eBay has developed a comprehensive program designed to encourage safety when trading online. The program, called SafeHarbor^TM, is a full service support and educational resource to ensure safe online trading at eBay and elsewhere on the Internet.

Many users new to electronic commerce, and especially online auctions, have questions and concerns about trading online. SafeHarbor answers those questions and offers other useful tools to increase your chances of an enjoyable online auction experience. The SafeHarbor program is divided into four simple areas:

1. Feedback Forum: The eBay Feedback Forum provides a venue for users to leave comments about their experiences with other eBay users. These comments make up a user's feedback profile, allowing users to build up their reputation in the eBay community and earn the trust of others in the community. The Feedback Forum is at the core of what makes users feel comfortable with other users. From the SafeHarbor link, users can link to the Feedback Forum to leave feedback for others or view the feedback profile of another user.
2. Customer Support: If a user believes someone is misusing eBay, SafeHarbor investigations can help. Although most problems are resolved when users settle their differences directly, SafeHarbor can investigate allegations of misuse on eBay. A list of the misuses SafeHarbor investigates is located in the SafeHarbor Customer Support Investigations area.
3. Understanding eBay Auctions: Since online auctions are a new way to trade, people naturally have questions about the eBay system. In you have questions about trading on eBay, you can link to an eBay Tutorial for answers. The tutorial guides you through the basics of eBay online auctions. It also offer tips on conducting safe online auctions, tips on protecting your privacy, and an explanation on what eBay does to keep prohibited, questionable and infringing items off of our site.
4. Escrow Services: Users who are uncertain about sending their money to someone they don't know have an option - they can use an escrow service. i-Escrow, the exclusive escrow service on eBay, provides escrow services to eBay users at a minimal cost. i-Escrow holds the buyer's money until the seller sends the merchandise to the buyer and the buyer accepts the merchandise. Both parties benefit from a safe and efficient transaction.