eBay was founded on the principle that people are basically good. However, we recognize the role we play in ensuring transactions between sellers and buyers on our platform are trusted and safe.

This week the eBay Government Relations team in Australia caught up with the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) Scamwatch team to discuss trends in online scams and opportunities to work together. We were also able to update the Scamwatch team on a number of key initiatives to improve consumer confidence on eBay including the certified refurbished program and our move to managed payments.

With the Australian Consumer and Media Authority (ACMA) recently alerting us to an increase in reports of scammers in Australia claiming to be from eBay and asking for money to complete a purchase, the meeting was also an important reminder on how to stay safe online. At eBay we will never call and ask you to provide confidential information like your password or credit card. If you receive a call you believe is suspicious, hang up immediately and report it to your local authorities.