Confused About eBay Verification PIN Request, Is This Legit?

[anasshig-0]

Hey everyone, I know this might sound a bit paranoid, but in today’s world I’m very cautious about scams and how easily they can happen. I recently had an issue with an order and needed to contact eBay customer support. The first agent said the case needed to be handed off to a specialized team, and that I’d be connected shortly.

I was then connected to another agent who said:

“I will require a verification PIN number which I have sent to your registered number. This helps us confirm your contact information to maintain the security of your account and our site. It also enables us to take step-in over the claim/file the claim for you.”

This immediately raised a red flag. The PIN text I received didn’t include the usual warning like “do not share this code with anyone,” and, importantly, I’ve read that legitimate eBay support never asks you to read or send your verification code to anyone — doing so would give another person access to your account.

For context, I have also received other messages from eBay (same number) with the usual format:

“Your security code is ___. Do not share this code with anyone.”

So I’m just feeling confused and uncertain — was this a legitimate process that I’m misunderstanding, or was this agent acting incorrectly (or worse)? Any insight would be really appreciated.

[anasshig-0]

Yup, just before I wrote this, my cancellation request was denied as the seller didn't do anything. Just like you stated, a 'not received dispute'  has been made so hopefully I get my money back sooner. Thank you for your help...it was quite a bit of money spent, and the user did seem legit at the time, but Im now questioning it from this whole debacle. Got paranoid about one potential scam and fell for another 😅

[*casey*]

Keep an eye on the dispute and you'll see the option to  "ask eBay to step in" after a few days.

Don't worry too much as I'm sure   you'll be refunded then.

If you have  any  problems with it, or any other problems in general, come back here and we'll help  you as best we can.

You may find this thread is moved to the "Buying "  board

[anasshig-0]

Thank you again! and yeah I didn't think this thread would go down the path about my specific item, but it's probably best it did to answer any doubts I had about it 😅

[lezned-toycollector]

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@anasshig-0 wrote:

I reset the passwords because my paranoia got the best of me, and again, I wasn't sure about giving someone my PIN when I initially thought that wasn't standard procedure. 

Long story short with this item: The seller let me know that it got lost in delivery, and that I'd have to put in a cancellation request...shortly after I put in the cancellation request, they became a non-registered account and would not contact me or respond. Its been over 3 days and nothing has updated yet, but I was told by the last agent I was in contact with that it may take another day or so...so now I'm waiting for that. 

All this I'm okay with, my main concern was the pin code issue...I also really don't want to be waiting a month to get my money back and processed, but if that's what's going to happen then not much I can do haha. Thanks for your help, though!

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It's obvious that you've muddled up your interpretation of both a PIN and a verification code. They are two completely different things with completely different purposes. In this instance, you weren't asked for a PIN. eBay never ask for a PIN.

The agent sent a one time verification code via SMS to the mobile phone number linked to your account, and asked you to confirm that number.

It's a security procedure used by multiple businesses and government departments, which is put in place to ensure they are in fact communicating with the account owner. Banks have been using this verification method for years.

Since a verification code is completely useless to anyone who doesn't have immediate access to the account holder's mobile phone, there is no need to add a security warning to the SMS. 

[anasshig-0]

That's good to know, thanks!

[lezned-toycollector]

You're welcome ☺️