Ship only to the address shown in the eBay order details. If a buyer says they entered the wrong address, don’t redirect the package to an address sent by message. Cancel the order if appropriate and have the buyer update their eBay address and repurchase.
The warning follows a March 27, 2025, HotHardware report about a seller who received requests to replace the address after selling a GPU. The same tactic can target any expensive, compact item; the report documents an incident, not proof that every freight forwarder or address mentioned is fraudulent. Read the report.
How the wrong-address scam works
The fraud tries to break the link between the eBay transaction, the checkout address, the tracking number and the package’s destination. A buyer—or someone using a compromised or impersonated account—pays for an item, then asks the seller to ship somewhere other than the order address. The message may say the buyer made a typo, is moving, or got permission from eBay support. The seller sends the package to the new destination, where it may be forwarded, intercepted or delivered without matching the address recorded in the order.
GPUs are appealing targets because they are valuable, relatively compact and easy to resell. Their serial numbers can also matter if a dispute later concerns which card was sent. But there is no basis here to say GPUs are uniquely targeted or that this fraud is more common for graphics cards than for other high-value goods.
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Messages and requests that should make you pause
- “I entered the wrong address” or “Please use this new address instead.”
- A claim that eBay support told the seller to change the destination manually.
- A photograph of an address or shipping label supplied by the buyer.
- Urgent pressure to ship, cancel a label and create another, or send tracking after shipping to the replacement address.
- A request to use a freight forwarder, warehouse, mail drop or business address that is not in the order details.
- A request to pay or communicate outside eBay, or to use a shipping service not offered at checkout.
- Unusual wording, poor grammar or account details that do not seem consistent.
These are warning signs, not a checklist that proves fraud. A polished message can still be unsafe, and awkward wording alone does not establish wrongdoing. HotHardware described messages asking the seller to replace the address and provide tracking; treat that as an example, not a fixed script.
Why the order address matters for eBay protection
eBay’s seller guidance says to deliver to the address in the order details. For delivery evidence, tracking generally needs to show delivery or attempted delivery, the delivery date and an address matching the order, including the ZIP code or equivalent where available. For qualifying orders totaling $750 or more, signature confirmation is required for the relevant seller-protection and payment-dispute evidence. Requirements and eligibility depend on the applicable policy and case review; a signature does not guarantee reimbursement. See eBay’s seller-protection guidance and payment-dispute seller protections.
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A package can be delivered and still fail to establish delivery to the address tied to the eBay order. “Delivered” is not automatically the same as “protected.”
eBay classifies a buyer’s request to ship to an address other than the one provided at checkout as abusive buyer behavior. Its policy also covers other conduct such as requesting an unoffered service, asking to take the transaction off eBay, or making a non-delivery claim despite proof of delivery. Sellers can report suspected abusive behavior through eBay’s process. Read eBay’s buying practices policy.
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What to do before shipping
- Open the transaction through eBay Seller Hub or the order page—not a link in a message.
- Confirm payment is shown as cleared in eBay.
- Check the shipping address in the order details and use it exactly as shown. Do not substitute an address supplied in a message.
- Use the shipping service selected by the buyer at checkout and ship within the stated handling time, as required by eBay’s shipping policy.
- Buy the label through eBay or another supported route, making sure the destination matches the order. Upload integrated tracking promptly to the correct transaction.
- For a high-value shipment, consider signature confirmation where required or prudent. If using a label draft, verify that signature service was actually purchased.
- Keep the label, carrier receipt, tracking record, listing and buyer messages. For a GPU, photograph the card’s condition, model and serial number, plus accessories. If feasible, retain a short video showing it powers on or passes a basic test.
Tracking, delivery confirmation and signature confirmation can help document a shipment; they do not fix an address mismatch. eBay’s seller guidance on tracking and delivery evidence explains the role of those records.
If the buyer says the address is wrong
Do not manually change the destination. eBay’s buyer instructions say sellers generally cannot change the shipping address after purchase; the normal path is to ask for cancellation, update the address and repurchase. The interface and available cancellation options can vary by transaction, so don’t promise a particular outcome or reason. See eBay’s address-change instructions.
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You can reply: “For seller protection, I can only ship to the address shown in the eBay order details. Please request cancellation, update your eBay shipping address, and repurchase the item. I can’t ship to an address sent by message.”
Verify any claimed instruction from eBay by going to eBay directly, not by relying on a buyer’s screenshot or message. If the buyer will not use the cancellation-and-repurchase route, do not send the item to the replacement address.
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Extra safeguards for a GPU shipment
Before packing
- Photograph the GPU from multiple angles, including the serial number, model number, accessories and visible condition.
- Save the listing, order details, payment status and relevant messages.
While packing and handing it over
- Place the card in an anti-static bag, cushion it adequately and prevent it from shifting inside the box.
- Photograph the packed item before sealing the box. Strong or tamper-evident tape may help document whether packaging appears disturbed, but it is not a substitute for tracking or signature confirmation.
- Keep the carrier receipt and package weight if shown. Obtain an acceptance scan and check that the tracking number appears on the correct eBay transaction.
After delivery
Keep the records until the relevant return and dispute periods have passed. If a case arises, respond through eBay and provide relevant listing and serial-number photographs, tracking, delivery confirmation and signature evidence. These records can support your account of the shipment; they do not guarantee a particular decision.
Freight forwarding, pickup and other edge cases
Freight forwarders
A freight-forwarding address is not automatically evidence of fraud. Some buyers use forwarding services, and eBay programs such as eBay International Shipping or the Global Shipping Program may handle international delivery differently. The practical question is whether the address and shipment route match the eBay order and applicable program rules. Do not redirect an ordinary order just because a buyer asks you to. Check eBay’s guidance on seller protection and shipping programs.
Local pickup
Pickup has different evidence requirements. eBay identifies a signed order record or scanning the buyer’s pickup QR code—or entering the six-digit pickup code through the eBay app—as evidence options. Follow the instructions for the specific transaction rather than treating pickup like a tracked shipment. See eBay’s seller-protection guidance.
Orders below $750
The $750 signature requirement applies to qualifying orders under eBay’s relevant protection rules; below that threshold, signature confirmation may still be worth considering for a valuable, compact card. It adds cost, but can provide stronger evidence in a non-delivery dispute. It does not make an address change safe.
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If you already shipped to the replacement address
- Save the buyer’s messages and your order, label and tracking records. Do not delete the conversation.
- Contact the carrier promptly to ask whether an intercept, hold or return is possible. Availability depends on the carrier, service, shipment stage and destination; do not assume it will work.
- Contact eBay through the transaction and report the request or suspected abuse.
- Do not send a second item just because the buyer claims the first was not delivered, and keep any refund or dispute process on eBay.
- Prepare the original order address, tracking history, messages and evidence of the item shipped in case eBay requests them.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
