Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to write in today.
The recent email sent from this account was the result of an
unauthorized account takeover. The password was guessed or discovered
and then used to send email like the message you received.
Unfortunately, we were not made aware of this activity until after the
email had been sent. We are now in the process of getting the account
restored to its true owner.
Let me suggest a few ways this takeover could have occurred.
First, if the user had a relatively simple password or password hint
question it is possible that a third party was able to gain access to
the account by guessing the password.
It is also possible that the user could have unknowingly provided his or
her password to another party. Some eBay members have reported receiving
messages asking for User IDs and passwords. These messages appear to
come from eBay Support, but in fact are not. eBay will never ask for
sensitive information of this nature through email.
Last, there are a number of computer viruses in circulation that log and
record keystrokes. It's recommended that computer users keep their virus
alert software up-to-date, and check their system often for problems. A
firewall for high-speed Internet users is also highly recommended.
eBay urges caution when purchasing high-priced items, especially if the
price seems too good to be true.
We do not recommend the use of instant cash wire transfer services such
as Western Union and MoneyGram, and we ask that users decline sending
payment in cases where these are the only methods of payment offered by
the seller. Generally, if payment is sent using an instant cash wire
transfer service and the item is not delivered as promised, no recourse
is available for recovering funds. In most cases, an escrow service
should be used when purchasing high dollar value items. More information
on the benefits and risks of individual payment methods can be found at:
http://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/payment.html
Please be aware that eBay discourages all transactions that are
initiated by parties other than the seller and the winning buyer in a
completed eBay listing. Sales that take place outside of eBay carry a
potential fraud risk and are not eligible for eBay services, including
feedback, contact information requests, and the eBay Fraud Protection
Program. You can review the services provided through the eBay Fraud
Protection Program at:
http://pages.ebay.com/help/confidenc...ems-fraud.html
Thank you for choosing eBay, and I wish you the best of luck with your
trading!
Regards,
Cort
eBay SafeHarbor
Investigations Team
______________________________
eBay
Your Personal Trading Community (tm)