Scam Account Takeover

                                                                                                                    

I wanted to share this information that happened several years ago. It is only printed to help others to understand what to watch for and how to know the difference of a SCAM email stating they are from ebay and the the real email. This happened and everyone should know about the evil that is lurking with your internet experience, and on ebay.

Could Someone Attach Your eBay account?

What an experience, I can tell you when my eBay account was taken over I thought it was the end of selling on eBay.   My eBay account was actually stolen from me. I felt violated and I was sure that this identity thief was going to ruin me. I couldn't believe my eyes when I entered my MY EBAY account to check on my items and saw items that didn't belong to me for sale.  There was a computer and a motorcycle. Some unscrupulous person had taken over my eBay account - and how could this happen?  I contacted eBay immediately by phone. I told them that someone had stolen my eBay account and they had their items for sale on it at cheap prices. I couldn't even get into my eBay account because someone else now owned it.  Ebay informed me that yes, I had an account takeover and asked me questions about responding to emails. They asked did you receive emails about being suspended from eBay or overdue eBay fees, or becoming a Powerseller. They asked did the email take you to an authentic looking eBay site with a box that ask for your eBay I.D. name and password?  Yes, that happened!!!  Yes, I answered the questions and gave up my eBay I.D. and password. It look so genuine and authentic. It had all the eBay colors and logos.

 Now what?

Ebay removed all the items from MY EBAY account and informed me that I needed to create a new password and I.D. that was hard to seize and change the "secret question" and answer that ebay ask to confirm your I.D.   They told me a password should not match the eBay I.D. and that it is better to use letters and numbers in the password.  Also that these spoof emails are deceptive, claiming to be sent by reputable companies on eBay, but they are a hoax, trying to get your identity. 

They are called spoof or phishing emails.  Once you know that these emails are fake you can forward them to eBay's spoof address and they will take care of it.  Then delete the email permanently from your computer.  I realized that by going back into ebay and searching for that ebay name given in the spoof email, I found that it was a hoax and there is no record on ebay with them.  You can check on it by taking the email address used and go to eBay search box in Advanced Search and click the box that reads, "search item and descriptions. You will find there is no such name.

Next step to Fight back!

The email impersonation of eBay was so real looking, they had the logo and the ebay colors and it looks just like the other emails I had received from eBay.  If you check the address at the top of your internet screen you will see tell-tell signs that this is a hoax.   When eBay sends an email, they wouldn't have an address like the example. The spoof email has you click a line  that forwards you to their fraudulent website and they then ask for your eBay I.D. and password.  Also I noticed that the scammer usually begin their emails, Attention eBay member and in the forged ebay address the "From" line of the emails reads, "From" support@ebay.com" or "From: The billing department at ebay, but they are a hoax and are not from ebay. In fact ebay doesn't use such addresses.  They startle you by beginning, "Threatening Your account Suspension" or offers that are too good to be real  or they are offering to buy something  you have with a bogus email address.  If you try to answer their question, it takes you to their hoax question box that ask for your Ebay I.D. and password.

The imposter stated that my account was suspended and to please confirm my ebay member name and password. This should have been forwarded to ebays spoof email address, but I didn't realized that it was a hoax and fell into their trap. Are they still continuing to send these emails, yes,  I still get them from time to time and I forward them to eBay to check out.

Get the Ebay's Toolbar with Account Guard

This protection software can be downloaded free from eBay and they promised that  it is not spyware and it doesn't collect any personal information about you as a member.  I found the tool bar amazing, not only does it protect you, but it is handy because it can keep track of your buying and selling.  It really works too.   I recently had a spoof email come in and immediately was warned by ebay that it was not from ebay - wow, that was super!   EBay's toolbar has a site indicator that changes the color of the account guard button on the top of your screen indicating whether you're on a verified site or potential spoof website.  It also warns you if you are entering your ebay password into an unverified site and blocks your eBay password from being submitted to the website unless you affirm that is ok. In fact, if you suspect a spoof website while you are in eBay, click the "account guard" icon in the toolbar from the drop down list and select, "report this as a suspicious site". I am now aware of the culprits lurking day and night 24/7 and this tool helps. I understand that eBay is working hard to ensure that the accounts remain safe. I love it.

Ebay's "Spoof eMail Tutorial"

You can check out ebay's tutorial on the scams, spoof emails and how to protect yourself. Getting educated is smart,so it doesn't happen to you.  If it happens - don't panic too much because Ebay will stand beside you and get you out of the mess. I understand that eBay is working hard to ensure that the accounts remain safe.  It is up to us to be award of these culprits.  I learned that eBay will never ask you to provide financial account numbers, passwords in their email messages.  If they need to contact you they usually send their emails through your eBay, "My Messages" in your MY EBAY page. If they email you through your internet address email,  they identify you in an internet email by your ebay I.D. and the name your supplied them when you became a member, which the crook doesn't have. (unless you gave it to them in error)

Extra steps for protection

I decided to try and make my eBay environment safer and these are some of the things I do.  Remember when you filled out your personal information on ebay for your account, you have choices of a  "secret question" and that answer is stored with ebay.  No one can get it unless you give it out.  This should be changed every 30-60 days.

Making my eBay I.D. and password different was safer and using letters and numbers in the password is recommended.   I change the password every 30 days or so.

Installing an online protection software on my computer also made me feel saver.  The anti-virus software is great and I let it do the scanning of my computer on a regular basis.

I install an Internet firewall software on my computer. It helps to prevent any unauthorized parties from gaining access to your identity.  I also installed the spyware protection which helps protect you from anyone trying to steal your account or identity, credit card info and it keeps them from having access to your computer.

Then I monitor for suspicious activity on MY EBAY account like a watch dog.  I am more aware of these crooks and I am getting better at picking out strange emails and questions asked of me as a seller.

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