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Give it up Tom. They're all smarter than we are. We just don't know enough not to click on the wrong thing...
BY the way, if ebay isn't doing anything wrong, why do we still see cowl tags, "novelty" build sheets and other "recreated" documents listed?
Could it be that a $3.00 listing fee is more important than preventing a $100.000. fraud???? I guess I have that wrong too...........
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No one is talking about who's smarter and who isn't. It's more about an educational process of learning how to protect yourself and avoid situations that aren't legitimate and are scams. In the real world (not internet), it's called street smarts and applies to your safety and finances and everything else. I have no doubt that most everyone on here all ready knows that.
While the internet is a new area to learn about, the same principles apply. Use your knowledge and apply them. If something doesn't feel right about a situation, don't do it.
Regarding Ebay, both Mr70 and Charley spelled it out. They offered up direct tips in a couple of areas. Type "how to avoid Ebay fraud" in Google and read a little. Ebay isn't scamming you (except for maybe their fees
). It's either a few users of Ebay, or more often, people sending FAKE emails PRETENDING to be from Ebay when they're really not.
As far as cowl tags and build sheets and restamped stuff and whatever else that people try to sell on there, it's all available on other websites too. You can also buy them at swap meets. Plus sellers of stuff like that also advertise in Hemmings! Does Hemmings police their ads? They're selling an ad for the same almighty dollar that everyone else wants, just like Ebay sells an auction for one, and just like some website hosts allows server space to someone selling things that most car folks don't agree with (such as Trim Tags).
Ebay is probably run by a bunch of computer system and marketing gurus, not classic car enthusiasts. They also have millions of auctions run through their system and pretty much aren't experts in anything except trying to keep that system running to generate revenue. They won't ever be able to effectively police what people are selling, and I don't ever expect them too. They provide a forum for trading - just like the Flea Market and Swap Meet and junk yard and anywhere else - and people need to approach all with the same degree of caution and common sense.