[rant on] Based on what? Obviously, Ebay isn't all about fraud otherwise they would have gone out of business a long time ago. Any time you do business with someone who you don't know and who is selling you a product that you haven't seen, there is a chance for something to go wrong. At least by using Ebay, you have some level of protection (more than say buying through the classifieds on this website). Ebay has a feedback system that should give you a good idea if someone is just out there trying to rip you off. And yes, accounts can be stolen but is it really Ebay's fault that people are stupid enough to give away their passwords when Ebay constantly reminds you that Ebay will never ask you for a password? The site is huge now and no amount of work force would be enough to make sure every auction was scrutinized to weed out the fraud.

In reply to the original question, yes those pictures could be used for fraudulent purposes. It happens a lot with automobiles too. All you need to do as a buyer is ask for a specific picture. If the seller can't provide it, obviously something is up and you should walk away. Blaming the fraud happening on Ebay on Ebay is like blaming McDonalds for fat people. [rant off]