So I made a stealth account.. brand new EVERYTHING.. I changed my IP, used a new address name bank account, different user on the pc.. and I waited a week to list something. I listed three books as a bundle and I got restricted 2 hours after listing it.. they want me to call them within 48 hours.. should I call them? Are they going to ask me to fax my ID or are they going to ask me questions? Please help..
MC999 restriction again!?
- Thread starter krilla95
- Start date
SirSmash
Regular Member
- May 25, 2014
- 310
- 275
eBay is getting good with finding stealth accounts, you need to call them. They ask questions and quite frankly if they ask for your ID or something you're not willing to provide, who cares? Just hang up.
I'm still not entirely sure why everyone recommends listing books as the first thing. eBay goes on these forums too and I can almost guarantee they MC999 all book listers at this point. I also have a high suspicion that the computers do time checks, if you list a new item on a new account and you're blasting through the listing like a pro... that's a dead giveaway you're not new. So take your time, mess about a bit, click help, read some stuff, act like a new user.
I'm still not entirely sure why everyone recommends listing books as the first thing. eBay goes on these forums too and I can almost guarantee they MC999 all book listers at this point. I also have a high suspicion that the computers do time checks, if you list a new item on a new account and you're blasting through the listing like a pro... that's a dead giveaway you're not new. So take your time, mess about a bit, click help, read some stuff, act like a new user.
SirSmash
Regular Member
- May 25, 2014
- 310
- 275
That really depends on what they found suspicious. I've had them ask things like "are you drop shipping, how quick to you ship, what volume do you intend on doing" but realistically the guy on the other end of the phone can ask anything.
If they ask something you're not willing to provide, hangup. Don't go "uhhhhh" and then hangup, hangup like your call was dropped. Then you can call in and try again.
If they ask something you're not willing to provide, hangup. Don't go "uhhhhh" and then hangup, hangup like your call was dropped. Then you can call in and try again.
D4RK KNIGHT
Regular Member
- May 18, 2012
- 419
- 183
There could still be many things that you are doing wrong.
All of your information needs to be completely different from any other account that you have ever had.
Like the Username, Email, Passwords, Phone Number, Etc. Don't even make them similar to what you previously used.
Yes you have changed a lot but eBay can still link you from same account activity from the Titles, Pictures, Starting Price, Description, Shipping, Item Location, and Return Policy.
Be sure to use Gmail as your Email address because Gmail blocks cookies and flash objects that eBay sends to your Email.
Be absolutely sure when using Gmail to go to settings and check ''ask before displaying external content'' because they can link you by cookies or flash objects if you dont.
Even when you create a new user account on your computer that does not stop eBay from cookies or flash objects linking by Email unless you use Gmail.
If you haven't bought the Ebay stealth book from Aspkin I recommend you do so because it's great for newbies.
All of your information needs to be completely different from any other account that you have ever had.
Like the Username, Email, Passwords, Phone Number, Etc. Don't even make them similar to what you previously used.
Yes you have changed a lot but eBay can still link you from same account activity from the Titles, Pictures, Starting Price, Description, Shipping, Item Location, and Return Policy.
Be sure to use Gmail as your Email address because Gmail blocks cookies and flash objects that eBay sends to your Email.
Be absolutely sure when using Gmail to go to settings and check ''ask before displaying external content'' because they can link you by cookies or flash objects if you dont.
Even when you create a new user account on your computer that does not stop eBay from cookies or flash objects linking by Email unless you use Gmail.
If you haven't bought the Ebay stealth book from Aspkin I recommend you do so because it's great for newbies.
SirSmash
Regular Member
- May 25, 2014
- 310
- 275
To be fair it's sometimes random OR you happen to use information someone else already used OR you do like I did once and used like "Mike Smith on 420 CerryBoBo Rd." -- Turns out there is a Mike Smith living at 300 Cherry BoBo. Found that out after eBay tried the online verification and I went "wtf!? they can't be getting this information from a fake person."... Chances are you accidentally used information someone else already used; most likely the phone number.
Edit: Just make another account, there's not much else you can do. You can purchase an account which is sometimes easier but I've purchased accounts that also don't make it past the first listing, others that didn't make it three weeks, and some that last.
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blt938
BANNED
- Jan 8, 2014
- 252
- 82
Waiting 1 week usually isn't enough. The type of MC999 you received is very easy to get unsuspended from. Call in since you have nothing to lose at this point and recap what the email says to the rep and they will go on about how they do this to all new members (that's a lie - I have had this happen only once out of all of the stealths I've created in the last few months) and that they want to talk to the owner of the account. You'll likely be asked information on your account (your stealth address probably) so have that handy.
Then they'll ask what type of items you're selling - be honest and tell them about the books. Make sure you emphasize they were used, old books because with this question they're trying to see if you are someone who buys things and resell them (that's okay, but you'd risk having to send in invoices if they think that).
2nd question usually is where are the items located - say your house, your room, or anything that implies it's in your possession now. You don't want to seem like you're dropshipping.
3rd question can vary but usually they ask how long it will take for you to ship your item? Say the next day. Instead of this question, they may ask how will you be shipping this item? Hopefully you remember what shipping method you selected for your listing, otherwise just say the USPS.
Sometimes it ends there, sometimes theres a 4th question. They may ask where do you get your items? Again, they're trying to see if you're a reseller. Say it's something you already own and you've owned it for years. It's your personal item you're trying to get rid of. They sometimes ask item specific questions, like if your book is a rare collectible (like an autographed copy), they would ask can you provide a COA? Say yes even if you can't.
These questions are very straightforward to answer if you know how eBay thinks. They can vary slightly but those are the most common questions. Just stay calm and you'll easily pass. If this is the first time you've ever called ebay for something like this, I suggest practicing saying your stealth info outloud before you call. You want to sound confident when stating your stealth address.
After the questions, the rep will then do one quick check of your account - since it's brand new you have nothing to worry about, and then you'll be unrestricted.
To avoid this in the future: as said above make sure to use all new info. I would use a prepaid phone instead of a texting app if you're doing that. It's best to have your Paypal verified with a vba before trying to sell. Don't forget to do "new user" things with your account - search for random items, add them to your watch list, click on random help links. Make sure you seem like a new user to them. Also, bid on a few items that you never expect to win such as expensive electronics that start at 0.99 or something. Do this slowly over the course of days, or even weeks.
And I'd wait longer than a week before trying to list. 2 weeks is my recommended minimum though I usually wait a month.
From reading your post, it seems like you didn't really make any mistakes except for listing too early. Listing books is perfectly fine btw - I always have, and still do use that as my first item and have avoided MC999s 99% of the time. The type of phone you used to verify your account could have led to the suspension, and/or not having a bank attached to your account could have as well. Or maybe you forgot to link your Paypal account to your ebay account. It could have been the time you took before listing and item, or a combination of all of the above. Ebay, like all companies have a formula they use to calculate risk of its members. It could be one big thing you did that set off their bots, or a few small things.
Then they'll ask what type of items you're selling - be honest and tell them about the books. Make sure you emphasize they were used, old books because with this question they're trying to see if you are someone who buys things and resell them (that's okay, but you'd risk having to send in invoices if they think that).
2nd question usually is where are the items located - say your house, your room, or anything that implies it's in your possession now. You don't want to seem like you're dropshipping.
3rd question can vary but usually they ask how long it will take for you to ship your item? Say the next day. Instead of this question, they may ask how will you be shipping this item? Hopefully you remember what shipping method you selected for your listing, otherwise just say the USPS.
Sometimes it ends there, sometimes theres a 4th question. They may ask where do you get your items? Again, they're trying to see if you're a reseller. Say it's something you already own and you've owned it for years. It's your personal item you're trying to get rid of. They sometimes ask item specific questions, like if your book is a rare collectible (like an autographed copy), they would ask can you provide a COA? Say yes even if you can't.
These questions are very straightforward to answer if you know how eBay thinks. They can vary slightly but those are the most common questions. Just stay calm and you'll easily pass. If this is the first time you've ever called ebay for something like this, I suggest practicing saying your stealth info outloud before you call. You want to sound confident when stating your stealth address.
After the questions, the rep will then do one quick check of your account - since it's brand new you have nothing to worry about, and then you'll be unrestricted.
To avoid this in the future: as said above make sure to use all new info. I would use a prepaid phone instead of a texting app if you're doing that. It's best to have your Paypal verified with a vba before trying to sell. Don't forget to do "new user" things with your account - search for random items, add them to your watch list, click on random help links. Make sure you seem like a new user to them. Also, bid on a few items that you never expect to win such as expensive electronics that start at 0.99 or something. Do this slowly over the course of days, or even weeks.
And I'd wait longer than a week before trying to list. 2 weeks is my recommended minimum though I usually wait a month.
From reading your post, it seems like you didn't really make any mistakes except for listing too early. Listing books is perfectly fine btw - I always have, and still do use that as my first item and have avoided MC999s 99% of the time. The type of phone you used to verify your account could have led to the suspension, and/or not having a bank attached to your account could have as well. Or maybe you forgot to link your Paypal account to your ebay account. It could have been the time you took before listing and item, or a combination of all of the above. Ebay, like all companies have a formula they use to calculate risk of its members. It could be one big thing you did that set off their bots, or a few small things.
blt938
BANNED
- Jan 8, 2014
- 252
- 82
No problem, good luck and let us know what happens.
That's true but they're referring to the "new" MC999 (this started late last year which is why it's called "new"), which you'd get before ever listing an item and your limits are reduced to 0/0. Any legit seller should offer that guarantee though, because if that happens then it means the account was created improperly and it's account seller's fault.
krilla95 has one of the "old" MC999s where they ask easy softball questions - definitely the most straightforward and simplest to get unsuspended from. (And for anyone keeping score, there's one more major type of MC999 suspension - a MC999 indefinite restriction, which is when they link you to suspended account.)
blt938
BANNED
- Jan 8, 2014
- 252
- 82
Usually when it says you have 48 hours, it's the easy questions. If you got the indefinite restriction then you won't be able to do anything with the account and you'll show up as "no longer a registered user". If you got the "new" mc999 then your limits would be decreased to 0/0 and they don't give you a time limit. And that's when they want to ask you questions from the public database - to see if you're a real person. On your previous account, were your limits decreased? And did your limits get decreased on this account? Also they would only be able to ask that information if you used a real person's name - it's best to make up a name.
I could be wrong since it's been a while since I had to deal with that, but I'm fairly sure when they give you a time limit, it's the easy questions.
I could be wrong since it's been a while since I had to deal with that, but I'm fairly sure when they give you a time limit, it's the easy questions.
Wow! That was SO easy.. I stood on the phone for 10 minutes while she checked up all my information.. she asked me ONE question and that was if I was getting this book from manufacturers or is it a personal item.. i said its my very old book from years ago and im just selling stuff around the house.. she said thats great, everything else is a green light.. let me just verify your information with the database.. waiting for 5 minutes, she came back and apologized for this and hassle and told me not to worry about this restriction again and for me to have a great day..
easy as cake, thanks everyone! especially you blt938!
easy as cake, thanks everyone! especially you blt938!
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Wait a minute.. I tried to relist my item and got this error.
You can't complete this listing right now. See below for details.
[TD="class: panel-icon"][/TD]
[TD="class: err-msg"]In order to keep eBay a safe and trustworthy environment, we regularly review accounts to confirm information provided by our members.
As part of our review, we've placed your account on hold, and you won't able to buy, sell, or send messages to members. Your active listings have also been placed on hold during this period.
To remove the hold on your account and confirm your information, please follow the instructions in the email we sent to your registered email address or your My Messages in My eBay. Make sure you respond to our email within 72 hours, otherwise you may be subject to other actions, such as suspension of your account.
We appreciate your cooperation in confirming your information as soon as possible and welcome you as a valued member.
However, in my inbox and email I got this message
"[FONT=Arial, Verdana] MC999 Your eBay listing has been restored " [/FONT]
do i have to wait for the system to update or something?
[/TD]
You can't complete this listing right now. See below for details.
[TD="class: panel-icon"][/TD]
[TD="class: err-msg"]In order to keep eBay a safe and trustworthy environment, we regularly review accounts to confirm information provided by our members.
As part of our review, we've placed your account on hold, and you won't able to buy, sell, or send messages to members. Your active listings have also been placed on hold during this period.
To remove the hold on your account and confirm your information, please follow the instructions in the email we sent to your registered email address or your My Messages in My eBay. Make sure you respond to our email within 72 hours, otherwise you may be subject to other actions, such as suspension of your account.
We appreciate your cooperation in confirming your information as soon as possible and welcome you as a valued member.
However, in my inbox and email I got this message
"[FONT=Arial, Verdana] MC999 Your eBay listing has been restored " [/FONT]
do i have to wait for the system to update or something?
[/TD]
blt938
BANNED
- Jan 8, 2014
- 252
- 82
That's very strange. It sounds like the person you talked to may have missed a step when reinstating your account. First, log out and log back in again and try to relist it. If you still get that error, then wait a few more hours and try again.
If you still get that message then that rep screwed up and you'll have to call again (if it gets to that, again stay calm and act confused. Say you received a MC999 earlier, you called in, you answered questions and the person said you'd be good to go but you aren't able to list any new items). Definitely keep a close watch on this because if the rep screwed up then the original 48 hour timeline is still in effect so you'd have to contact ebay again before that time expires.
If you still get that message then that rep screwed up and you'll have to call again (if it gets to that, again stay calm and act confused. Say you received a MC999 earlier, you called in, you answered questions and the person said you'd be good to go but you aren't able to list any new items). Definitely keep a close watch on this because if the rep screwed up then the original 48 hour timeline is still in effect so you'd have to contact ebay again before that time expires.
The rep sounded like a old lady.. I just acted very confused and nice about things.. what step did she miss? The other questions?
Thats really weird as well.. I got the email and message in my inbox.. how the heck did she manage to screw up lol.. thanks again though.. ill update when possible
edit: tried the relogging method.. didn't work. how much hours you think i should give it before calling back?
Thats really weird as well.. I got the email and message in my inbox.. how the heck did she manage to screw up lol.. thanks again though.. ill update when possible
edit: tried the relogging method.. didn't work. how much hours you think i should give it before calling back?
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blt938
BANNED
- Jan 8, 2014
- 252
- 82
I would wait 2 hours. I don't know how the process looks like on ebay's side of things but I've been in a similar situation and when I called back, the guy told me the other rep missed a step in the process.
If she knew what she was doing, there will be notes on your account that says you passed the verification so you shouldn't have to answer the questions again, but considering your situation I don't think we can count on that so be prepared to answer the easy questions again just in case.
If she knew what she was doing, there will be notes on your account that says you passed the verification so you shouldn't have to answer the questions again, but considering your situation I don't think we can count on that so be prepared to answer the easy questions again just in case.