What is eBay's problem?

[Doug]

I'm not sure what's worse, the fact that eBay keeps letting these listings go where the seller won't guarantee the card is authentic or the people stupid enough to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for these things. Even funnier someone posted a question asking if it was an original or a reprint and got the standard "card was acquired from Grandpa's attic" answer. Amazing how everyone's Grandpa always seems to collect T206 Wagners or 1952 Topps Mantles of unknown authenticity. http://cgi.ebay.com/1952-Topps-Micke...mZ140500220625

[bobbyw8469]

Oh my! And he is a Top Rated Seller!! I guess that little rainbow badge means squat.....

[Doug]

Apparently the secret to making a fortune on eBay is just to list fake T206 Wagner and 1952 Topps Mantle cards that you don't guarantee to be authentic and people will still be dumb enough to bid...

[ctownboy]

No, the key to making a fortune on eBay is to list fake ANYTHING, sell it for what you can get while also OWNING eBay stock.

That way, you get the proceeds from the sale of fake items (which when done properly will have a HUGE profit margin) AND the price appreciation of eBay stock (since they wont kick the scam artists out and refer them to the proper authorities for prosecution).

David

[teetwoohsix]

The listing has been removed ,,,,good job guys. Maybe one day they will actually figure it out.

Clayton

[Doug]

Originally Posted by teetwoohsix

The listing has been removed ,,,,good job guys. Maybe one day they will actually figure it out.

Clayton

I reported the card right after I posted this so I guess it worked (unless it just gets listed again). Ebay needs some help with their item reporting forms. There is seriously a drop down menu for reporting the sale of human organs, but if you click on counterfeit item all you get are choices regarding bootleg DVDs or computer software. Apparently it's easier to report someone selling a human kidney than a fake baseball card...

[mrvster]

GREAT JOB GUYS!!!


Peace

Johnny

[kcohen]

Is there a drop-down menu item to report a counterfeit human kidney?

[Jim VB]

Doug,

I think this is the same card, back again!


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=130477170164

[Doug]

Originally Posted by kcohen

Is there a drop-down menu item to report a counterfeit human kidney?

I'm serious. Under Prohibited items/Other prohibited items there is literally a menu choice that says "Human body parts". Apparently it doesn't do any good to report these things because no sooner than eBay pulled it, Grandpa's fake Mantle is right back up for sale again: http://cgi.ebay.com/1952-Topps-Micke...mZ130477170164

[Doug]

For what it's worth I went ahead and reported it again. I mentioned in the eBay comment box that they already pulled this card once today and I'm pretty sure it didn't get any less counterfeit since this morning. Given how eBay operates they will probably suspend my account for pointing out their lack of effectiveness.

[shimozukawa]

.

[Doug]

Originally Posted by shimozukawa

"Counterfeits and copyright violations"
"Potential trademark infringement"
"Unauthorized or counterfeit trading cards"

It's there... just not in the most logical location.

Well here's another one so I'm getting my practice in. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=220714080611 There's so many of these damned things on eBay that they could hire me full time!

[kcohen]

Originally Posted by Doug

I'm serious. Under Prohibited items/Other prohibited items there is literally a menu choice that says "Human body parts". Apparently it doesn't do any good to report these things because no sooner than eBay pulled it, Grandpa's fake Mantle is right back up for sale again: http://cgi.ebay.com/1952-Topps-Micke...mZ130477170164

Doug,

My attempt at levity aside, I'm with you. I find the way the drop down menu funnels you into non applicable categories to be extremely frustrating.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by shimozukawa

"Counterfeits and copyright violations"
"Potential trademark infringement"
"Unauthorized or counterfeit trading cards"

It's there... just not in the most logical location.

Also, you can report them to the DOJ or FBI:

http://www.cybercrime.gov/AppC-ReportingGuide.pdf

Counterfeit trading cards would constitute a violation of "Counterfeit Trademarks" and "Criminal Copyright Infringement" with the first carrying a $2mm penalty, and the latter requiring 10 instances of sale or production with a value of $2500 in a 180 day period.

Basically, you report them on the first one, then they say "but the trademark was on the original" and you have admission on the second one.

The FBI's internet crime division is somewhere in the neighborhood of 6 mos behind, or at least they were approximately a year ago. They also prioritize on a scale of value too. So, if someone is scamming with a $5 card, then a $1000 one would probably take precedence. The more effective way to do it would be to report it wherever the scammer lives, to their local authorities. I have been through this many times and that is probably the best way to do it. Also, if no one has actually been scammed then it is less of a crime, more likely a conspiracy to commit fraud, rather than fraud itself. I am not a lawyer or legal expert but have been through the process a few times. I doubt a full FBI investigation, with agents involved, would be started for less than a 6 figure issue. There are just so many bigger ones it just makes sense to go after them first. I am not making any definitive statements here, just relaying some past experiences. regards

[Doug]

Originally Posted by Jim VB

Doug,

I think this is the same card, back again!


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=130477170164

I reported it (again) and they pulled it (again), but I'm sure the guy will have it back and running in the next five minutes or so.

[kcohen]

Originally Posted by Doug

Well here's another one so I'm getting my practice in. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=220714080611 There's so many of these damned things on eBay that they could hire me full time!

Here is a Q&A from this auction,

Q: hey the card looks great!!! A few questions before I bid.. Is it authentic? Where did you get it \? And why havent you authenticated it which would significantlly increase its value? Dec-23-10
A: hi my freind.this card is authentic,I show to one dealer i QUEENS NY, he offert me $2500 and he put it in this clear box as u see in photos. now, I made some research and this card may acceed the asking price. the card baught couple years ago along other card in flee market sheap.next stop authentification, thanks for advice.

Given that the seller is in Queens, it appears from the writing that he may a member of the Russian mafia in Brighton Beach. (I know it's in Brooklyn, but close enough.)

[Doug]

Originally Posted by kcohen

Here is a Q&A from this auction,

Q: hey the card looks great!!! A few questions before I bid.. Is it authentic? Where did you get it \? And why havent you authenticated it which would significantlly increase its value? Dec-23-10
A: hi my freind.this card is authentic,I show to one dealer i QUEENS NY, he offert me $2500 and he put it in this clear box as u see in photos. now, I made some research and this card may acceed the asking price. the card baught couple years ago along other card in flee market sheap.next stop authentification, thanks for advice.

Given that the seller is in Queens, it appears from the writing that he may a member of the Russian mafia in Brighton Beach. (I know it's in Brooklyn, but close enough.)

I wonder what "authentification" company he plans on using?

[Doug]

Originally Posted by Jim VB

Doug,

I think this is the same card, back again!


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=130477170164

He just listed it again for the third time today! http://cgi.ebay.com/1952-Topps-Micke...-/130477293376 This is ridiculous on eBay's part. They have already pulled the auction twice. I guess one of the perks of being a "top rated seller" is the ability to try and see how many times you can list the same counterfeit card in a day while they do nothing about it. Edited to add: eBay just took it down for the third time today, but unless they suspend the guy's account he's apparently not getting the hint and just going to keep listing it.