ASTRO EQUIPMENT SCAM - EBAY REPLIES

Hello, SAA,

Here is the very informative email response I received from eBay. My
thought being it especially useful to share with the many reading that
are not up 100% on matters. Everyone choosing to use the auction site
really should be or become familiar with the ropes:

"Hello Pete,

Thank you for taking the time to write with your concern.

The recent items listed with this account were the result of an
unauthorized account takeover. Unfortunately, we were not aware of
this
activity until some time after the listings appeared on the site. Once
we became aware of this activity, immediate action was taken. We are
now
in the process of restoring the account to its true owner. At this
time
the transaction in question should be considered null and void.

Let me suggest a few ways this could have occurred.

If the user had a relatively simple password or password hint question
it is possible that a third party was able to gain access to the
account
by guessing the password.

It is also possible that the user could have unknowingly provided his
or
her password to another party. Some eBay members have reported
receiving
messages asking for User IDs and passwords. These messages appear to
come from eBay Support, but in fact are not. eBay will never ask for
sensitive information of this nature through email.

Finally, there are a number of computer viruses in circulation that
log
and record keystrokes. It's recommended that computer users keep their
virus alert software up-to-date, and check their system often for
problems. A firewall for high-speed Internet users is also highly
recommended.

Please be aware that eBay urges caution when purchasing high-priced
items, especially if the price seems too good to be true.

We do not recommend the use of instant cash wire transfer services
such
as Western Union and MoneyGram, and we ask that users decline sending
payment in cases where these are the only methods of payment offered
by
the seller. Generally, if payment is sent using an instant cash wire
transfer service and the item is not delivered as promised, no
recourse
is available for recovering funds. In most cases, a verified escrow
service should be used when purchasing high dollar value items. More
information on the benefits and risks of individual payment methods
can
be found at:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/payment.html

I sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding regarding this
matter.

Regards,
(eBay spokesperson)
Fraud Prevention Group"


Clear skies,

Pete