eBay refuse to do anything on potential scammer

[ccy_94]

A user made an offer to a camera I’m selling which I accepted. I was a bit suspicious as this is a brand new account with no reviews. But then I thought, if I’m a first time buyer, would I be want that skepticism.

But then I saw this message. I sighed. This user obviously was first trying to send me a message via image coz the person knows the message would be blocked by eBay if texted out. But eBay blocked the picture also. It’s obviously one of those scammers trying to get buyer email them probably with more pictures and then sending maybe fake payment confirmation.

anyway, this clearly violated eBay’s policy so I reported and blocked the buyer. But then there was the twist. Despite I uploaded the screenshot of this chat (which should be unnecessary because eBay could see what has happened) , eBay repeatedly came back saying they “didn’t find the content to be in violation of our policy”. I simply kept reporting and appealing. Even though I didn’t get scammed, I just don’t want this user to keep scamming other sellers. Yes yes I know they could just get another account when this one is blocked but any effort to make scammer’s life a bit harder means it could help someone out there probably. 

So, why wouldn’t eBay do anything about this user. I don’t get it.

 

 

[papso22]

Well done for spotting the potential scam.

While we can all see where that was going, on the face of it there is nothing actually in the message that violates any ebay policies.

[ccy_94]

Meaning eBay’s policy allow buyers asking sellers to contact them via email outside eBay?

[plpmr]

sending messages in an image indicates 100% SCAM.

After 4 full days cancel the transaction with - buyer did not pay.

they get an unapaid strike and you get your selling fees back.

[john1297576]

Ebay robots can detect words, but cannot read pictures which is why sellers get such nonsense when reporting. Only a human would be able to understand what “buyer” was trying to do.

To be honest I am sure some of the easier scams are more rewarding, than something so obviously phoney. 

[jckl1957]

To add to the advice given - as you realise, these accounts are 100% disposable.  As soon as Ebay closes one down, the 'buyer' will open another, and probably already has several live accounts.

You have done all the right things and posting here in the forum may help another seller avoid such a scam.

[ccy_94]

Update: all my appeals failed to. eBay kept saying they didn’t find anything violating the policy even asking to communicate via email outside the platform is an obvious violation. Of course the account is not suspended.  Will of course cancel the order when payment is not issued.

So now all it will happen is this scammer would keep trying until some newbie seller who’s ignorant of the danger and risks ( still shouldn’t get scammed) actually becomes a victim. Or when it gets plenty none payment strikes and the account got suspended. Hopefully the later will happen first.

Well done eBay. 

[plpmr]

" when it gets plenty none payment strikes" 

two strikes in a year means they cannot buy from sellers who have blocked members with said two strikes.

[ccy_94]

You are right smart/experienced sellers definitely would have had the buyer screening set up. But I didn’t know I could set up screen to block sellers with more than two strikes when I first started selling on eBay. Those scammers are counting on those newer eBay sellers to fall victim. Of course we should all be vigilant but that’s not the excuse for the platform showing they practically don’t care…