ridiculous age verification problem

[futurusticwoodworkin]

just spoke to an ebay agent about age verification: all I want to do is purchase a japanese saw blade, which I've done several times before (they last about 8 months before I replace it). I don't want a credit card and as a pensioner, I wouldn't get one anyway

ebay can see that I created my account 9 years ago - this would mean that if I was under 18, I would have had to have created it at the age of 9... it makes no sense at all to only use credit card numbers. I know that 'bladed items' fall under the new law, but since when has that stopped a minor taking a knife from the kitchen drawer?

anyway, it seems the only option ebay offers is to enter a credit card number etc... debit cards don't work

this seems to me to be quite ridiculous, and is preventing lots of purchases

I really think ebay should rethink this policy and include other forms of age verification

[roger_roger_over_and_nowt]

It is how it is,maybe Ebay will change their policy at some time,maybe they won't.

Only workaround is to ask a friend/family member who has a CC to pay for item on your behalf.

[futurusticwoodworkin]

I can see that it's a workaround, but raises the question: what if someone is under 18 and does the same? it makes no sense

[jonatjonatjonat]

but since when has that stopped a minor taking a knife from the kitchen drawer?

best argument yet! Come on Sir Keir! Sort out age verification in the kitchen! As for the boats, why haven’t they drained the Channel yet?

[thesmokingrunner]

eBay's policy of age verification by credit card comes up quite regularly on these boards but it's eBay's policy and that's that.

Yes it's frustrating, but it's really not worth wasting your time over it. Shop somewhere else. There are many sellers - both with their own sites and through other online platforms - who will not have such an onerous policy.

Make use of one of them. It'll be eBay's loss.

[jonatjonatjonat]

Because if that person under 18 and then goes on a rampage, someone has knowingly supplied them with that weapon…

[jckl1957]

Trouble is 'other forms' would have to be something like a passport or driving license.

If I have to upload my driving license to prove my age (I did have to do this on another website to buy craft scissors), then I am giving access to my full name, home address, date of birth, photo and signature.

While a credit card is not convenient for everybody, it is not the identity theft opportunity that other methods can be, and is a straightforward proof of age that can be used at the point of sale.

And, although you may not want a credit card, you could certainly get one.  I am a pensioner and have 2 credit cards - seldom used and always paid off in full, but useful to me.

[futurusticwoodworkin]

re credit cards: I can't get one from my bank, but I might try the crazy-interest ones, as I'm never going to use it