Ebay

[Greenman]

Just read a thread here about yet another fellow getting ripped off on Ebay. I've seen a lot of threads here and on other forums about ebay scams, and it makes me wonder, how many people really do get ripped off? Is there anywhere to find out?
I don't use ebay, and never will, but I do wonder how they keep the doors open with so much theft going on.

 

[thepd7]

Once out of over 60 times for only $35. I have saved hundreds. Only deal with people with 97%+ feedback, no exceptions. The only reason I don't say 100% is becuase some who is 49-1 is 98%. Use paypal, communicate with the seller BEFOREHAND. If you don't get an answer you like (rude or not soon) then don't buy. Its really close to the rules I use for the anandtech fx/ft forum. If I PM and you don't answer for 2 days, I am not buyin. Anyhow, ebays not that bad.

 

[MrBond]

It's like anything on the internet. While the people getting ripped off are the vocal majority, there's people conducting FAR more successful transactions that you never hear about.

That being said, eBay is a scammers playground and you have to be careful. Even being careful you can get ripped off. As long as you take the nessecary protections for yourself (ie: pay with CC paypal funds so you can dispuite with Paypal AND your CC company), you minimize your risks.

I've been using ebay for probably 7 years now and have never been scammed. Granted I don't use it much, maybe 5 times a year, but I do my homework before hand.

 

[mrrman]

pretty well...I got taken for $500 many years ago but got it all back from paypal...its just a hassle

 

[Trikat]

eBay is relatively unsecured as a market place, but if you know your way around it you can prevent yourself from being scammed.
There are numerous tibits that you need to do to satisfy eBay and PayPal when it comes to a scam. If you are a buy the best bet is to use a credit card to pay so that way you can do a charge back. If you follow all the "rules" and such eBay is pretty safe.

 

[Kelemvor]

I haven't. I always make contact with the seller before I bid. And I always use a Credit Card so I can just dispute it if I have to.