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Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

Hi all,
I've decided to create a brand new eBay stealth account and put it to test.

After creating the account I had it linked to a new stealth PayPal which is VCC and real bank account (WellsFargo) verified.

On the second day, I went ahead and listed 10 items ranging from $3 all the way to $70 dollars.

The new account has a 10 items/$1000 Limit.

After about 10 days I had sold 7 items and as expected, PayPal held the funds but after shipping out on time and posting tracking numbers, PayPal started to releasing the funds.

At this point the account was about 15 days old.

At the same time, I've decided to push it a little further by using this account for purchases as well.

So I started checking out many iPhone listings as I was on the market for one.

So I submitted a bunch of offers to sellers (10 to 15 offers) and this point eBay sent me a message stating that my account was on hold.

I decided to call eBay to see if they could help. I had all the information for my stealth account in front of me. The phone number used to create the account was still active and I used a softphone app to call them, so same number would show up on their caller ID.

I pulled up the address on google maps just in case they would ask questions such as nearby street names or what color the house I lived in was and etc... I also had a weather report for the zip and current time for that time zone, just in case they ask. Turns out, they never asked...

The rep was nice and told me that the account was on hold due to my activity pattern which was unusual for a new account.

But after checking the 3 feedback I received and all the tracking numbers I've uploaded, he lifted the hold.

I asked if I would have any problems either buying or selling with this account. He said that since I called to resolve, I wouldn't have any further problems as long as I keep providing a good service and don't get any negative feedback.

At this point, the account is about 20 days old and still active. I have sold all 10 items so I'm not able to list anything else until a get a limit increase.

I am able to make purchases. No problem with that.

I decided to push my luck again and called to increase my selling limit but the rep told me that I had to wait for the 30 days to be up in order to be eligible.

I process and ship orders out within 1 business day. Shipping method is 2 days. I also offer free shipping on all orders.

Anyways, I just wanted to give you a little feedback on my experience with this account and since this is a test account, I will keep pushing the envelop to see how far I will get.

I will keep posting my progress here in case anyone find this information useful.

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

Great info for a newbie like myself. Thank you for the post! I look forward to updates.

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

keep abusing it! do you have any high-risk items to sell? I have found $1200 to be about the limit for the first month for PayPal, and thats with selling low risk items. Anything going over that goes into the danger zone and risks limitation

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

This kind of thread is what this forum is all about. Keep us updated and thanks for sharing :thumb:

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

If I was to provide constructive criticism I would say, go a tad slower from the start next time - to avoid flagging up your account, and risking suspension.

But overall, you've got the gist of things. Good Luck with your venture :thumb:

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

What's wrong in making offers for iphone? Why would they limit you for that.

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

Always good to see what ebay may limit you for. But they are so varied on a case by case basis that is makes it difficult to determine if a test will be applicable to another account.

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

Iphone is in the top 5 risky item, the reason is that it is expensive and many people want one. so if you want to sell one for a cheap price, you will have so many buyer for this , it makes the sacm very easy. I work a lot on facebook groups , and it is unbelievable how many scam aboout that

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

Keep up your good works, and let us know your progress

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

OP, mind me asking what you used for name and address? Variation of your real name, etc? And how were you going to get your purchases since that address wasn't nearby?

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

awesome stuff, and keep up with the updates

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

Its a good time of year to be aggressive since sales are slower. Not something I would do with a new account in late Q3 or Q4. Good job though!!

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

Heh, I'm not sure part of this process is the "abuse" part?

I'm pretty sure what you described is pretty much exactly how you should list with new accounts- Perhaps you did it quicker than some suggest you should do, but thats not really abusing, thats just your choice.

Cool story tho, gives new people an idea how it works and all that.

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

"what color the house I lived in was and etc... I also had a weather report for the zip and current time for that time zone, just in case they ask."

Wow eBay Reps will really ask this kind of stuff?? LOL!!! Why don't I tell you where my wife's birthmarks are while we're at it.

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

Good info. I just got email one of my new stealth accts limited and to call and verify information. Acct is like 2 months old, listed like 2-3 items per week and no sales.
So I found it odd for limitation. Will update after I call.

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

Good thing that isn't in any way true for me. Haven't had sales this good since last august.

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

You missed something. He was BUYING iphones, not selling iphones.

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

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Listing a bunch of items right off the bet, Submitting multiple offers, Contacting multiple sellers, Calling and asking for a limit increase right after the hold was lifted on the account...

As the eBay rep said, this were all unusual behavior for a brand new account with no history

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

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I read a few post in the past were eBay would ask name of nearby streets and etc. Not sure if it is true, but I decided to have that info handy just in case...

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

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Same last name, different first name. Shipping address is a P.O. Box with a real street address.

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

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They didn't limit the account for that motive alone. It was all the unusual behavior of listing, selling, submitting offers and contacting multiple sellers using a brand new account with no history in a very short period of time.

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

Hey , right , I missed this, but for about the same reasons it is risky to buy it on a new account

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

Ive learned this from simply burning through accts lol

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Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

No being a true Finesse king tells me they blocked u because u sold items then tried to buy iPhone

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Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

First off, let me say, great post and details. Thanks for sharing with the forum.

Excellent tactic. Always helps to have the "verified" number you used to create the account when calling eBay. It helps eBay know you are who you say you are (LOL).


They can only ask specific questions if your name is in the database, i.e. your name, address, etc all match that of a real person with public records (such as utility bills and a Drivers License.) If you're doing proper stealth, the person won't exist and it's literally impossible for the rep to ask these questions (since the system doesn't know the answers or the questions to ask in the first place)

Yup, of course.

Exactly. Let's make something clear: eBay would LOVE if every member on their site sold and bought 1000+ items per month. They would LOVE it! What they do NOT like is scammers, unprofessionals, looneys, etc on their site. They have a reputation to maintain as a reliable place to buy and sell goods. If they're overrun with people who scam or provide terrible service, they lose their customers and thus lose profits. As long as you're providing good service and following the rules, they love having you selling on their site. Why wouldn't they?


You can actually call every 25 days (learned that after calling in dozens upon dozens of times across multiple accounts). Try it on day 25. If the rep says you have to wait 30 days, just tell him to see if the system will let him increase it (it will). This only applies if your metrics are standard or above.


The only thing I have to add aside from the above is that, while this is a good test, I don't recommend "abusing" any account, especially a new one. Trying to buy a bunch of iPhones on a new account with limited history is a recipe for disaster. Calling eBay to get a limits increase is common sense.

That said, if you just want to see what you can get away with, the answer is pretty simple: As long as eBay can see evidence that you're not pulling anything shady, they are happy to let you buy and sell on their platform.

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

Thanks for the info !!
Really Helpful!

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

wait. Ebay has this reputation?

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

I don't know about you, but I've never lost money when buying from eBay. Everytime I've had an issue I've gotten a refund. Admittedly, I don't buy from obvious scammers and I have very few issues, but still.

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

I've lost money, when I tried to be completely honest, or be nice. And sellers took advantage of that. If I wanted to rip of sellers, I could do it all day every day. Same with buyers. If I didn't care, yeah, I'd never lose money.

And it all depends on what you're buying. I'm in the watch business. I see ⊗⊗⊗⊗ every single day, and they get huge bidding prices. I've reported them to ebay, and no one gives a ****. I've told the sellers, and they didn't give a ****. No one gives a ****.

Re: Test case - Abusing a new Stealth account...
 

Great post, always fun to see test cases of people testing soft limits.