FBI Targets Online Auction Sites' Criminal Element

coondoggie writes "The FBI has made a number of big busts using the eBay and other online auction sites this year. Today comes news that it played a big role in the indictment of an Alabama man for wire fraud. Joseph Davidson, has been charged in U.S. District Court with wire fraud in connection with an eBay scheme in which he allegedly received approximately $77,000 for stolen goods sold on the auction site. "Online auction houses present an opportunity for a thief to turn a stolen item into cash. Thieves should know that law enforcement can surf sites too in investigating crime," the FBI said."

"Thieves should know...."

[WombatDeath]

"Thieves should know that law enforcement can surf sites too in investigating crime," the FBI said.

I don't see why. Assuming that things are going to be stolen regardless, it's surely better to let (stupid) criminals believe that they have a secure way to dispose of their loot. It sounds unlikely that there are now loads of thieves thinking "Shit, I was going to nick a load of stuff to sell on eBay, but now I think I'll mow the lawn instead".

Granted, I'm not working in law enforcement and have no idea what I'm talking about, but I've been hanging around here long enough to know that that's not considered a drawback.

Re:... the FBI thinks we don't already know this?

[DrXym]

I think eBay is quite happy to put up with some crime on their network. After all, if you're defrauded they still make money. If you're sold counterfeit stuff they still make money. I expect they don't even care if some people dispute purchases since the refunds come out of frozen accounts that they keep the balance from.

Just search for "wholesale list" to see one very obvious and recurring scam that runs on eBay every day. Crime is so rife in categories (e.g. memory cards) that they should put prepend warnings and advice to every single auction advising customers how to look for forgeries. Vigilant customers would prevent the scammers from getting good ratings and ultimately from being profitable. Do eBay do this? No.

These a couple of examples. eBay is in a position to squash all kinds of scams but if they're doing anything it sure as hell isn't enough.

Re:Proof Of Ownership

[DragonTHC]

it's not about proof of ownership. These snares are for people they already suspect of stealing from their local stores.
Say, the guy works at walmart. the store suspects he's stealing stuff but can't prove it. The FBI comes in and taps his ebay account.
They nail him for wire fraud for selling stolen items on ebay. They know he didn't buy 24 9" color tv/weather radios because the store is cooperating with the FBI also.

I agree this could be abused, however, the FBI doesn't really care about you selling your power ranger collection.

Re:Fence Feedback

[Elbowgeek]

It has to be remembered that most criminals are criminals because they ain't too bright. And they often ain't too nice to begin with, and it's this sort of stupidity and arrogance which will sink the stupidest of the criminal element. Just think, if these guys had a real brain, they'd not be criminals for the most part.

Cheers