Buying on eBay: Account vs. No Account

Privacy Questions
1

Is there a difference between buying items on eBay without an account versus buying with an account? Specifically, if I make a purchase without an account but use a VPN like always, along with my debit card, real name, and real address, how does that affect my privacy and the transaction compared to using an eBay account? my threat model is the government, thanks.

2

The only risks I could see with using an eBay account would be an easy way for them to analyze your purchasing habits and possibly use/sell this information to advertisers and data brokers.

Using a VPN will prevent them from identifying you as a user by IP and Location, but using your debit card, name, and address is undoubtedly more valuable to them anyways.

Since eBay is a traditional market site that requires cards, ACH, or PayPal, and there’s no opportunity to use a more anonymous payment method (cryptocurrency like Monero), you’re unfortunately giving up your identity when using the platform regardless. Therefore, using an account vs not using an account will make little difference, in my opinion. If they want to track you, they will with your personal information. An account only makes it slightly easier.

Consider the pros of an account, if you frequently use the platform:

  1. Consolidated purchase history and tracking
  2. Easy returns, refunds, and selling your own products
  3. Building reputation as a seller and as a buyer, making your offers/sales more appealing.

It depends on your personal conscious. If you don’t want eBay knowing who you are individually, you’d have to give up the platform entirely to do that. If eBay is critical for you, all you can do is minimize what they get by, like you said, using a VPN, but, unfortunately, the majority of finance sites are required to retrieve your name, address, etc, so it’s almost unavoidable.

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3

I’m thinking that Amazon is the only big online marketplace where you can be anonymous. I can use Amazon gift cards and buy them with cash, and I have an Amazon locker near my house. So, in theory, you don’t need to provide your name, debit card, or home address. Is that right?

I also want to know if “obscuring” past orders (they give this option) would change anything (probably not, because I think I wouldn’t see my past history, but eBay could still access it).