The Most Common Bitcoin Mining Rig Scams on eBay in 2026

Empty Box Auction: Be extremely wary of listings that only send an empty box. Scammers may hide this detail in the description, intending for buyers to receive a box with no actual mining rig inside. Always scrutinize descriptions for any mention of 'empty box only' or similar phrasing.

Photo Only Listing: Similar to the empty box scam, some sellers might offer a listing where only a photograph of the mining rig is sold. This is often indicated in fine print, and buyers end up with a picture instead of the hardware.

Non-Delivery Tracking: Scammers might provide a tracking number for an item that was never actually shipped or was sent to an incorrect address. They exploit the tracking information to claim the item was delivered, making it difficult to prove non-receipt and get a refund.

Gift Card Payment / Cryptocurrency Payment: Be extremely cautious if a seller insists on payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency outside of eBay's standard payment methods. These payment methods are often irreversible and untraceable, leaving you with no recourse if the transaction is fraudulent. eBay's policy generally prohibits such payment methods for buyer protection.

Fake Invoice: Scammers may send fake invoices, often mimicking legitimate payment portals, to trick buyers into sending funds directly to them rather than through eBay's secure system. Always verify payment requests through eBay's official channels.

Broken 'As Is' Tech: While some used electronics are sold 'as is,' be highly suspicious if a seller lists a Bitcoin mining rig in this condition at a suspiciously low price. The item may be non-functional or severely damaged, with the seller attempting to offload faulty equipment.

Account Takeover Listing: Fraudulent sellers may use compromised or 'hacked' eBay accounts to list items. These accounts often have a good history, making the scam seem more legitimate. Be wary if an account suddenly starts listing high-value items it hasn't sold before, especially if combined with other red flags.