I have gotten several ebay phishes that represent themselves as ebay prizes - usually cars. The one I found most convincing was one I get regularly that says ebay is trying to confirm if I logged into my account and tried to change my email address.
As far as using ebay, someone could scam me for several thousand dollars and I would still be ahead.
I buy hair dye, dog supplies, avon - many, many things are a better buy on ebay, evan including shipping. I found books an especially good buy.
I rarely take big risks. I once bought a car, did good, but went to check out the car before I bid. I've seen a few car scams on ebay.
I bought a truck off ebay once.
Saved $4,000 including the plane ticket to Maine where I picked it up and 2 weeks vacation driving it back.
Price differences across the U.S. make shopping and selling on ebay lucrative.
I sell on ebay enough to pay all my bills including utilities. and it takes very little time to do that.