E-bay warns of "second chance" fraud

[EZ_E]

 

Internet auction website eBay today warned users about a new threat from fraudsters.

 

The popular site said crooks had been trying to trick users who lost out in online bids in what has become known as the “second chance” con.

 

Those behind the fraud contact the user through their eBay user name, often claiming to be the original seller.

 

They then offer an alternative to the item they failed to secure but which never exists.

 

Another tactic is to get users to visit a website to “update” their eBay account details.

 

The website is designed to look like eBay but is a front for the fraudsters to steal credit or debit card numbers.

 

Garreth Griffith, from eBay UK, said: “This is a trading environment and there are bad apples out there.

 

“We are trying everything we can to get these guys and we work with the police who do prosecute.

 

“But we want to educate people so they can protect themselves.”

 

The website advises all users to visit its online Safety Centre to find out what dangers to be aware of and the precautions to take.

 

If users receive a suspicious email, it suggests sending the message to spoof@ebay.co.uk for the company to check whether it is genuine.

 

The site also reminds users to only use secure payment methods and ask further questions of the seller if in doubt and check feedback from other buyers.

[michael]

oh my you really have to take good care when you use sleezebay

 

michael