Well it seems that it's not too popular. I would have thought this type of advertising was illegal under Australian retail laws. Then again there are a number of things which openly break Ebay's own rules and regulations, but they simply don't get policed. Is keeping the site running and collecting money the only thing which is fastidiously looked after?

It certainly seems to be the situation. Coincidently I've just been ripped off by a big number seller on Ebay. This isn't Ebay's fault but it goes to show what really happens. I wanted a new computer, I found one on Ebay and asked my bank about a load to buy it. Not only did they approve my loan but sent the seller the money. I waited 3 days for acknowledgement of receiving the money, nothing not even a thanks for buying. I thought maybe $2150.00 would deserve at least a thank you. I sent the seller an email and because I'd seen another ad he was running offering the same computer with cosmetic problemsI asked if he would confirm I was buying a new undamaged computer. Eight times I ended up asking the same question. With my 6th attempt I told him to cancel the sale. This wasn't through Ebay by the way, he switched the sale to private, I didn't realise this until ater the money was paid. On the last time I asked the question I increased the font size and typed it in red. His answer was "What's the question" It was then I knew it was a scammer. I asked again for a refund and the answer "OK no problems, I'll just deduct $429.60 for cancelling fees. Why ? he hadn't done anything, he didn't even put the computer in a box.

By the end of the day I found the truth. He was selling many computers on Ebay as BRAND NEW. but in reality they are factory seconds from the manufacturer. He's paying $1,000 for some and selling them for $2100 He admitted he only sells seconds. I checked his ccomputers for sale and every one of them has no mention of damage and no reference to a 20% cancellation fee.

Unfortunately I can't tell you his name, I wish I could so others won't be caught. I'm going to find a well known storefront computer seller plus increase my loan to pay for it. The Switch and bait matter pales into insignificance compared to this scammer. What I can't understand is how he ever got more than 10,000 positive feedbacks and only one negative for exactly my problem. Fair trading is getting involved so maybe I'll get all my money back. Ebay really should clean up, I lodged a complaint about the original matter but a week later and I've heard nothing.

I'm actually considering giving Ebay a big miss after 10 years of buying. My only option is Gumtree, but who owns Gumtree,? Yup, Ebay. I'm getting too old to be checking under the bed every night and too old to be getting ripped off by the unsavoury sellers here. I know there are good sellers around, actually some really great ones but I think there's more Chinese selling on Ebay Australia than Australians. In future I'll pay the extra for peace of mind. Who mentioned the people who won't talk?  Yes mate, it's called APATHY.