Account theft ..takeovers...hijacking... This is becoming an all too prevalent scenario on eBay.
Some things you need to know to protect yourself: TIPS Become familiar with this page found on the right hand sidebar: Click>>
if you recieve emails asking for your personal info...forward it, with headers, to
1.
spoof@ebay.com or
2. spam@ebay.com
WITH headers...how to get these:
Link Link Do NOT post your email address to the boards..even in asking for help or a response to a thread. These address's are also harvested and scam spam sent to them. Please know that the reason contact info is not allowed to be posted is that it can be used for identity theft.
For anyone who has posted an email address on the boards...and you discover that you want it to be erased...you can 'self report'...that is, click the report button on your own post...send the report, and it will be removed.
If you have an eBay
user name that is an email addy, I strongly suggest you change it. Most of the hijacked accounts I have found have email addy user ID's.
Changing your ID will
not cause the loss of your valuable feedback.
Link *what to do if you have an account theft* Users with takeovers need to report them on the rules and safety webform:
Link then click: account concerns/ unauthorized use of my eBay account/there are auctions listed on my account that are not mine.
and ALSO use the LIVE help link on the HOME page...
Link Please know that the support people are not specialized in Rules & Safety...but may yet be able to direct you.
Link Click the link that says "contact the trust and safety department"...another place to ask questions or get help.
*Further info* Link Please remember that eBay
NEVER asks for your Social Security Number, Passwords, PINs or mother's maiden name.
*password safety*
Link make sure the password for your email program is very secure. Use a combination of numbers and letters and change it periodically. The same applies for the password hint question. It's also important to use different passwords for the various online accounts you use (Paypal, online banking, etc).
If you have concerns that an email may not be from eBay, please write to ebay BEFORE replying to the request. Be sure to include a copy of the email so that eBay may double check it.(spam@ebay.com)
In the instance that you have responded to these type emails with the information requested above, Please change your eBay password and password hint. In addition,you may want to do the following for your protection of your personal information and identity:
A) cancel your credit cards immediately
B) file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it
was stolen, because this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there is one).
AND NOW MOST IMPORTANTLY:
C) Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#.
The numbers are:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
Finally, identity theft is handled by U.S. Postal Inspectors as mail fraud. Make online reports at: usps.com
Link If you don't have a
firewall on your computer...get one.
Link Here is a free one at zonealarm.com or zonelabs
there are websites to use to test your security as well.
Link
Must use Buy It Now and PayPal.
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