Warning Signs of Stolen Goods on eBay (2024)

These indicators, considered together, may help flag auctions of stolen goods conducted on eBay

Name-brand retailers who trawl eBay for their wares are likely to find thousands of auctions at any given moment. Experts know how to narrow the search to the most suspicious activity. Here are some of the things they look for.

  • Merchandise listed as NWT, or “new with tags”
  • Prices below wholesale
  • Large lots (perhaps 50 or more of one kind of item, in various sizes)
  • Multiple items offered by one seller
  • Goods from the company’s latest product line
  • Items that are not yet available in stores
  • Products that match the description of goods recently stolen in quantity
  • Sellers whose ZIP codes are in the same area as recent thefts
  • Gift cards, especially in large amounts and from various retailers
  • Short auctions (because the seller may be trying to evade detection)
  • Sellers who require money orders rather than easily traced PayPal

Related content

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

From our editors straight to your inbox

Get started by entering your email address below.

Warning Signs of Stolen Goods on eBay (2024)

FAQs

Warning Signs of Stolen Goods on eBay? ›

A good reason to suspect they don't belong to the seller is if the item has a “property of…” sticker and the seller's name is not the name on the sticker. Another way to tell if something has probably been stolen is to look at the packaging and the price you paid.

How to tell if an item is stolen? ›

A good reason to suspect they don't belong to the seller is if the item has a “property of…” sticker and the seller's name is not the name on the sticker. Another way to tell if something has probably been stolen is to look at the packaging and the price you paid.

How do I know if an eBay seller is safe? ›

Here are some warning signs to look out for:
  1. Short duration listings: Fraudulent sellers often want to close a deal quickly. ...
  2. Heavily discounted or sold-out items: Be wary if a seller has lots of high-value items at suspiciously low prices, or a stock of hard-to-find goods that are sold out everywhere else.

What if eBay is full of stolen items? ›

If you see stolen property on eBay, please contact local law enforcement immediately. Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties.

What happens if your eBay package is stolen? ›

Neither Ebay nor the seller is responsible if the item was stolen after delivery. File a police report, report it to your local postmaster and think about a more secure location for deliveries.

How do I know if someone stole my package? ›

Most modern security systems sync your cameras to your mobile device, so if you're away, you can check on your home throughout the day to see if your package has been delivered. If you have video footage of a suspicious someone stealing your stuff, that can also be used as evidence when you file a police report.

What happens if you order something online and it gets stolen? ›

File a claim with the postal service that shipped your package. FedEx, UPS, USPS and DHL all have a claim-filing system to help you track down your package. Check your credit card for purchase protection. If you used a credit card to purchase the item, check to see if you have a purchase protection.

What should I be careful of on eBay? ›

Top tips for safe eBay shopping
  • Don't rush. Always take your time and read through the listing and description.
  • Research the seller. ...
  • Never use a third-party payment method. ...
  • Never provide your personal information via email. ...
  • When in doubt, contact the seller. ...
  • Use antivirus software.
Jul 20, 2023

Does eBay ever protect the seller? ›

eBay values your safety when selling online. If you meet your commitments as a seller, eBay will protect you if you face abusive buyer behavior or events outside your control. Sellers may not misuse the seller protections provided by eBay.

Will eBay refund me if I get scammed? ›

eBay Money Back Guarantee covers most transactions on eBay. It means buyers can get their money back if an item didn't arrive, is faulty or damaged, or doesn't match the listing.

Are eBay sellers responsible for lost packages? ›

If they were never delivered to the buyer, you should file claims for lost packages to be reimbursed. Whether you are reimbursed or not, you are responsible for getting the items to the buyers in listed condition. If you don't, you owe them refunds. If you don't refund, eBay will refund the buyers out of your account.

Can I get a refund and keep the item eBay? ›

Give a full refund – The buyer will receive a full refund, including original postage costs, and they'll keep the item. This is a good option for low-value items. Offer a partial refund – The buyer will receive a partial refund, and they'll keep the item.

Do all eBay items have buyer protection? ›

You can purchase most items listed on eBay with buyer protection. [Vehicles are only partially covered.] Any item that isn't listed on eBay DOES NOT have eBay's buyer protection.

Is the seller responsible if a package is stolen? ›

The exact responsibility for stolen packages is quite tricky. In most cases, the seller is responsible for the deliveries until they are dropped at the customers' designated place. Once the shipping courier has confirmed delivery, the package becomes the online shopper's responsibility.

Who pays if my package is stolen? ›

Often, it's up to the seller or retailer to ensure that you receive your package. Thus, anything that happens in transit is the responsibility of the seller; they are responsible if the package is lost or damaged during transit, and usually must replace it or give a reimbursem*nt.

Do you get a refund if your package is stolen? ›

Some retailers may send a replacement or refund the purchase, especially if they have a policy to protect against theft. However, this is at the discretion of the seller. File a Police Report: For expensive items or if you notice a pattern of package thefts, consider reporting it to the police.

How can stores tell if you stole something? ›

Most stores these days have surveillance cameras to track and record the behavior of shoplifters. Shoplifters don't know if someone is watching from a distance possibly using multiple cameras, high-powered binoculars, and recording their criminal acts.

How do stores know if you stole something? ›

In basically every retail store, and especially grocery/convenience stores, you are being observed by security cameras at literally every second. In every aisle. This has been the case for decades. It's how they catch shoplifters.

Can you get in trouble for buying something you didn t know was stolen? ›

If you purchased a stolen good online without knowing it was stolen, you won't likely face any criminal charges. The law typically gives a break to those who unknowingly buy goods from a thief. If you find out at a later time that the item you purchased was stolen, you should report the activity to police officials.

How to tell if something on marketplace is stolen? ›

  1. Check the item's price:If the price of an item seems too good to be true, it might be a red flag. ...
  2. Examine the seller's profile:Review the seller's profile and look for any signs of suspicious activity, such as a lack of profile information, a new or unverified account, or a history o.
Oct 18, 2023

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Duncan Muller

Last Updated:

Views: 6448

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duncan Muller

Birthday: 1997-01-13

Address: Apt. 505 914 Phillip Crossroad, O'Konborough, NV 62411

Phone: +8555305800947

Job: Construction Agent

Hobby: Shopping, Table tennis, Snowboarding, Rafting, Motor sports, Homebrewing, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Duncan Muller, I am a enchanting, good, gentle, modern, tasty, nice, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.