They have among the worst customer and technical support service I've ever encountered, but I'm not sure they're scam artists. Some of the customers, buyers and sellers alike, certainly are though, particularly in electronics. How much of that is EBay's fault, through callous neglect at the very least, is open to question.

Of all auction sites, ebay was the one I had the most problems with. Buyers and sellers trying to scam me all the time. With the fees they charge to sellers, I have found much better and it's the last place I look when I need to purchase something. I wish ebay sellers would bring their items elsewhere. EveryplaceIsell is a good place to let people know where they are selling so buyers can find them.

Just got to keep any eye out for the sellers rating and read the description really close.

My ebay expiriences have all been pretty good. Sure, there are some crazy people on it, but as long as you are careful about your bids and auctions you should be fine. 

UPDATE: The people who dabble in Star Wars stuff must be a pretty good crowd, I guess... 

I'm not sure that ebay is the scammer here but all of the auctions for laptops and other high end electronics have been completely taken over by scammers and ebay can't/won't do anything about it.  NO, I AM NOT SHIPPING THE LAPTOP TO NIGERIA.

I have ahd a seller's account for severalm months several times, although I did not sell the item (not Ebay's fault that's just the market) I had a great experience with them. I also buy just about everything I get from Ebay and it's just wonderful and I never have a problem at all.