EBAY....

[d9f1c7]

I bought something on Ebay and was surprised that the seller called me straight away, I had not given them my number. I know personal details are stored on EBAy but I had no idea they are retrievable by sellers. Not that it's an issue in this case but any idea how I prevent sellers getting my details in future? I have searched EBAY help etc but to no avail. thanks

[ojread2]

And you will have the sellers details somewhere in your mail box

The only way you can stop sellers getting your details is by using fake ones and doing that will get you reported for false information and your account suspended until verified

[d9f1c7]

OK fair enough

[CW1]

I have a YAC number registered to eBay. Perfectly legitimate phone number and free to you but VERY expensive for callers.
http://www.yac.com/ex...8B8A91289F9BF9E58D447

Basically you set it up so it redirects to a variety of phone numbers, or just one, be it your landline, mobile, work, etc., in the order you choose. Very useful to have, 'specially to give out to people you'd really rather not have call you ;o)

[CW1]

Far as eBay goes,

http://pages.ebay.co....ember.html#requesting

[d9f1c7]

Thanks, I cannot find anywhere in my account details where the number is set up. I can see my address and email but no number. How can I find where my number is and potentially change it? Thanks

[Buenchico]

Click on 'Personal information' and 'Edit':
http://pages.ebay.co....t/change-account.html

[d9f1c7]

Thanks but my personal info in Ebay does not have a number that's why I'm mystified.

[CW1]

If you sign in and go to My eBay -> Account -> Addresses (not Personal Information), then hit Change to the right of Registration Address, your phone number should be near the bottom of the Registration Information page, above Save Changes. Part of mine's x'd out but you can change it in the Primary Telephone box(es).

[boxtops]

I've never had that happen, d9, and I've been trading on eBay for years. It's not the done thing - you buy something, they should send you an invoice, not ring you. If I were you I would let eBay know this has happened.

[CW1]

Agreed, boxtops. I always thought contact details were available to sellers (and buyers) as a last resort.

[boxtops]

CW1, that information should only be available to you/me - I've just looked, that account information isn't available to other people. However, eBay will release contact information but ONLY if email contact hasn't worked - see the Help page here http://pages.ebay.co....search/members.html#2

I would definitely contact eBay asap and ask if they know how the seller got your phone number - unless of course they got your address from the invoice, and just looked you up in the phone book or on on-line directory enquiries, that's easily done. If that's happening, IMO eBay will want to know, that's not the way it's supposed to work.

[CW1]

Yeah, that info's only available to the one other person involved, and agree 100% should only ever be used if ALL other lines of communication have been exhausted. Could be seen as harassment, which is why, all those moons ago, I got a YAC number. Least then they pay for their impatience !
As well as contacting eBay, I would (when appropriate, ie. after the goods have been received and all's well) mention it in feedback - "Very impatient seller !"

[d9f1c7]

Thanks CW1, I Finally found it! well hidden Ebay!

Yes Boxtops/CW1 I was surprised it's the first time it's happened. I think I'll have a moan at Ebay, it's a mobile number, not in the book.

[ojread2]

Then your mobile number must be somewhere in your information, be it eBay or PP (although to my knowledge PP will only accept landlines numbers)

It is perfectly acceptable for the seller to call a buyer. If the seller has low FB for example, or the item is high priced, an electrical item or a mobile phone for instance
A number to call is very useful in the event of your a/c being hijacked as well

[CW1]

ojread2, we don't know op used a mobile number, only that their seller did. Doesn't have to be a landline number, on eBay or Paypal - mine isn't, starting 070. And I see no call for the seller to ring a buyer "straight away" regardless of fb or price, not before they've given a buyer a chance to pay ! If they were concerned about fb, the seller should adjust the auction accordingly, preventing bidders with low fb bidding.

Think I only ever rang a winning bidder once, after quite a few e-mails were ignored, and a couple of weeks later. That was a high value item I was selling for someone else, and turned out the winning bidder was a minor, I spoke to their father who was mortified (but did pay !).