eBay agreed to pay a $3 million fine for harassing a couple of users in 2019….
In 2019, David and Ina Steiner report, in their publication EcommerceBytes, of certain criticisms of the eBay platform, inviting their subscribers to be wary of certain practices of the group. The company’s executives quickly became aware of the accusations made by the couple, who would then be the target of a vast and incredible campaign of intimidation and harassment.
eBay: $3 million fine… for harassment?
Indeed, various eBay employees launched a vast campaign of intimidation against the Steiner couple. Over the months, they will receive, directly at their homes, spiders and cockroaches, but also pig fetuses, wreaths of funeral flowers, not to mention sex parties organized at their homes (and without their knowledge) via Craigslist.
And that’s not all, since a GPS tracking device had also been installed on the couple’s car. Added to this are hateful messages on social networks, as well as various letters. In 2021, employee Philip Cooke received 18 months in prison, followed by the security director at the time, Jim Baugh, who received 5 years in prison.
Today, eBay was ordered to pay a fine of $3 million, and to retain the services of an independent monitor, to judge the company’s compliance for three years.
Wrong and reprehensible conduct in 2019
Jamie Lannone, current CEO of the eBay group (since April 2020) states: “ The company’s conduct in 2019 was wrong and reprehensible. From the moment eBay learned of the events of 2019, the company cooperated fully and extensively with law enforcement authorities “.
On behalf of the company, the latter reiterated his most sincere apologies to the Steiner couple, while recalling that since these events, new managers have joined the company. eBay has also strengthened its policies, procedures, controls and training.
On the side of EcommerceByteswe say we are determined to get answers and do everything in our power to ensure that no company ever feels like it has the ability to crush the rights of its customers.
Source : Bloomberg
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