I just bought a very nice remote control on E-bay, Pronto 950 since you ask.

Being a naive user I bided (should that be bid?) my time and sussed-out what item I wanted and the prices they were going for.

In the process I was out-bid for an model I subsequently didn't buy. Immediately I got an e-mail to the effect that they had that model at the price I bid. Location central London (how anonymous is that?). I replied (thanks to the Mudcat warning a few years back) that I would bid on E-bay when it appeared - it didn't. Stolen? Would not arrive? Western Union payment? - who cares - I don't.

Part of the ebay experience was the thrill of the chase, potentially being ripped-off was not.

But I got lucky with my winning bid, fair price, good seller. Next day - to the wrong e-mail address was the old - "Paypal service blocked due to.............." scam.

The two are not unconnected - names similar - first auction bid - next day. The scammers must have some pretty sophisticated s/w to hunt for closed e-bay items.

I would always use different e-mail addresses for important comms but does everyone?