# How can I get even with an eBay scammer? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 15, 2004, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-even-with-an-ebay-scammer/224483 "2004-01-15T00:11:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Nanoda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Nanoda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nanoda)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 8:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-even-with-an-ebay-scammer/224483/21 "2004-01-16T08:31:13Z")
Untrue. While it’s illegal to download stuff in the States (it’s legal here in Canada), it’s illegal to upload copyrighted stuff in both countries. If the dude _was_ sharing something illegally, I’m sure that would be cause for the RIAA to do something. (Heck, they’ve already formed a [roving goon squad](http://www.laweekly.com/ink/04/07/news-sullivan.php)). OTOH, the RIAA are a bunch of evil jerks, and you wouldn’t want it to rub off. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![umop\_ap\_sdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/dbc845/32.png) [@umop\_ap\_sdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/umop_ap_sdn)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-even-with-an-ebay-scammer/224483/22 "2004-01-16T09:05:40Z")
> [@Nanoda](#): > > If the dude _was_ sharing something illegally, I’m sure that would be cause for the RIAA to do something. It depends on what he’s sharing. ISTR all material released before 1907 is now in public domain, so it’s not like he can be thrown in the can for having a copy of Für Elise, for example. As for the OP, it is physically possible to take the subscription cards from all your magazines, fill them out with this guy’s name and girlfriend’s address, check the “bill me” box, and send 'em off… but I don’t know if that’s legal or not. Certainly a headache for him to straighten out. :evil grin: ---
**Author:** ![Metacom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecae2f/32.png) [@Metacom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Metacom)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-even-with-an-ebay-scammer/224483/23 "2004-01-16T13:45:29Z")
> [@cityboy916](#): > > It depends on what he’s sharing. ISTR all material released before 1907 is now in public domain, so it’s not like he can be thrown in the can for having a copy of Für Elise, for example. Uh, of course he can. If the _recording_ of Fur Elise was made after 1907 (which is pretty likely!) it’s still under copyright. ---
**Author:** ![netscape\_6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8c91f0/32.png) [@netscape\_6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/netscape_6)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-even-with-an-ebay-scammer/224483/24 "2004-01-16T14:33:50Z")
> [@cityboy916](#): > > It depends on what he’s sharing. ISTR all material released before 1907 is now in public domain, so it’s not like he can be thrown in the can for having a copy of Für Elise, for example. There is also material released into public domain, alot of Indie bands will do this to one of their songs and file share it to expose more people to their music. Does KaZaA have a browse host? Thats the only way you’ll know if he has anything illegal. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-even-with-an-ebay-scammer/224483/25 "2004-01-16T14:36:47Z")
> [@](#): > > As for the OP, it is physically possible to take the subscription cards from all your magazines, fill them out with this guy’s name and girlfriend’s address, check the “bill me” box, and send 'em off… but I don’t know if that’s legal or not. Yes it is illegal. Besides you would only be hurting the magazine publishers. Jerks who steal money from innocent people certainly aren’t going to pay for magazines they didn’t order. ---
**Author:** ![Futile\_Gesture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f05b48/32.png) [@Futile\_Gesture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Futile_Gesture)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2004, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-even-with-an-ebay-scammer/224483/26 "2004-01-16T15:50:04Z")
[Read what this guy did.](http://www.remodern.com/caught.html) Not quite the same, but a similar situation where someone got cheated by an ebay criminal. ---
**Author:** ![umop\_ap\_sdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/dbc845/32.png) [@umop\_ap\_sdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/umop_ap_sdn)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2004, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-even-with-an-ebay-scammer/224483/27 "2004-01-17T06:48:23Z")
> [@PunditLisa](#): > > Besides you would only be hurting the magazine publishers. Jerks who steal money from innocent people certainly aren’t going to pay for magazines they didn’t order. I’ve dealt with magazine subscriptions (the legal way) and know firsthand how difficult they are to change or cancel. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-even-with-an-ebay-scammer/224483.md?page=1)