Depends on your definition of Fraud.
IF your referring to not being upfront with explanations, including images that clearly show what the item looks like, then the answer from my viewpoint is:
I've seen a few auctions that just didn't make sense, and upon emailing the seller, I've discovered they are mis-representing the item, OR in some cases with multiple auctions - they inadvertantly list the details for the wrong item.
I'd highly recommend emailing them and trying to clarify the item - be it with more pics, adding more details to the information section, or simply asking for details that you are curious about.
Maybe its just me, but I try to email them even if my interest isn't that high, simply so they know that their auction needs some clarification or more images to represent the item properly.
Those that answer with more information and images etc.- and AFTER checking out their feedback rating to ensure they are a quality Ebayer will more than likely garner more attention from me on their auctions, and thus be more successful.
I have one Seller I've dealt with 12 times, because his items are mint, they are exactly as advertised, and he includes many images to explain visually what it looks like/or is supposed to be. His shipping is fast, and most importantly, he communicates with me constantly. I.E.
Telling me when the payment has arrived, telling me when it was shipped out - and in some cases including pertinent tracking information.
As well, I'm a major communications type of guy, emailing at conclusion, emailing when payment is mailed out, and emailing at end of transaction to inform them I left feedback.
Call it covering bases, etc. 8)
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On the opposite end, I've seen perhaps 30 items that were just hideous misrepresentation of the item, and I've emailed Ebay to inform them of the problem. (in all cases, the items were either removed, or updated to properly represent themselves).
In a few as well, I've actually seen people selling copyrighted material - from cds containing freely downloadable golf courses
from the internet for large sums of cash. Others have even tried selling burned cds of music and the like. In those cases, I contact ebay asap and let them deal with the people.
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Now, as it refers to price, as I mentioned above, IF I do research and discover an item is completly overpriced I also tend to email and include a few completed auctions and politely tell them that they might want to consider dropping the price into a more realistic realm.
I've encountered perhaps 50 items I was interested in that - after doing research - were overpriced and when I sent an email with information, in return I've recived only 2 negative (both were mind your own business type) comments.
A few have contacted me and said thank you for the info, and one even said, I'm pulling the auction and will relist ASAP - and she did.
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So, in conclusion, fraud does exist, but if you safeguard yourself, contact the seller when needed, check their feedback to see how solid a person they are and communicate with them, I think you can avoid most fraudulent situations.
Now after all of that, I'm sure you would have preffered a simply " Fraud does exist comment" (given I tend to write too much ..lol ) but in this case I think a longer explanation was warranted.
Cheers,