# Beware the eBay scammers, for their numbers are legion! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 28, 2005, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beware-the-ebay-scammers-for-their-numbers-are-legion/333062 "2005-11-28T16:08:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Go\_You\_Big\_Red\_Fire\_Engine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/eada6e/32.png) [@Go\_You\_Big\_Red\_Fire\_Engine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Go_You_Big_Red_Fire_Engine)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2005, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beware-the-ebay-scammers-for-their-numbers-are-legion/333062/21 "2005-12-01T23:01:59Z")
> [@casdave](#): > > Spelling, why is it that scammers can’t spell, but its so true. :dubious: I’m currently trying to sort out a problem with someone shilling. They’re a very large seller and they actually do it a lot in their auctions. I don’t think anything will be done about it, and my boyfriend will end up paying 200 for something worth 300 that he could’ve got for a dollar. ---
**Author:** ![DeadlyAccurate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ac91a4/32.png) [@DeadlyAccurate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadlyAccurate)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2005, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beware-the-ebay-scammers-for-their-numbers-are-legion/333062/22 "2005-12-01T23:44:51Z")
Great list, **casdave**. It’s sad that eBay has become such a scammer’s paradise that so much has to be done to make sure you’re not being taken advantage of. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2005, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beware-the-ebay-scammers-for-their-numbers-are-legion/333062/23 "2005-12-02T01:45:53Z")
> [@PunditLisa](#): > > I always pay with a credit card via PayPal. If the seller doesn’t accept PayPal, no sale. I can’t always protect myself from a scammer, but Visa offers buyer protection. I’d never pay with Western Union or a check. 'Course, there are a few trustworthy souls who don’t take PayPal but do accept checks, money orders, or that dreaded Western Union. My brother (rad-dyn) is one. > [@DeadlyAccurate](#): > > EBay specifically warns against using wire transfer services. Perhaps they warn against using wire transfer services because they’d prefer people use PayPal, which they own? ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2005, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beware-the-ebay-scammers-for-their-numbers-are-legion/333062/24 "2005-12-02T01:50:00Z")
> [@Go You Big Red Fire Engine](#): > > :dubious: > I’m currently trying to sort out a problem with someone shilling. They’re a very large seller and they actually do it a lot in their auctions. I don’t think anything will be done about it, and my boyfriend will end up paying 200 for something worth 300 that he could’ve got for a dollar. Which sounds like he is getting 33% off? ---
**Author:** ![Go\_You\_Big\_Red\_Fire\_Engine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/eada6e/32.png) [@Go\_You\_Big\_Red\_Fire\_Engine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Go_You_Big_Red_Fire_Engine)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2005, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beware-the-ebay-scammers-for-their-numbers-are-legion/333062/25 "2005-12-02T02:21:56Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Which sounds like he is getting 33% off? Perhaps, depending on where you buy. Either way, without shill bidding half of the sellers auctions would go for a dollar. AFAIAC, if you don’t want to risk selling something for a dollar, don’t start bidding at a dollar. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beware-the-ebay-scammers-for-their-numbers-are-legion/333062.md?page=1)