eBay and a zero user , possible scam ?

I've dealt on eBay for some years now but of late it's getting chancy whenever you buy or sell. Last night I advertised some cycling gear , quite expensive stuff and someone hit the B.I.N late on for over £400.

I'm glad I sold it but when I looked he was a brand new user only joined the same day, zero feedback, never asked a question of any sort and with an eastern european name in London. Now I'm not discriminating in any way shape or form but the last 3 scams I have had against me fitted a similar profile.

The guy paid via PayPal so I have his money but should I mail or refund ?. I've got a schitty feeling a claim will go in for an empty box or something of that ilke and as we all know, eBay always favor the buyer or they'd have no business.

Whats your thoughts ? I'm tempted to simply refund.

you should have set your preferences in the ebay selling part to exclude Zero feedback users and then specify how much feedback someone needs to be able to bid on your items, certainly sorts the genuine from the fakers

I know, I never thought. I've refunded him I'm not prepared to take the risk. His address looks dubious as well, google map or bing don't find it , you have to dig deeper.

digi247 said:

you should have set your preferences in the ebay selling part to exclude Zero feedback users and then specify how much feedback someone needs to be able to bid on your items, certainly sorts the genuine from the fakers

Click to expand...

I know it's a bit late but I can't see that option, it's not there



Buyers without a PayPal account
Block buyers who don't have a PayPal account. (Note: This block only applies to future listings and can be disabled per item on the Sell Your Item form.)
This requirement can help you to reduce the risk of unpaid items, as PayPal account holders have up to an 80% lower unpaid item rate.


Buyers with unpaid items recorded
Block bidders and buyers who have unpaid item(s) recorded on their accounts within month(s)
This requirement can help you to avoid bidders and buyers who have a history of not paying for the items they agreed to purchase.


Buyers in locations to which I don't post
Block buyers whose primary delivery address is in a location I don't post to.
This requirement can help you to avoid buyers who purchase your items without realising that you don't post to their location.


Buyers with policy breach reports
Block buyers who have breach of policy report(s) within month(s)
This requirement can help you block buyers who have breached eBay policies.


Buyers with a negative Feedback score
Block buyers who have a Feedback score of or lower.
This requirement can help you to avoid buyers who have received more negative than positive Feedback from other eBay members.


Buyers who may bid on several of my items and not pay for them
Block buyers who are currently winning or have bought of my items in the last 10 days.
Only apply this block to buyers who have a Feedback score of or lower.
Consider selecting this requirement if you are selling expensive items and don't want to sell over a certain amount to any single buyer. Learn more about how this requirement works.


Buyers with no credit card on file
Block buyers who do not have a credit card on file.
Only apply this block to buyers who have a Feedback score of or lower.
When blocked buyers place a credit card on file, they'll be allowed to bid on or buy your item.

I've been on there digi, It doesn't allow you to block someone with say 10 or under feedback, it only lets you block someone with -1 -2 -3 feedback.

There's lots of other options on who you can stop from bidding on an item your selling but not stop low feedback users from bidding. thanks anyway for looking

this is what i have mine set to and have never had a problem since:

Have received 2 unpaid item(s) recorded on their account within 6 month(s)
Have a primary delivery address in a location I don't post to
Have 4 policy breaches reported within 1 month(s)
Have a Feedback score of -1 or lower
Have a Feedback score of 0 or lower and no credit card on file ( The Zero can be changed to 0-5 )
Are currently winning or have bought 1 of my items in the last 10 days and have a Feedback score of 0 or lower

I also block Zero bidders or anyone who contacts me asking to ship to another country etc... i have around 1000 users blocked on mine

Online Customer Service

thanks , like school I copied

you could specify in the actual auction something like -

"No bidder with 10 or less positive feedback score"

albob said:

you could specify in the actual auction something like -

"No bidder with 10 or less positive feedback score"

Click to expand...

That still wont stop them bidding

True - but you can then refuse to sell, because they haven't abided by your conditions