| Author |
 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,695 |
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Valued Member
United States
337 Posts |
I had an unsettling experience with a person on ebay, a newbie. He bid early on a seven day auction, then called me in the last hour of the auction to have me cancel the bid. First, I had no way to know if it was the bidder, or someone wanting to remove the competition. But worse, I had no idea how he got my number. I was told he go it from ebay, and after a brief search I found it is not that difficult. The problem is once one has a phone number the internet can provide an address. I have no message on my auctions that the coins are not kept here, so I realize the danger, and reduced my ebay activity until I resolved the problem. I got a Skype account, which is inexpensive compared with other phone numbers, and Skype does not care what my address is. Now, ebay has a phone number, but it is a waste of time to call it or to use it for information. They did understand the problem coin sellers have with giving information, but no assistance. I also use a P. O. Box. Watch your information. |
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Bedrock of the Community
Canada
10743 Posts |
I always use a P.O. Box..
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1796 Posts |
You can also get a Google Voice number that forwards directly *to* your own number and you can call it or use the Google Voice app to call *out* using that number, too.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1949 Posts |
I would find that very unsettling as well, did not realize any random bidder would be able to get access to that information?
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
Can you explain how the bidder got your phone number? I was of the understanding an actual auction winner can get that information. I did not realize any bidder can get any seller's phone number?!
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1823 Posts |
That unreal I use my work cell phone number.
I like to know how they got your phone #
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Valued Member
 United States
337 Posts |
I was confused at first, but it was not difficult to find my number when logged in. As for ebay, they said they want buyers and sellers to work out any problems. In this case, the bidder was trying to avoid an unpaid hit, and in his few prior purchases had already been flagged for similar activity. After explaining a security problem, even if the coins are kept elsewhere the bidder has no knowledge of this fact, they insisted there be a phone number. Even my cell phone gives my address when searched, and so I had to find a cheap number. It took 7 years for my first, and last, call from an ebay bidder who bids, then buys elsewhere. He did offer to buy if I reduced the price $20. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1512 Posts |
Quote:
He did offer to buy if I reduced the price $20 Ha ha! What a jerk! |
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
Sheesh. Creepy.
Thanks for the warning. I don't sell on the bay but I might someday.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1037 Posts |
I would block the buyer/bidder from bidding on your future items. The buyer doesn't sound like someone I'd want to business with. Edited by welder
02/05/2015 7:43 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3172 Posts |
This really creeped me out. Went out to google and got my google voice number. Then went to ebay and changed my settings. That's just not something I want happening and I think it's awful that ebay would pass that out. Thanks for the heads up! Edited by srs77
02/05/2015 7:50 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2589 Posts |
I have only ever received one phone call in relation to an ebay transaction, someone had stolen someones credit card and used it to set up an ebay account and buy a coin from me. The individual whose card was stolen ended up calling me after the package with the coin in it (which they did not order) arrived at their house. I directed them to call their credit card company and ebay immediately. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1314 Posts |
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He did offer to buy if I reduced the price $20. The thing is, it was a $15 coin. Thanks for the heads up. |
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,695 |
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Posted 02/05/2015 3:26 pm
