Policy overview
When buyers don't meet eBay standards for buyer behaviour, sellers can report abusive behaviour - opens in new window or tab.
When we review a report of a member violating our policies, we look at the circumstances, including the members' history. We make decisions based on the evidence in the individual situation, as well as by evaluating patterns of behaviour that create a negative value in the marketplace. If we aren't sure about something, we may not take any action. Also, because we respect our members' privacy, we can't discuss the results of any investigations.
Behaviours we don't allow
Additional information
Acceptable buying practices include adherence to the following policies.
- Communications: Your communications with sellers via email, My eBay Messages or Community discussion boards should comply with our member-to-member contact policy.
- Customs declarations: Asking a seller to falsely declare an item as a gift on a customs form is considered to be encouraging illegal activity.
- Fraudulent payments:You must pay for eBay items using one of our accepted payment methods. We encourage sellers to make sure that payment has cleared before sending an item, and to report attempted fraud - opens in new window or tab to us and to the police
- Contact information: All eBay members must keep their account details up to date. We take action when we know that a member has false or missing contact information.
- Using multiple accounts: Registering new accounts or using other existing accounts to avoid buying restrictions or limits or other policy consequences is not allowed. See our Multiple accounts policy for more information.
How to report a buyer
To report a buyer who may be breaching our policies:
- Review the relevant section of this policy (and its related policies) to make sure that the buyer is really breaking the rules.
- If you're sure they have breached an eBay policy, report the buyer - opens in new window or tab.
Why does eBay have this policy?
We want to make sure eBay is a safe place to sell. In order to make eBay a safe place to sell, we hold our buyers to certain standards. When buyers do not follow these standards we take action on our buyers and we protect our sellers.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.