All members should read this important warning.

If you shop on websites other than eBay, you should exercise caution if someone emails you claiming to be an eBay representative!

We are seeing an increase in reports of fake eBay Motors transactions that originate automotive websites other than eBay, such as Craigslist.

Fraudsters are sending online shoppers fake email messages claiming to be from the eBay Trust and Safety Department, the eBay Motors Finance Center, an eBay Escrow Agent, or from the eBay Vehicle Purchase Protection Program. These emails are all fake and often contain links to spoof websites that contain pages that look like authentic eBay Motors web pages, but are not. The fake eBay sites might even ask you for personal information and then send you fake eBay “Personalized Payment” instructions.

Don’t be fooled! If you are shopping on Craigslist or another website that offers classified ads, you should follow the community warnings (such as these from Craigslist) and meet and pay the seller in person. And if you exchange emails with someone who claims to be an “agent” of eBay you should be very cautious. Fraudsters often send spoof emails that appear to be from eBay (or one of our partners), but are not.

Never pay with MoneyGram or Western Union. Western Union and MoneyGram are prohibited as a payment method on eBay Motors. eBay will never recommend that you use either to pay for a vehicle.

It is important to remember, eBay does not “validate” listings, provide escrow services, or make payment arrangements on behalf of sellers. To verify that an email claiming to be from eBay is legitimate you should sign in to your My eBay account and check your In Box. If the email is legitimate you will find a copy in your My eBay In Box. If you don’t find the same message in your In Box, it is fake.

If you have more questions about spoof emails and "phishing" fraud, or how to report suspicious listings/emails, please visit our Security Center. Also, at the top right corner of the eBay home page is a link to Live Help, where you can start a live chat session with an eBay customer service representative who can help you verify whether a listing is authentic.

If you feel you were defrauded when you were shopping on the Craigslist site you may use this link to contact Craigslist.