eBay has three times now forced a password and secret question change on my account due to what it describes as: "We've detected some unusual activity on your eBay account, and it looks like your password may have become known to a third party. In order to protect you and your eBay account we've reset your password and Secret Question (password hint).

The unusual activity may be a result of using a sniping site to bid on your behalf at the last minute, using a public-use computer or could be a result of you answering a spoof mail. You'll find more information on spoof below."

This can only be due to my using myibidder.com to place bids on my behalf. Is there any way to avoid this happening?

TIA - GeoffT.

Never had such reports from other members so I don't think this is related. We have many users from UK and nobody ever reported it.

Try to scan your PC for viruses and then set your password to something more stronger than you usually do (add a long number at the end, or some additional word).

Just had this happen again after only one more (unsuccessful) bid since the last time. I have (had) what I consider a reasonably strong password already, and never disclose it to anyone else except the myibidder.com system. It's becoming a real bind. The full message from ebay is below...

Dear (ebay ID),

We've detected some unusual activity on your eBay account, and it looks like your password may have become known to a third party. In order to protect you and your eBay account we've reset your password and Secret Question (password hint).

The unusual activity may be a result of using a sniping site to bid on your behalf at the last minute, using a public-use computer or could be a result of you answering a spoof mail. You'll find more information on spoof below.

Here's what you should do now:

1) Choose a new eBay password
2) Change your Secret Question
3) Update your information in Turbo Lister
4) Protect against spoof emails

1) Choose a new eBay password

1. Go to the eBay homepage and click on "My eBay".
2. Click on "I've forgotten my password" on the sign-in page.
3. Answer two of the questions from your contact information (such as your postcode and Date of Birth) as we have changed your Secret Question.
4. Check your email for the "Forgotten Password" email.
5. Copy the link in this email into the address bar of a new browser window. Do not click on the link.
6. Enter and confirm your new password.

Tips for secure passwords:
- Choose a completely new password, preferably a random combination of letters and numbers. This password should be different to all of your other online passwords.
- Never give your password to anyone else. eBay will not ask you for your password or credit card details in any communication.
- If you used your old eBay password for other services such as PayPal or online banking, you should choose a new password for those accounts as well.

2) Change your Secret Question

Please change your Secret Question and check that your eBay registration information is correct. Once you have created a new eBay password, you can update both your Secret Question and your registration information in My eBay, under "Personal Information".

3) Update your information in Turbo Lister

If you use Turbo Lister for selling on eBay, it is important that the information in Turbo Lister - including your eBay password - is the same as in My eBay.

Here's how to update your details in Turbo Lister:

1. Click on "Tools" in the Turbo Lister menu bar, then on "Options".
2. Make the necessary changes in "My Data".

4) Protect against spoof

The safest way to access your eBay account is to type "www.ebay.co.uk" into the address bar of your internet browser and then click "Sign in" or "My eBay".

Always check My eBay. Most emails from eBay or sent via the eBay system will be available in My Messages. If you are in doubt about an email you receive, forward it to us at:



We encourage you to visit our Safety Centre for more tips on protecting against spoof and buying and selling safely on eBay. To get there, click on the "Safety Centre" link at the bottom of the eBay homepage.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have further queries or require assistance.


Regards,

eBay Trust & Safety


H51409

I would suggest to change the password to another strong one and keep using eBay as you did in the past.

I saw a couple users who got it too. They changed their passwords and continue using everything as they were.

After all, eBay wants you to buy things.