eBay - Pay Safely

eBay has tried to stop cowboys from stealing your money by outlawing hard to trace instant cash wire transfers such as Western Union, MoneyGram and e-gold.

There’s nothing wrong with these payment methods between friends and family. It’s just that they’re not the safest way to pay strangers, including on eBay.

An easy way to avoid cowboys, and shop with confidence is to pay for your eBay purchases with PayPal.

Cowboys aren’t always dressed in ten gallon hats and well-heeled boots. The cowboys we’re talking about aren’t that obvious. So how do you spot this type of cowboy?

Here are a few things to look out for:

A cowboy will say you can pay using any old method but when it comes to the crunch they’ll smooth talk you into paying them with an instant cash wire transfer through a company like Western Union, MoneyGram or e-gold. These transactions are hard to trace so a cowboy can take your money and run and there’s not much you can do to get it back.
A cowboy might try to convince you that eBay will insure a transaction when you pay with a cash wire transfer. It won’t. If you want to be eligible for buyer protection when you shop on eBay, pay with PayPal. Terms and conditions apply.
Remember, if the deal is too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of super bargains.
If you spot a cowboy, turn him in. Use the 'Report this item' link at the bottom of a listing or contact Customer Support. It’s easy and your details aren’t shared with the seller.
A cowboy may email you pretending they’re from eBay. If in doubt, check your messages inbox in My eBay. Any emails relating to your account will also be sent there.

Help us put an end to their hustlin’, wranglin’, thievin’, shyster ways!

To feel more confident that you won’t be ripped off by cowboys, pay using PayPal.

PayPal is a secure way to pay for your eBay purchases. Your money is traceable and you don’t need to share any financial details with the seller, limiting the risk of fraud.

What’s more, if you pay with PayPal and your item doesn’t arrive or is not what you expected, you may be covered for up to $20,000 under PayPal Buyer Protection. Terms and conditions apply.

So don't hold your horses, sign up for a PayPal account now.