Gumshoo is a free eBay search tool that automatically scans eBay auctions for potential fraud and scams. It evaluates auctions based on multiple criteria, including seller reputation, seller location, item description and shipping and handling charges. When gumshoo finds potential rip-offs, fraud or scams it alerts the buyer and advises them on how to proceed.
There are literally dozens of things you can look for in an eBay listing to find out if it might be a scam. The problem is most people don't have the time or the expertise. I've been using this site called gumshoo.com. It scans the auction for fraud and if something looks fishy I get an alert right on the auction page. Seriously, this thing spots scams I would easily have missed. It detects phrases that you typical;y find in a scam auction and does some special feedback analysis. Oh, and it's free.
The questions is, why can't eBay do something similar to find fraud and eliminate it on the site before people get ripped off? I think the truth is, they already can do this but they make a lot of money by keeping auctions on the site, not by removing them. Sad but true.
"If John Madden steps outside on February 2, looks down, and doesn't see his feet, we'll have 6 more weeks of Pro football." -- Chuck Newcombe
