Yes, there are sports card scams on eBay. Here are some common scams and red flags to watch out for:

Common Sports Card Scams on eBay

  1. Fake or Reprinted Cards
    • Scammers may sell counterfeit cards or unauthorized reprints, often passing them off as originals.
    • Look for poor print quality, incorrect fonts, or incorrect logos.
  2. Misleading Listings
    • Some sellers use deceptive descriptions or photos to mislead buyers about the condition or authenticity of the cards.
    • Descriptions like "style of" or "like" next to famous card names can indicate replicas.
  3. Shill Bidding
    • Sellers might engage in shill bidding, where they or accomplices bid on their own items to artificially inflate prices.
    • Check the bid history for suspicious patterns.
  4. Switched Cards
    • After a sale, a seller might switch the sold card with a less valuable one before shipping.
    • Ensure the card you receive matches the listing photos and description.
  5. Grading Fraud
    • Scammers might sell cards with fake grading labels or low-quality graded cards.
    • Verify the grading company’s reputation and check the serial numbers on the grading company’s website.
  6. Pack Searching and Resealing
    • Unscrupulous sellers may search packs for valuable cards, then reseal and sell the packs as unopened.
    • Look for signs of tampering with the packaging.
  7. Phishing and Personal Information Theft
    • Scammers may use eBay to lure buyers into providing personal information or account details.
    • Communicate only through eBay’s messaging system and be wary of external links.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

  • Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices: Extremely low prices on high-value cards can be a sign of a scam.
  • New or Low Feedback Sellers: Be cautious with sellers who have no feedback or a low rating.
  • Stock Photos: Listings with stock images instead of actual photos of the card can be suspicious.
  • Private Listings: Sellers who keep their listings private may be trying to hide shill bidding or other fraudulent activity.
  • Lack of Detailed Descriptions: Listings without detailed descriptions or with vague information should be approached with caution.
  • Suspicious Payment Requests: Always use eBay’s approved payment methods. Requests for wire transfers or payments outside of eBay are red flags.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Research the Seller: Check the seller’s feedback rating and read reviews from other buyers.
  • Ask Questions: If you have doubts, ask the seller for more information or additional photos.
  • Verify Authenticity: Use reputable third-party services to authenticate high-value cards before purchase.
  • Use Buyer Protection: Pay through eBay’s system, which offers some level of buyer protection.
  • Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the specific features and typical market values of the cards you’re interested in.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to scams on eBay.