Search results
If you're suspicious about an email that claims to be from eBay, sign in to My eBay and click the Messages tab. If you don't see the same message there, the email is fake. To report a fake email, forward it as an attachment to spoof@ebay.com.
- Overview
- Reporting to eBay
- Reporting to Local Law Enforcement
- Reporting to the FBI
- Reporting to the Postal Service
- Filing a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
Millions flock to eBay seeking the best deals on everything from collectibles to clothes and even cars – but despite the online auction site's extensive rules and policies, there will always be some who use the service to take advantage of unsuspecting users through fraudulent activities. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, if you are a victim of ...
Review eBay's rules and policies.
Before you report a listing as fraudulent, check eBay's rules to figure out how to best categorize the activity.
The website has specific rules for buyers and sellers, as well as rules for everyone who uses eBay's site and services. Violation of some rules and policies can result in eBay suspending the user's account or even blocking the user's IP address.
You also can find general information and tips for staying safe while using eBay by browsing the articles in eBay's Security Center at
Report directly from the listing.
If the listing itself is fraudulent and is still active on the site, you can click the link at the bottom of the page that reads "Report this listing."
Since police only investigate complaints that violate state law, studying the elements of criminal fraud in your state can help you figure out what information you need to file a complete report.
Although the specific requirements and wording vary among states, criminal fraud typically includes the same basic elements. Generally, the person must misrepresent an important fact knowing that what they're saying is false, with the intent to deceive you into giving them money or property.
Also keep in mind that you must have suffered some actual loss to be a victim of fraud. If you see a listing and recognize it as fraudulent, you can still report it – but the person typically can't be found guilty of fraud unless someone has actually fallen for their scam. However, they possibly could be prosecuted for attempted fraud.
Gather information about the incident.
Visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
The FBI operates a website where you can learn about internet fraud and file a complaint reporting fraudulent activity.
The IC3 works to combat fraud and make it safer for people to buy and sell items over the internet. A number of business partners, including eBay and PayPal, strengthen the operation by providing information and assistance to the FBI's investigation of internet fraud.
All sorts of internet crime including fraud are investigated by the IC3. Complaints are reviewed and passed along to any other federal, state, or local agencies that might have an interest in the subject of the complaint.
Gather information about the fraudulent transaction.
Review the information required for a complaint and pull together as many details as you have.
Learn about types of mail fraud.
If the auction or sale proceeded to the point that the U.S. postal service was involved, the perpetrator could be guilty of mail fraud.
For example, a dishonest seller may have pocketed your money and not sent the item you purchased, or used fake user accounts to bid on their own merchandise and drive up the price. If you mailed a payment and received no product in return, or if you received something in the mail that didn't match the description on the listing, the activity may constitute mail fraud.
Gather information about the transaction.
Understanding the elements of mail fraud enables you to choose important and relevant information to include in your report.
You should focus in particular on the involvement of the U.S. Postal Service. If the postal service was not involved in the transaction, mail fraud probably did not occur. However, if you paid for shipping and did not receive the product, the postal service is involved – even if indirectly.
Visit the website for the FTC Complaint Assistant.
The FTC maintains a website that enables you to easily file a complaint about online auction fraud.
You also can file a complaint by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.
Although the FTC does not resolve individual complaints, it does have tips on recovering your money.
Additionally, complaints are entered in the FTC's online database, which is used by federal, state, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies nationwide to uncover patterns of fraud and connect past incidents to open investigations of fraudulent activity.
You should choose the category for internet services to begin the complaint process.
- 67.4K
If you're suspicious about an email that claims to be from eBay, sign in to My eBay and click the Messages tab. If you don't see the same message there, the email is fake. To report a fake email, forward it as an attachment to spoof@ebay.com.
How to report a seller you suspect is fraudulent. If you think you're dealing with a fraudulent seller, report it to us as soon as possible. Report an issue
If you've been defrauded by a seller on eBay or have reason to believe you have discovered stolen goods, we strongly encourage you to contact your local police to report the incident and ensure that you obtain a crime reference number.
May 19, 2020 · See something or someone on eBay that is against the site's selling policy? This wikiHow will show you how to report someone or an item on eBay. Go to resolutioncenter.ebay.com in a web browser.
People also ask
How do I Report eBay fraud?
How do I report a fake eBay email?
How do you know if a seller is scamming on eBay?
How do I report a fraudulent listing?
What if I've been defrauded on eBay?
What should I do if I see a fraudulent seller?
How to report an item. You can report an item to us by selecting the button below, or directly from the listing using these steps: Go to the listing and select the floating question mark on the right side of the page. Under the Report content option, select Submit report.
