--- title: "eBay scam messages: how to spot a fake | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/ebay-scam-messages source: TapSafely description: "Is that eBay message real? The warning signs, eBay's real websites, how to check safely and where to report a fake." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/[Brand scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/brands)/ eBay # eBay scam messages: how to spot a fake Scammers copy eBay because millions of people use it. Here's how to tell a fake eBay message from a real one, and what to do if you already clicked. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 ## In short eBay says it will never ask you for confidential information such as your password or card details, will not use threatening language, and will not include attachments in its emails. **Most common fake:** Urgent or threatening emails telling you to act quickly on your account. **Safest check:** Check Messages in My eBay; if eBay sent the message, a copy will appear there too. Example · fake eBay message · Illustrative, links disabled eBay: Your account has been restricted due to unusual activity. Confirm your details within 24 hours to avoid suspension: ebay-account-restore[.]com An example fake eBay message with the warning signs highlighted. ## What eBay says eBay says it will never ask you for confidential information such as your password or card details, will not use threatening language, and will not include attachments in its emails. Source: [eBay](https://www.ebay.com/help/account/protecting-account/recognizing-phishing-phone-calls-emails?id=4195) ## Common fake eBay messages - Urgent or threatening emails telling you to act quickly on your account - Generic greetings such as Attention eBay member - Links to lookalike web addresses such as signin-ebay style domains - Requests for full card numbers, PINs or passwords - Phone calls claiming to be eBay asking for account details ## eBay's real web addresses Genuine eBay links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: **ebay.com** is real, but **ebay-support-center.com** or **ebay.com.account-check.top** are not. - **ebay.com** Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. [Learn how to read a web address](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links). ## How to check a eBay message safely 1. Check Messages in My eBay; if eBay sent the message, a copy will appear there too 2. Type the eBay address into your browser yourself instead of using a link 3. Look carefully at the web address for misspellings or extra words ## How to report a fake eBay message - Forward suspicious emails as an attachment to spoof@ebay.com, then delete them. [Official details on ebay.com](https://www.ebay.com/help/account/protecting-account/recognizing-phishing-phone-calls-emails?id=4195) Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. [See the worldwide list](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed#where-to-report). ## If you clicked, paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card. 2. If you entered a password, change it on the real eBay website or app and turn on two-step verification. 3. Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account". 4. Report the scam, then delete the message. More help: [Marketplace buyer and seller scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/marketplace-seller-scams) and [what to do after a scam](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask Does eBay send messages asking for payment or personal details? eBay says it will never ask you for confidential information such as your password or card details, will not use threatening language, and will not include attachments in its emails. How can I check if a eBay message is real? Check Messages in My eBay; if eBay sent the message, a copy will appear there too. Type the eBay address into your browser yourself instead of using a link. Look carefully at the web address for misspellings or extra words. How do I report a fake eBay message? Forward suspicious emails as an attachment to spoof@ebay.com, then delete them. I clicked a link in a fake eBay message. What should I do? Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it. ## Official sources and further reading We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies. - [Recognizing phishing phone calls and emails](https://www.ebay.com/help/account/protecting-account/recognizing-phishing-phone-calls-emails?id=4195) (eBay) ### Got a message like this? Paste the message or link Check it free ### Still unsure? Describe what happened and our AI assistant will help, in any language. Ask TapSafely ### Seen this scam? Your report helps warn people in your area. [Report it](https://tapsafely.com/report) ### Free check tools - [Link checker](https://tapsafely.com/link-checker) - [QR code checker](https://tapsafely.com/qr-code-checker) - [Screenshot checker](https://tapsafely.com/screenshot-scam-checker) - [Scam glossary](https://tapsafely.com/scam-glossary) ## Related [Guide ### Marketplace buyer and seller scams Fake payment links, overpayments and couriers that never come. 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