Rumors, Conspiracies, etc.

Rumors, Conspiracies, etc.

by Mike Masnick





eBay Talks Tough On Fraud, Does Little

from the them's-fighting-words dept

The latest "series" that MSNBC is putting together appears to be all about online auctions. They're starting with an "investigation" into just how well eBay responds to fraud complaints. There have been a number of articles about this in the past few months, but this one takes a look at some specific claims. The reporter believes that the evidence he saw was pretty compelling (and it sounds like it was) concerning someone who was pumping up the bid prices himself, and, despite complaints from users, eBay did nothing other than tell the guy to knock it off. They also didn't inform any of the buyers who ended up paying more because of this. The article also quotes a former, but anonymous, eBay employee who says they weren't allowed to mess with "power seller" accounts, even when it was clear they were cheating. eBay, of course, says they do the best they can, and look at each case on an individual basis. On the whole, I'd say both sides are probably right. I doubt eBay is as unconcerned about fraud as some people say, but at the same time, it seems clear they could be more responsive.

10 Comments | Leave a Comment..

 

Reader Comments (rss)

(Flattened / Threaded)

  1. Ebay***A seller's market,***suspension

    by Conni - Mar 6th, 2003 @ 7:01am

    I'm trying to reach Ebay because they suspended my account, I was somehow linked to another user ID. I have been working for hours getting my account built up, I had 18 comments and only one negative. I was ID verified, didn't hide anthing. They cancelled all my auctions (about 18 or 20), cancelled my bids and said you're indefinately suspended. My problem is that I'm an honest user of the system, and Ebay won't even respond to me to help me fix the problem. Seller's should be investigated, but they are not.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  2. Re: Ebay***A seller's market,***suspension

    by Alan Bergins - Apr 18th, 2003 @ 11:28am

    auctiondoctor can help people suspended by eBay or Yahoo

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  3. Re: Ebay***A seller's market,***suspension

    by Maria - May 4th, 2003 @ 11:15pm

    This happened to me too!! It turnes out a few years ago my son had an account, so for some reason I can no longer have one.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  4. Re: Ebay***A seller's market,***suspension

    by Alan Bergins - Jun 16th, 2003 @ 10:16am

    auctiondoctor can help most people that have been suspended from ebay.

    http://www.auctiondoctor.org

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  5. Re: Ebay***A seller's market,***suspension

    by Anonymous Coward - Jan 28th, 2006 @ 10:01am

    Do you all have a contact number so i can get in touch

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  6. Re: Ebay***A seller's market,***suspension

    by Tiara Carter - Jan 28th, 2006 @ 10:04am

    Ebay my name is Tara Carter and i want to buy that used Motorola that is on you website.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  7. Fraudulent Buyers are Illegal!

    by April - May 30th, 2006 @ 2:53pm

    It makes me very angry as a seller who is honest and have been on eBay for a year and a half to be attacked by these VIGILANTE BUYERS. If a seller has committed an act of fraud that's one thing, but to place ridiculous bids on items, refuse to pay for them and stick the seller with the bill is wrong. I've got over 2600 feedback so obviously I'm doing something right. But it makes no difference to the fraud you people are promoting. You've hurt my family and my livilihood and you already know how to get around the law. It's not fair for you people to get away with illegal activity and I get to foot your bill!

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  8. eBay Sucks!

    by DOC - Jan 25th, 2007 @ 12:02pm

    My situation is over here.. Have a look. http://www.suspendedfromebay.com

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  9. Ebay Alternative

    by paul - Apr 15th, 2007 @ 7:34pm

    I got so fed up with ebays fee hikes and just the mass confusion at. I'm starting to move all my stuff to another site. The site allows me to avoid all the ebay fees and put more of the profit in my pockets. Its worked out well, I invite you all Auctio/Exchange Ebay Alternative They offer $1000 of credit just for signing up. Come help build an Alternative To Ebay. Get away from all the high fees and confusion. Open your own online store.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  10. Ebay Alternative

    by free online auctions - Mar 8th, 2008 @ 7:32am

    I tried Online Auction Exchange Free Online Auction Listings its a great site, thanks for pointing me in the right direction. If all goes well I'm sure this site will do great.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

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