eBay Security Center (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take eBay to investigate? ›

We normally come back with an answer within 48 hours, though occasionally it might take longer if we need more information. Once we've found a resolution, we'll let you and the seller know the outcome and anything else you need to do. For example, we may ask you to send the item back to the seller.

Possibly someone with a very similar username entered your username by mistake when trying to sign in. When that user's password did not work, the user requested a code to try to sign in -- which would go to your email, since it was your account the user was inadvertently trying to sign into.

Some sellers do not respond to questions, or disable the feature entirely. Asking a drop-shipper about a listing is unlikely to be fruitful. The drop-shipper may not know enough about the product to answer.

You can get in touch with us in the following ways: Select Contact us at the bottom of this page, choose what you need help with and we'll get you to the right agent.

EBay keeps the identity of members who Report problem listings private.

What happens when I ask eBay to step in? If you haven't received an item, we usually refund your money immediately via PayPal. If you received an item that wasn't as described, we'll typically help you return it to the seller first and then refund you.

Watch out for fake URLs (web addresses)

Even if the web address contains the word "eBay", it might not be an eBay website. Real eBay web addresses have ". ebay.com/" in them.

Verification prevents automated systems from attempting to try to crack accounts by using successive password tries. Verification protects your account directly, and also indirectly by making it harder for other cracked accounts to be used in fraudulent transactions that you might be involved in as a buyer or seller.

Why do I have to give eBay my Social security number? ›

Government law requires EBAY to get your SSN (if you don't provide that you won't get paid).

We may monitor messages (together with any attachments) sent between members for fraud, abuse, spam, illegal content, and other policy violations. We keep a copy of all communications which can be used to help in these circ*mstances.

Once you open a case, the seller has 3 full business days to respond. If no response, or you cannot come to an agreement, on the fourth day, a link will appear to Ask ebay to step in.

The payment dispute could take up to 90 days or more to be resolved, depending on the payment method or card provider. eBay may hold the funds from payout up to 90 days from when the dispute arises. If the dispute is found in your favor, you won't be charged for a refund and you won't have to pay a dispute fee.

What happens after you ask eBay to step in? eBay will review the details and get back to you and the buyer with a resolution within 48 hours: If eBay closes the case in your favor, the case will be closed immediately and you won't need to do anything else.

If you don't escalate, and do nothing, through inactivity, the case closes within 30 days. You cannot open another case for this item with eBay. If this has happened you need to turn to your payment provider for help with your refund.

When you make a sale, you have to send the item to the authenticator's address provided by eBay. Once the authenticator receives the item, the inspection is generally processed within 2 business days.