http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=180109884266
I won. i saw that the seller's feedback wasn't sterling, but had recently completed a $500 shipment to an account that clearly wasn't a shill, so I should be okay. I then accidentally sent payment by checking account instead of credit card and noticed there was a second identical auction with identical pictures when that wouldn't make sense with the description given. He has a verified US Paypal account and I've found a home address and a working telephone number in the phone book. I called Paypal and they said the seller took my funds within a few minutes of me sending them. I've thusfar gotten no communication. I'm figuring on opening a dispute if I don't hear anything by tomorrow morning. I called Paypal and they assured me I can get a full refund if the item isn't shipped. I don't entirely believe them. Have any of you gotten ripped off on eBay? How good are their protections really?
I'm sitting here panicking and none of my friends are answering their phones, so I have little to do except sit here and get worked up.

