posted on May 2, 2003 09:16:52 PM new
A strange thing happened. I tried to access my eBay account a few days ago and couldn't. I discovered I couldn't list or sell or do anything as my password was no good. When I checked my email I discovered a message from eBay stating that my password had been changed and if I hadn't requested the change then I should email them back. I got a little shook and shakily emailed them thinking it would be days before I received an answer, and how could I list any items if my password was no good. Believe it or not I got an instant reply stating that eBay (or rather the person at the computer and answering my email) had changed my password because he/she had taken a look at my account and my password, and decided that for security reasons it should be changed. I went through the entire process of getting a new password, which I didn't like to do because I liked my old one.
The only thing I can figure is that either someone was hacking at my account and trying to access it by changing the password then eBay sends out this email to confirm the change, or else it is because I have been selling with the same password since 1997 and it really is a security thing.
Has anyone else out there ever had eBay change their password for them? I'm thinking that if it was a hacker and eBay did not answer me instantly, then the hacker may now have my new password, but for what reason? Perhaps I should change it again?
posted on May 2, 2003 09:32:12 PM new
Yes, I clicked on the link in the email, and then I believe there was a pop-up for writing them which I did, then I got a very fast reply. I am now going back over the emails and checking to make sure all the URLs are authentic. They seem to be.
posted on May 2, 2003 09:40:00 PM new
Here is the instant reply I got from eBay. I guess it is legit but I didn't know they changed passwords for your own security.
Hello,
In an ongoing effort to protect the security of your eBay account, eBay has reset your password, and you will need to go to the eBay site to create a new password before you can bid on or list an item. Additionally, you should have received an automated email confirming this password reset. We attempted to call you at your registered phone number to explain why we felt this was necessary, but the number appears to be invalid.
1. Please go to any eBay page, and click on the "Site Map" (linked at the top of most eBay pages). In the middle column under "Services," click "I forgot my password." Proceed with those directions until you have successfully changed your password. DO NOT use the same password you used previously.
*** Note: If you are directed to the 'Your Secret Question' page and you do not have the correct answer to your secret question, click on the 'Send me password instructions' link below the answer field on the 'Your Secret Question' page to continue on with the process of gaining a new password.***
2. Change the password on your personal email account. For security, ensure it differs from the password you used or are now using for your eBay account.
3. If your old eBay password was also the password for any other online account you use (Paypal, Billpoint, etc.), we recommend that you immediately change those passwords as well. Good password security means that each one of your online accounts has a different password. Even a slight difference (one letter or number) offers substantial additional protection.
Taking these steps will ensure you are the only one that has access to your account.
Also, please remember the following guidelines when it comes to password security:
1. Be wary of emails appearing to be from eBay, providing links to sign in, as these are often attempts to collect your password information. Ensure the website you are directed to is in fact one that belongs to eBay. Please note this email does not provide a link, but asks that you go directly eBay. Always make sure that you’re on an eBay page before giving out your eBay password or credit card information. The best way to be sure of this is to type www.ebay.com into your web address window of your browser.
2. Make sure your password is difficult to guess, and uses a combination of letters and numbers.
3. Don't use the same password on eBay that you use on your email account, or on other websites.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience in this matter.
posted on May 2, 2003 09:44:08 PM new
Thank you for that link. I went there and read what it says about changing your password every 30 or 60 days. So that is why they did it. I had not changed mine for so long. I'll remember this lesson and change it frequently now. I was really scared that my account had been stolen by a hacker. Thanks again for putting my mind at ease.
posted on May 2, 2003 10:42:02 PM new
That is still very strange. I haven't changed my password in over a year and Ebay doesn't change it. I have never heard of them doing that.
I would try to talk to someone through the safe harbor link to make sure everything is OK now.
Did you change it at the Ebay site or through the link the email provided?
