The ease of purchasing online has made shopping more convenient and affordable. You can price match, view inventory, and search multiple online marketplaces at once. Unfortunately, products that you think are a great deal could be stolen goods.Â
It’s hard to recognize this pattern since online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay have run well-standing online stores for many years. This is how stolen goods end up in online marketplaces.Â
Where Do The Goods Come From?
When you think of places where you can find stolen goods, amazon and eBay probably aren’t the first that come to mind. But unfortunately, both platforms have been known to harbor illegally obtained items. In most cases, the sellers may not even realize they’re selling stolen property. How does this happen?
Fencing
There are a few ways that stolen goods can end up for sale on amazon and eBay. The first is through so-called “fencing operations.” These are essentially black market businesses that deal in stolen merchandise. They’ll often sell their items online, using platforms like amazon and eBay to reach a wider audience.
Unknown Seller
Another way stolen products can end up on amazon and eBay is through individual sellers who may have sourced the items illegally. Sometimes, these individuals may not even know they’re selling stolen property. But in other cases, they may knowingly participate in the sale of illegal goods.
What To Do
If you think you may have purchased stolen goods on either amazon or eBay, there are a few things you can do. First, you should contact the seller and ask for a refund. If the seller refuses, you can contact amazon or eBay directly and file a report. Be sure to include as much information as possible, such as the listing number, seller information, and any other relevant details.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that stolen goods aren’t sold on amazon and eBay. And if you ever do purchase something that turns out to be stolen, you can rest assured knowing that you did everything you could to stop it from happening.
Research what you are buying, especially specialty items. If you suspect any foul play or an illegal item, report the item to the online marketplace you’re shopping with.
