Am I being OTT to be a bit freaked out by this?

[SweetApril]

Hi there. Can I sound out an ebay expert or two? I won a 'pick-up only' auction the other day. A short while later the seller phoned me to arrange a collection time and payment method. Thing is I was a bit that they were able to get my number. I asked how they got it and they said, 'Oh, it's on ebay with your email address.' Is that right? Can a seller access my personal number and email address once I've won an item? Or have I somehow put that info on ebay not realising that it could be accessed in this way?

I've been a member for several years and have 100% feedback but always as a buyer so I have no experience as a seller. My usual policy when I buy a 'pick-up only' item is to email seller via ebay as soon as possible after the auction, immediately if I've watched it till the end, and ask how they would like payment and suggest a possible pick-up day/time. After one or two email exchanges they give their address and we exchange mobile nos. in case of any unexpected hitches.

I have no reason to be suspicious. The seller is an older person and very new to ebay and was getting in a bit of a muddle with a few things. I would have given my number eventually anyway but it did feel very odd to get that call. Do you think I am being paranoid?

[bumpybecky]

I think you're being paranoid :) I've got someone's phone number from their eBay details before when trying to complete a transaction. I think it only shows up to someone once you've bought or sold something with them if that makes sense :)

[yousankmybattleship]

Yes, you're being a bit bonkers! I have been able to see people's numbers when I've sold things to them. Surely you want to talk to this person to arrange to get your item?

[SweetApril]

Thanks, bumpybecky! It's never happened before so maybe that's why it felt weird.

[fergoose]

yes you can only access the details if you are in a transaction with someone

[SweetApril]

Of course I want to get the item! But I've always started the process via ebay messaging as it seems more appropriate. As a buyer, can I also access the seller's phone number and email address once I've bought and paid for an item?

It occurred to me that there seem to be quite a lot of disputes and I'm surprised, if numbers are accessible, that people don't start harassing each other by phone or text. Or maybe they do. Luckily I've never had cause to start a dispute over anything.

[fergoose]

only unscrupulous sellers will harass you. I had one once, kept phoning and screaming abuse because the courier he organised was late delivering my cooker. I told ebay, they contacted him and told me if he does it again I had to go to the police. Luckily he stopped.

But don't worry, only a tiny minority of people would behave in that way!

[SweetApril]

Fergoose!

Thanks, everyone!

[fergoose]

I know! but don't let me worry you - the majority of sellers and buyers are decent, don't let a few nasty ones put you off.