A nonwinning bidder emailed us with a very strange question. He apparently had been given a Second Chance Offer. Well, we didn't send any so he forwarded it to us. As it turns out, it is a spoof by another E-Bay user impersonating us (shelleys_yes).
Here's the text of the e-mail:
Dear fredb828,
***Do not reply to this email . Contact the seller at this e-mail address : [email protected] *** You expressed interest in an item titled "VINTAGE ANTIQUE AMERICAN GAS PUMP RESTORED MINT NR" (Item 7144070284) by bidding, however the auction has ended with another member as the high bidder. In compliance with eBay policy, the seller of that item is making this Second Chance Offer to you at your bid price of US 580.00 .The seller has issued this Second Chance Offer because either the winning bidder was unable to complete the transaction . If you accept this offer, you will be able to exchange Feedback with the seller and will be eligible for eBay services associated with a transaction, such as fraud protection. To purchase this item, don't reply to this mail, just contact the seller at [email protected] Thank you, eBay, Inc ***Do not reply to this email . Contact the seller at this e-mail address : [email protected]*** Regards , shelleys_yes
posted on March 29, 2005 10:03:25 AM
The same thing happened to me last week. A fellow in Japan won a widget for about $1000. and the next highest bidder was offered a second chance. He almost paid for it but became suspicious and emailed me. I sent all the emails to EBay Security and they said they would investigate. Please see my previous thread on this.
posted on March 29, 2005 10:08:49 AM
We saw it. Thank you! We thought this was new, but apparently not. I warned as many bidders as possible but then I reached my maximum daily limit.
posted on March 29, 2005 12:01:18 PM
I wonder if this will be the end of Second Chance all together?
No one will use it now, most likely, unless they are unware of this scam.
