Some funky ebay auctions

[Squawk]

So I was having a look at the prints section on ebay, wondering about selling prints of any good images I manage to take for a small fee. Not exactly gonna make a lot of money doing that, but you never know, might pay for a lens.

I started doing a bit of a recce and I've been brought up short. Have a look at these auctions.


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NIAGARA-FALLS...QptZUK_Art_Photographs_RL?hash=item19b7a87d2c

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PICTURE-OF-LO...QptZUK_Art_Photographs_RL?hash=item27acf66f0f

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Desktop-Wallp...QptZUK_Art_Photographs_RL?hash=item20ae14901a

Then go and take a peak at their feedback. Note a few things. First, all the feedback looks remarkably similar. Second, all the listings are private. Third. Where you can see the buyers name its generally very similar to the sellers in terms of construction.

These auctions, and there are hundreds of them, seem to be for one purpose only. They are there to get feedback scores nice and high without actually selling anything.

Has anyone noticed this before? It's bad for ebay of course, but it's terrible for anyone trying to sell a genuine image. How do you get through the crap? Anyone know if this has been taken further?

 

[Flash In The Pan]

There is also a site where you can buy Ebay accounts, either ones like you describe, or stolen/hijacked ones complete with feedback :shake:

 

[puddleduck]

Report it to Ebay.

Listing Policy Breaches > Listing policy breaches (improper keywords, outside
links etc.) > Feedback-related > Seller is offering to sell or purchase feedback

 

[Borats Baby]

I've reported it !

I have absolutely no doubt, ebay will do nothing about it !

Can only try though...

 

[Squawk]

I've reported them too. I tried to submit a message telling them that there are loads, but you can't add words to the report, just the item number.

Might sign up for the forums...

 

[mxfun]

Another black mark against Ebay :shake:

 

[puddleduck]

Another black mark against Ebay :shake:

Ebay do not seem to act on reports. I remember a while ago when I posted regarding the EportUK scam. I reported listings, and Ebay just did nothing until 100's of people where ripped off.

They should act - but probably won't.

If you put "cash on collection" or "No Paypal" you can guarantee a listing will be pulled almost instantly. But scammers and those assisting scammers selling feedback are left unmolested.