... .... and better. I am talking, of course, about the emails that look like they are coming from eBay (or PayPal, a bank, etc), but are really a trick to get you to click the links and type in personal data like passwords, social security numbers, etc.

You can add this one as a candidate for the best spoofs of the year. I was cautious and didn't hand over any info. I forwarded it to eBay, who confirmed it was a spoof. Look at how convincing it is! It gives my password and real name. It says it will take 30 to 45 minutes to complete the survey (would a spoof be so arduous?). It promises you a crummy, complicated $10 gift certificate for filling out the survey! It has links for support and safety tips.

Here is the heart of the spoof email:

eBay sent this message to Robert Eisenstadt (poker-chips-on-line).
Your registered name is included to show this message originated from eBay. Learn more.

Dear poker-chips-on-line,

In a continuing effort to provide our users with the best possible online trading experience, we would like to invite you to participate in an online evaluation of our website. Your valuable feedback will help us to improve our service to you. The evaluation should take between 30 and 45 minutes to complete, and participants who fully qualify for and complete the evaluation will receive a $10 SuperCertificate redeemable at GiftCertificates.com. A SuperCertificate from GiftCertificates.com lets you choose original gift certificates from hundreds of your favorite stores, restaurants, theaters and more.

To participate in this online evaluation, please click on the link below, or copy the address into your browser:
http://webeffective.keynote.com/v.asp?inv=eBayRSSStudy&args=BS:S

eBay is working with Keynote Systems, a trusted research partner, to conduct this study among its members. If you have any specific technical questions about this Keynote evaluation, please contact Keynote Panel Support at: cem-panelsupport@keynote.com.

We appreciate your input!
Regards,
eBay Research Department

Robert