1 min article

Stolen property policy

The sale of stolen property is not allowed on eBay.

Policy overview

We don't allow the sale of stolen property on eBay because it violates local and international law. We also strongly support efforts by law enforcement to investigate attempts to sell stolen property on our site. If we see this activity taking place, we'll proactively work with law enforcement and help in their efforts to investigate and prosecute members who violate this policy.

What to do if you see stolen property on eBay

If you see stolen property on eBay please contact local law enforcement immediately and ask them to contact eBay via the Law Enforcement area in the Safety Centre.

Reports about transactions outside of eBay or PayPal may not be investigated by law enforcement, although your report will help the police to build up a picture of fraud activity. eBay will always assist in a criminal investigation received from Law Enforcement regarding activity on the eBay Inc. platforms.

If you request a law enforcement official to contact us, ask that he or she include all relevant information, including the case number and any item numbers or user IDs. This information appears on the listing page.

 

What are the guidelines?

Not allowed

Here are some examples of items that are not allowed on eBay:

  • Items stolen from private individuals
  • Property taken without authorization from companies or governments

If you think another eBay member has stolen your item descriptions or pictures: See our images and text policy.

If you think your intellectual property rights have been violated: Find out more about our Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) program.

 

Why does eBay have this policy?

We urge sellers and buyers to comply with all government laws and regulations. Selling stolen items is against the law, and we don't allow these items on eBay.

Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.

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