Locked
Discussion interactions are currently paused.
How to get Ebay to acknowledge a scam seller
Summary: van883 shared a troubling experience of winning a rare classic car on eBay and paying a deposit, only to have the seller cancel the order, relist the car, and keep the deposit. The seller responded rudely when contacted, and it was later discovered that the seller does not own the car, which was sold at a specialist auction previously. Despite reporting the incident to the police, bank, and eBay, only eBay has not acted on it, and the relisted car remains online. Other participants advised that eBay offers no protection for vehicle purchases and suggested never paying a deposit for a car online, instead recommending in-person inspections and cash payments. They also questioned eBay's interest in resolving the deposit issue as well as in providing any guarantee on vehicle purchases. Leaving feedback to warn others was suggested as an option.
Last week I won a rare classic car on Ebay. The seller was away so I was unable to arrange collection until today. I thought I did adequate due diligence and paid a deposit. Then yesterday the seller cancelled my order and relisted the car, keeping my deposit. I managed to phone him and I said it felt like I was being scammed-he said "well done, now f*** off". I reported him to the police and my bank and to Ebay. Only Ebay have failed to act and the relisted car is still listed. He does not own the car I have since found out as it was sold at a specialist auction last month. Ebay are now facilitating him to scam someone else. How do I get Ebay to take this issue seriously? I am in the UK.
*vyolla*
Mentor3 months agoeBay do state that sellers are responsible for their listings.
Can you leave feedback to warn others?
For future reference, you must never pay a deposit for a vehicle from any online seller on any site, or in the small ads.
red_magpie
Mentor3 months agoHow did you report the transaction to eBay? There is a link in every listing to report it - this is the one to use. eBay's response to reports is famously patchy. If you have reported it correctly, that's all you can do.
eBay won't be interested in your lost deposit - deposits are not covered by eBay's money back guarantee. As has been said, motor vehicles are not covered either.
If still interested in buying a car on eBay, make sure that you see and inspect it thoroughly before paying - including an HPI check and inspection of any documentary history. Then pay by a safe method, preferably in cash. Remember that you buy at your own risk here; you will get no help from eBay if you are scammed, and the car you paid for doesn't even exist.
tobiasd4
Mentor3 months agoThere is NO ebay protection for vehicles.
You don't pay a deposit.
You go and see car and pay in cash or bank transfer after inspecting it.
Ebay won't be interested.