With the beginning of a new year, I thought it appropriate to provide some basic information for how retailers and law enforcement should interface with eBay’s Global Asset Protection Team (GAPT) to collaborate in apprehending and prosecuting criminals who attempt to use our platform for ill gain. Most of these guidelines can be found in the Security Center of the eBay corporate website at pages.ebay.com/securitycenter.
Law Enforcement Resources
Law enforcement agencies in North America seeking assistance and records for investigations relating to eBay should use the following resources:
- Search eBay listings and obtain eBay records in real time using the LeadsOnline First Responder Service.
- Submit a request to one of our investigators via our Law Enforcement eRequest System (LERS) site. Please note that we will not respond to requests received by mail, email, or fax, but only official requests submitted via the LERS site.
- Email us at stopfraud (at) ebay (dot) com for questions on how to accurately request records. This service is dedicated to law enforcement officers only, and inquiries from customers won’t be processed.
- Members or the general public who would like to report a problem to eBay should visit our Reporting Fraud or Stolen Goods to the Police section.
Save Time in Your Investigation
The following tips are for law enforcement agencies to assist in your investigation. Note that eBay listings remain visible on the site for about 90 days after closing and are searchable by specific item number.
- Search for active listings using a search string or specific item number. You can search by nearest zip code using search options on the left-hand column of the advance search function.
- Search by seller ID for all active/completed sales dating back thirty days. This generally provides you with the seller’s state of residence.
- Feedback profile reflects comments made by other users regarding prior transactions.
- Create your own favorite searches.
LeadsOnline
The LeadsOnline First Responder Service (leadsonline.com) is available 24/7/365. Our partnership with LeadsOnline makes it possible for law enforcement personnel to locate possible stolen merchandise that has been listed for sale or sold on eBay. LeadsOnline can assist with the following searches:
- Locate seller ID information for property listed on eBay.
- Locate seller listings and sales history for property listed on eBay.
Partnering with Retailers Offensively Against Crime and Theft
Retail loss prevention departments in North America seeking assistance with an investigation relating to eBay may contact eBay’s PROACT team for assistance. The PROACT program features, among other benefits:
- A way to report evidence of theft to eBay for investigation.
- A dedicated email address to facilitate quick communication with eBay about retail theft investigations.
If you are a retailer whose company is not yet enrolled in the PROACT program, please contact us at PROACT (at) ebay (dot) com for additional information.
eBay’s Privacy Policy and Law Enforcement Disclosure
We care deeply about the privacy of the eBay community and will protect the privacy of our members even while working closely with law enforcement to prevent criminal activity. If you are unsure about our privacy practices, please visit eBay’s privacy page for more information at pages.ebay.com/help/policies/privacy-policy html.