ebay scam warning
Buyers conned out of cash after genuine online accounts hijacked
Practical Classics has been made aware of scams involving what appear to be genuine ebay listings. We know of at least three people who have been conned since March and that could be the tip of the iceberg.
Scammers hijack genuine ebay accounts and try to use them to list several classic cars, bikes and modern vehicles at a time, at what appear to be bargain prices. Matt George’s VW Karmann Ghia was used in one attempted scam.
The listing is usually a classified ad and includes an email address which prospective buyers are asked to contact for further information and better pictures. Using this address, the seller offers the use of a ‘Paypal after-delivery service’ which they say holds your money for 14 days until the car is delivered and you declare you are happy with it. The seller then makes excuses as to why the car cannot be delivered and promises a refund which, of course, never arrives.
PC editor Danny Hopkins said: ‘I called ebay and discussed the issue several times and they now appear to be acting on it. Most of the listings have been removed but we still need to stay vigilant.’
An ebay spokesman said: ‘It is important to remember that any advert, on paper or anywhere on the web, could be a scam. We will keep a close eye on the classic listings for signs of wrongdoing.’
Any transaction should be made through the ebay platform and not by bank transfers or a third-party email. ‘Beware of sellers who push for speedy completion or down payments,’ the spokesman added.
‘We will keep a close eye on the classic car listings’ – ebay