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.
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
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.
How to check a eBay message safely
- 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 to report a fake eBay message
- Forward suspicious emails as an attachment to spoof@ebay.com, then delete them. Official details on ebay.com
Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. See the worldwide list.
If you clicked, paid or shared details
Act quickly. It makes a difference.
- If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card.
- If you entered a password, change it on the real eBay website or app and turn on two-step verification.
- Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account".
- Report the scam, then delete the message.
More help: Marketplace buyer and seller scams and what to do after a scam.
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.