Protecting your account

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Protecting your account

Protecting your account

We take a number of steps to help ensure the security of your account. But there's also a lot you can do. Find out more about ways you can protect your account.

Top questions

How do I know if an email is really from eBay?

How do I report spoof (fake) email?

How can I tell if a website is impersonating eBay?

How can I secure my account and identity if I provided information to a spoof (fake) website?

Solve a problem

If the email was sent from us, you’ll also find it in your Messages in My eBay. Send any suspicious email to spoof@ebay.com, or if the email appears to be from PayPal, send it to spoof@paypal.com. Never click a link in a suspicious email. Learn more.

I think someone is using my account without my permission.

If you notice any changes to your account that you didn’t authorize, sign in to your account and change your password and secret question and answer. If you can’t sign in, contact us immediately by clicking the “Contact us” link on our home page. Learn more.

I’ve received a request to update my account information.

If the message was sent from us, you’ll also find it in your Messages in My eBay. Learn how to tell if an email is really from eBay.

Help topics

Account security

Protecting yourself from account or identity theft
Keep your account and identity safe by choosing your user ID and password carefully, watching for fake email, and using online protection software.

What to do if you suspect account theft
If you think someone knows your eBay account information, find out how to secure your account and report the theft.

What to do if you suspect identity theft
If you think someone has gained access to confidential information about you, take steps to secure your financial accounts and put a fraud alert on your credit reports.

Reporting spoof (fake) emails
If you receive fake email that’s attempting to impersonate eBay, report it to us.

How to tell if an email is really from eBay
Check for legitimate messages in My eBay and learn how to spot the characteristics of spoof (fake) email.

Sending headers when reporting email
When you report email to us, it’s important to leave the header information intact.

Recognizing spoof (fake) websites
Learn how to recognize fraudulent websites.

Entering verification codes
Help protect your account with this additional security check.

Using ID Verify
Establish proof of your identity by becoming ID verified.

Privacy protection

Protecting your privacy
Learn how we help protect your privacy.

Cookies, web beacons, and your privacy

About the User Agreement and Privacy Policy
Find out more about these important policies.

Summary of our Privacy Policy
Get a summary of the key concepts of our full Privacy Policy.

Minimizing unwanted email
Find out what you can do to avoid unwanted email.

Tutorial

Account protection

Learn how to protect your account and stay safe on eBay.

7 minutes

Have a question? We can help.

Ask eBay members

Get help from other eBay members. Visit the Answer Center to post a question.

Shortcuts

Change your password

Get ID verified

Rules & policies

Spam policy

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