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Encouraging Illegal Activity

eBay prohibits the sale of items or links to items that encourage, promote, facilitate or instruct others to engage in illegal activity. eBay also prohibits buyers from requesting or encouraging sellers to break any applicable laws.  In addition, eBay may remove listings as requested by law enforcement to cooperate with any investigation or to prevent harm to eBay and its members.

Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:

  • Listing cancellation

  • Limits on account privileges

  • Account suspension

  • Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings

  • Loss of PowerSeller status

Some Examples

The following are examples of listings that are not permitted on eBay:

  • A link to a website that provides information on how to hijack an airplane

  • An eBook describing how to create methamphetamine

  • A member wins an item and requests that the seller falsify the customs or taxation documents related to the item

Additional Information

  • Basing Feedback ratings upon another member’s decision not to engage in illegal activity may be considered Feedback Extortion .

  • To report listings that encourage illegal activity, click here.

  • Buyer requests, or seller offers, to falsify customs declarations or have an item marked as "Gift" in order to evade Customs fees is illegal. Report this activity.

  • Note:  Reports of a request to falsify customs documents only will be reviewed by eBay if the listing description clearly and prominently specified who is responsible for paying any applicable customs fees, duties, import taxes, etc. 

Why does eBay have this policy?

This policy helps protect buyers and sellers from engaging in illegal activity. eBay urges its sellers and buyers to comply with all governmental laws and regulations. Since encouraging illegal activity may be prohibited by law, sellers may not use eBay to encourage other members to engage in illegal activity.

Contact Customer Support

Report listing violations or problems with another eBay member.


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