Is eBay Safe?

If you use or plan to use eBay, you need to know: Is eBay safe? 

Below, we explain whether eBay is: 

• Safe to use. 
• Good for privacy. 

We also give some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this online service. 

What Is eBay?

eBay is an online marketplace where individuals and businesses can buy and sell a wide variety of goods and services. 

Founded in 1995, eBay started as an auction-style platform but has since expanded to include fixed-price sales and classified ads. It operates in numerous countries and supports transactions in multiple currencies.

eBay offers integrated payment processing through its subsidiary PayPal (historically) and now primarily through eBay Managed Payments, providing a secure way to handle transactions.

The eBay marketplace has evolved over the years, adding buyer protection programs, advanced search capabilities, and various tools for sellers to manage their inventory and sales. 

It is one of the most well-known and widely used e-commerce platforms globally.

Is eBay Safe?

Yes, eBay is generally considered a safe platform for buying and selling goods.

However, like any online marketplace, users should exercise caution and follow best practices to ensure a secure experience.

eBay offers multiple safety measures for buyers and sellers, including buyer and seller protection, a feedback and rating system, an authentication requirement system for high-dollar items, and customer support to resolve disputes and any other issues that arise during transactions.

As a service with 135 million users, eBay is sometimes targeted by hackers, meaning user accounts can be vulnerable to compromise.

Is eBay Private?

Depends on your definition of “private.” 

eBay takes various measures to protect user privacy, including allowing only limited access to other users’ contact, shipping, and financial information. 

That said, eBay collects personal data at multiple points as you interact with the service (including when you make an account, submit a form, participate in the forums, and so on). It also collects data from other sources, including credit bureaus and data providers, in part to provide personalized ads and marketing communications.

eBay’s privacy policy receives a “Grade E” on Terms of Service; Didn’t Read, a project that scores internet services’ terms of service and privacy policies. Among the concerns listed are the service’s ability to read private messages and the use of user data for targeted third-party advertising. 

The Common Sense Privacy Project, which looks at the privacy and safety of internet services in the context of children, gives eBay a rating of 62% (out of 100%). This is a “Warning,” meaning that eBay does not meet the project’s recommendations for privacy and security. 

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy on eBay

Follow the below steps for a safer and more private experience on eBay. 

• Use a separate email address. Create a separate email address specifically for eBay and other online shopping activities. This will help you keep your primary email address private and reduce spam.
• Limit personal information. Use a non-identifiable username instead of your real name, avoid putting your contact information in your profile, and don’t include personal information in your listings.
• Make listings private. For items where privacy is a concern, consider setting your listing as private so that bidders’ identities are not disclosed.
• Adjust your privacy settings. You can adjust the privacy settings on your profile to control what information is visible to others and hide your purchase history from other eBay users.
• Secure your account. For an extra layer of security, use a strong, unique password for your eBay account and set up two-factor authentication.
• Use eBay messaging. Communicate with buyers and sellers only through eBay’s messaging system for maximum safety.
• Beware of phishing. Be vigilant about phishing attempts. Do not click on suspicious links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited messages.
• Hide your shipping address. Use a P.O. box or a business address for shipping and returns instead of your home address, or consider anonymous shipping services that keep your personal address private from the recipient.
• Review your account settings. Regularly review your account settings and adjust privacy options as needed. eBay periodically updates its policies and settings, so staying informed is crucial.
• Monitor your account activity. Periodically check your account activity for any unauthorized actions. Report any suspicious activity to eBay immediately.