posted on November 4, 2000 06:36:37 PM new
I am the creator of the board formally known as the eBay Detective Agency. (Now knowed as the eAuction Detective Agency.)
On behalf of my board, I offer my sincerest apologies if that email has caused pain in any way. I do not know who sent it, but I do know we do NOT sanction actions such as that. We have recently had to ban some members from our board that had -- shall we say -- over-zealous techniques.
Our focus is not on reporting suspected fraudulant activities, but more on public education of safe auction practices. When we are brought a "case" of suspected shilling, we help teach the person to look for the patterns of true shilling, and illiminate all other explainations first. If and only if, there seems to be sufficient proof, the person whe brought the case to us is responsible to make the report to Safeharbor. WE DO NOT MAKE REPORTS OURSELVES generally.
Again, rest assured the eAuction Detective Agency had no idea about that email, and would never sanction such a thing.
Larissa
ezOp
(edited...so sorry, first time I posted here, didn't know the rule about the link.)
[ edited by SecretAgentWoman on Nov 4, 2000 06:37 PM ]
[ edited by SecretAgentWoman on Nov 4, 2000 06:46 PM ]
posted on November 4, 2000 06:40:20 PM new
shendra
With all due respect I find it interesting that you started this thread about the same time I started my thread "Does nicknac drive a vwvwvw" and you began posting on this thread about the time of nicknac's dismissal..
I find it interesting that nicknac's inquiry into finding a way to conduct business on eBay with the general public being able to observe could be related to this alleged shilling accusation.
BTW I suspect this thread is an attempt to discredit the detective agency because a person got caught shilling. Just my opinion that's all - but I am entitled to it.
Lastly, all three vwvwvw, nicknac and shendra registered today within about five hours. Just thought I would share that....
posted on November 4, 2000 06:42:29 PM new
Ah but it is started is it not Larissa? And YOU started it. I am betting this is the beginning of a whole lot of over zealous activities.
You can kick them out of your chat, but you already taught the tricks they will use and enhance.
posted on November 4, 2000 06:44:00 PM new
Yes, there have been a lot of attempts to discredit the board in general.
No one at the EDA would condone sending such a bullying email. we hope to be, quite simply, more polite than that. We have, in our forums, thoroughly discussed the inadvisability of pulling user information. We have stressed that is not necessary and upsets both eBay and its users.
Mtnmama, this is Cyber. I don't condone those tactics, and believe me, if I knew who was doing it, member of EDA or not (and I suspect not), there would be aitch-ee-double-ell to pay.
PS Hi Kitsch, Hi SAW.
[ edited by isworeiwouldneverdothis on Nov 4, 2000 06:47 PM ]
posted on November 4, 2000 06:48:09 PM new
SG52 - I almost responded to an earlier post of yours where you basically said that these guys were wonderful for doing what they are doing. You told the person that started this thread to cancel the auctions and ask eBay to NARU them. Now that post seems to be deleted and I wish it wasn't because it shows your true feelings regarding this issue. I wonder why you chose to delete it? In that post you defended the actions of this group and gave suggestions to the person originating this thread, taking at face value that this did actually happen. Now, you question my judgment when I post my opinion?
No, I don't easily condemn anyone. If this group operates within the boundaries of eBay rules and the law, then I am all for what they are doing. However, I have seen too many suggestions otherwise.
posted on November 4, 2000 06:48:51 PM new
I dont know whether to blieve this Shendras story or not, so am leaving that alone.
This eauction dick agency has me very worried tho. There will always be Dirty Harrys in RL, increase that attitude because of the nature of the net. The ability to hide in ones home and rain justice down on the wrong doers. Imagine the power trip. The glory.
posted on November 4, 2000 06:51:47 PM new
Kitsch, it isn't how EDA operates. It simply isn't. Not gonna say any more. Experience tells me to argue over and over is useless.
Basically I think the board is a good idea, because it lets people do the - dirty work? - off eBay, however, the letter was the pits and it is terroristic. Whoever wrote it should be reported to ebay. The email addy is fake, as you know. But someone must know who it is.
I'm glad to see the originator of the board posting here. It answered a lot of questions I had, because I couldn't get into most of the topics on her board. (no password)
Larissa, I've added you to my ICQ list, but it was just to see who you were You don't have to authorize me if you don't care to.
posted on November 4, 2000 06:55:02 PM new
mtnmama~
No, I didn't know that anyone associated with EDA sent out emails like that, and I still don't know that they did, nor do you, nor does anyone except the person that sent it, if in fact it were sent at all... http://www.millionauctionmarch.com/ [email protected]
posted on November 4, 2000 06:57:33 PM new
Larissa, that is an enviable position. Running a thing and having no responsibility to it or any answers for it.
posted on November 4, 2000 06:59:24 PM new
Lynn, the letter was absolutely atrocious. I agree. And I suspect that if the sender WERE a member of the EDA, he would not be for long. Because actions like that defeat our purpose. I don't want to be known as an internet bully, an internet terrorist.
Oh yeah. Beware of doing credit card transactions with people in places like Romania, etc.
posted on November 4, 2000 07:03:15 PM new
iswore, Then you are wasting a an opportunity to use this platform think of the thousands upon thousands of hits this site gets. Think of the recruits you could be missing!!!!!!!
I can feel them out there, eyes shining, spittle flecked lips. Hoping to become one of you. Hoping to get back at that bad seller out there......get back at all of them!
"I can feel them out there, eyes shining, spittle flecked lips. Hoping to become one of you. Hoping to get back at that bad seller out there......get back at all of them!"
posted on November 4, 2000 07:05:47 PM new
secret agent woman: I saw your board and it would operate a lot better if you would advise your members to can the personal chatter and backbiting. I liked the helpful info I saw about catching shillers, but the high school cliquishness shown by some of your most prolific posters was juvenile and a real turn off. and it seemed like your members were automatically accusing EVERYONE of being a shiller if they posted any negative feelings whatsoever about the ebay detective agency. even reasonable doubts about innocent people being accused, were greeted with "shiller--shiller--shiller". Having doubts or questioning the agency's actions does not mean someone is a shiller. do your members understand this?? if not, that's going to be a major problem with credibility because if people aren't allowed to question and dissent, it makes you come across as Gestapo-like. many of you seem to have good intentions, but as it is, your board is its own worst enemy.
posted on November 4, 2000 07:09:53 PM new
Lynn, I understand the caution. Thanks. right now I am mainly concerned with getting info out about some scams originating in Romania. Some people have been seriously burned, and there really is no recourse once the scam has occurred. So education is the only way to address it right now.
Brighid, when did you visit? Because the board recently went through a lot of upheaval, and that stuff--accusations, etc.--has stopped. I wouldn't bother with the place if it were going on.
posted on November 4, 2000 07:11:22 PM new
Shendra,
IF your post is serious, I think the detective went over the line.
However, you are running auctions against the rules. I as a bidder shouldn't be bidding on an auction that is intended for your limited audience. You're also making the assumption that your family is going to get the item.. What would you do with that family heirloom if I an outsider won the bid? Would you sell it to someone you don't know? By eBay rules you would have to, but I suspect you wouldn't.. This besides shill bidding is why you have chosen the wrong place to conduct this type of auctions.
I can't believe someone would start an auction on eBay with family items that they want to keep in the family.. This doesn't make any sense to me.. I think you could do something like this at a website called bidland.com. They allow you to hold your own auctions without fees.. except for a monthly one, but I think the first month is free and should be enough time for you to auction everything off amongst your family. I'm not sure if you can set up auctions only open to a select group though.
posted on November 4, 2000 07:13:37 PM new
1st) It's probably illegal for this eBay Detective Agency to use eBay in their name, unless they have written permission from eBay to do so. EBay is VERY guarded with the use of their name and logos as well;
2nd) Report and copy the e-mail to eBay. Since this quasi-detective agency is using the eBay name, an e-mail of this nature would be damaging to eBay's name and reputation;
3rd) Report and copy the e-mail to the Computer Crimes Unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They should have a regional office that covers your area.
I had a problem awhile back with an e-mailer, and after dropping a note off to the FBI and a copy, the person was never heard from by me again. I also copied their provider.
posted on November 4, 2000 07:13:56 PM new
Shendra, I will make sure Larissa knows of your request.
Edited to say: Rebelguns, the name was changed to avoid such a conflict with eBay. I agree that the computer crimes unit would be a good place to contact.
I DON'T LIKE THIS KIND OF THUGGERY. I don't think any responsible web citizen would.
[ edited by isworeiwouldneverdothis on Nov 4, 2000 07:17 PM ]
posted on November 4, 2000 07:17:58 PM new
Hello GolfNFool,
Sorry, I did not make it clear about my parents estate items.
The hierloon were distributed to us months ago.
What remains are the contents of a six-bedroom house. They are moving to Florida, and they wanted us kids to have an equal shot as anybody else to buy the stuff.
I deeply regret using EBAY, the "fun and safe trading experience". Sorry I broke the rules. I REALLY did not know it was illegal.
I was only being facitious. I know about the scams coming out of Romania, matter of fact, I read about them right here.
It's a pity people fall for that. As far as the one person who did and lost a grand, then gave up, it makes me wonder. I don't think I'd be so willing to let that much money go and not make a stink with the proper officials. Then again, if it was dirty money to begin with, I'd let it go if I was promised some kind of amnesty.
Just thinking aloud here, not meant to degrade or humiliate anyone or even to second guess why, where, how or what.
Have a nice night.
This topic is 9 pages long: 1new2new3new4new5new6new7new8new9new
You don't have to authorize me if you don't care to.
Most, if not all, of the "rah rah git 'em git 'em" folks on a power trip about playing God are gone.
