Quote:
Originally Posted by not_so_new 
My WHOLE point on this absurd thread is that the responsibility is yours as it should be! You can throw caution to the wind and get ripped off, you can practice good buying and selling tactics and still get ripped off but the odds are much better in your favor or you can choose to not go to Ebay at all.
The responsibility is yours NOT EBay's.
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Mmm... I think we may be misunderstanding our points being made. When I say it's not a security issue, what I mean is that Ebay cannot be held liable. I think we tend to agree on most points. Common internet misunderstanding the way I read it.
My entire point is that Ebay is responsible for many scams because they do not police the category of auctions that need policing more than others. Car auctions do not need policing as much as expensive jewelry auctions, audio auctions, etc... due to the NATURE of the auction.
Scenario #1:
I am using a hijacked account from a seller who sold audio equipment. The sellers last transaction was only 6 months ago. I use photos and description of a 3-year old audio auction. I take Paypal for payment. I am in the USA. I respond to your emails, and provide additional photos you requested. You still feel uneasy, so you ask for a phone number. You call me on my cellphone. We talk, I sound cool and informed about the item. You hang up the phone feeling comfortable. You buy the item, make payment via Paypal, and I run off to the bank laughing all the way.
What did you do wrong?
What did Ebay do wrong?
1) What did you do wrong?
You didn't drive 1000 miles and pick it up directly.
2) What did Ebay do wrong?
They failed to have a searchable database that only THEY are able to access. A database of previous auctions for the last 3 years. A database where they can cross-reference old auction listing with current auctions.
They failed to maintain a random contact verification check with current users.
They failed to respond to a couple of GS users who thought they recalled that auction from 3 years ago. They only responded with automated Safe Harbour emails.
So I guess, if you feel everyone purchasing a $1000 item should be required to drive and pickup locally, then I can't argue with you.
The point is, people who have used Ebay a loooong time, and who are very cautious, HAVE been burnt by scammers on Ebay.
Ebay's system sucks. It's total crap. And no, I have never been burnt on Ebay.