It is the responsibility of every member to ensure their email account is valid, working and accepting emails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if email is getting caught in spam filters?
If a spam filter prevents emails from eBay or its members from reaching an email account, the account is considered to have an invalid email address. Please work with your email provider to adjust your spam filters.
What should I do if I get an error message when contacting another eBay member?
If you get an error message after trying to contact another eBay member by email, please report it to us by contacting us.
Read our full policy
Invalid and dead email addresses policy overview
A member's account must always have a valid, working email address so that they can be contacted by other eBay members and by eBay. If a spam filter prevents messages from eBay or its members from reaching an account, the account is considered to have an invalid email address. Members need to take steps to ensure their account is valid and working.
Breaches of this policy may result in a range of actions including:
- Listing cancellation
- Limits on account privileges
- Account suspension
- Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings
- Loss of PowerSeller status
Additional information
Members who get an error message when they send a message to another member's email address are most likely contacting an invalid or non-working address. Members can report this by selecting Help & Contact at the top of this page and including the error message in their report.
Why does eBay have this policy?
eBay’s success is dependent on open communication between members as well as between eBay and its members. Members’ valid, working email addresses are essential to that communication.