eBay classifieds restricts contact

Anyone who wants to buy or sell classified ads on eBay is facing a change: the platform is introducing SMS certification in order to better protect users. Without a confirmed phone number, you will soon not even be able to reply to advertisements.

eBay classifieds requires a phone number

The method is not new, but at least it is quite effective: eBay classifieds now offers users the Two-factor authentication a. The company announced that the aim was to guarantee customers more security when offering and buying goods or services via the online platform.

Starting today, eBay classifieds users will have to provide their phone number for this. This applies when creating a new user account, and must for each new advertisement and when contacting us a valid telephone number can be stored. A six-digit code is then sent to this for authentication, which in turn has to be entered on eBay Classifieds. The function is being introduced step by step, so it is not required by all users at the same time.

The platform wants to ensure that the offers are meant to be serious and provide better protection against unwanted contact. Until now, the telephone number was voluntary. It will initially be mandatory in five categories: “Babysitter & child care”, “mini & part-time jobs”, “animal care & training”, “tutoring” and “internships”.

You can find out how eBay classifieds work in the Video:

eBay classifieds wants to protect users

Anyone who wants to place an advertisement online or reply to one in these areas must identify themselves using an SMS code. Paul Heimann, managing director of ebay classifieds, explains: “We are hoping for it too positive effects on the problem of sexual harassment. Last but not least, we also target those users who, under the guise of supposed anonymity, sexually harass children, adolescents and young women in particular. “

After two-factor authentication will only be introduced in these product categories and for new registrations in the next few weeks, they want to verify all existing accounts in this way in the future. EBay Classifieds will take this step by step as well. A specific schedule is not given.