted to mitigate the problem with some items through the use of the authentication centers but those appear to be having their own issues. Bottom line is to remember the #1 rule as a seller and that is to never list anything you cannot afford to take the financial loss on. The MBG is heavily tilted in the buyers favor, scammer or not, and the seller has little recourse in most cases. 

[janet9988]

Did you ship an item without getting paid?

[coolections]

I am lucky as I do not sell item to kids like pokemon cards and games, items like cell phones, designer purses,  etc. So, it really depends on the category I suppose. I have never been scammed.

[buyselljack2016]

So, you are saying that...................  "free returns" will ................................   help to deter scammers?

[itscalledapostingid]

I can't speak to what is going through the head of a scammer who is selecting their target but when I see "Seller does not accept returns" I think "novice."

[kensgiftshop]

---

@sawithe-47 wrote:

Hahaha telling someone to sell stuff they can afford to get scammed on first is totally a good solution. Maybe eBay should quit scamming at Sellers on behalf of the buyers and people won't have to make posts like this. 

---

Ebay shoudn't let new sellers list expensive items.