Fake (also called spoof) emails and websites try to look like they're from well-known companies. The people who send fake emails hope that you'll reply or click on a link in the email and provide personal information like passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card numbers.

If you're suspicious about an email that claims to be from eBay, sign in to My eBay and click the Messages tab. If you don't see the same message there, the email is fake.

To report a fake email, forward it to spoof@ebay.com

Never click the links in a fake email or reply to it. If you think you might have given out personal information, find out what you should do right now to protect yourself.

Find out more about recognizing fake emails and websites.