Counterfeit Books

[lisavargas229]

I recently purchased books. I then went to a conference and asked the author to sign them only to find out that these items were copies of her work without her permission.

I don't see an efficient way to let EBay know. But I would like the seller's account revoked for fraud.  

[12345jamesstamps]

'these items'...wasn't it one book you bought for 10 bucks...

And seller probably didn't think it was necessary to research something for 10 bucks to sell on eBay.

I wouldn't blame the seller...because of the cost of a book for ten bucks.

[ebooksdiva]

If anyone needs to file a report it would be the author of the book that was copied, not you, since it wasn't your intellectual property.

[kensgiftshop]

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@lisavargas229 wrote:

I don't see an efficient way to let EBay know.

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Use the MBG and return it for a refund.

[nyr134]

In this particular case, the seller is not so innocent.  They have already sold hundreds of copies of several books by Barbara O’Neill - selling out of Pakistan.  I agree with @ebooksdiva  that the author - or her publisher - needs to take action here.

The buyer could also get a little justice by invoking the MBG; the AI description says the book is personalized but it apparently wasn’t.

[reallynicestamps]

Since @lisavargas229  seems to have some sort of contact with the author, it would be polite to let them know everything they have learned about the seller and let the author , the publisher and their lawyers deal with it from there.

They have more skin in the game.

Most authors have a Facebook Page and can receive Messages there.

 However, the OP has 30 days from delivery to open a Not As Described claim under eBay's Money Back Guarantee.

If 30 days has elapsed, then the OP should go to their credit card. They have up to 180 days from Payment to open a chargeback with their card.

[kathiec]

They have up to 180 days from Payment to open a chargeback with their card.

I wish everyone would stop saying this. Yes, many card issuers will allow up to six months for a dispute. But according to the Fair Credit Billing Act of 1974 card issuers are only legally required to accept a dispute for 60 days past the billing date of the first statement on which the charge appears. So figure about 90 days. So while it might be allowed, no one should expect that a card issuer is required to accept a dispute for 180 days.

[baangell]

Looks like you bought from a dropshipper.

[mudshark61369]

@lisavargas229,

"I don't see an efficient way to let EBay know. But I would like the seller's account revoked for fraud".

We are not ebay employees just experienced buyers and sellers, trying to help others with issues on ebay.  We have no way of getting ebay to take  any actions in situations like this. 

   However, if you have a way to contact the Author, you can suggest that she or her publisher can contact ebay about signing up for their Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) program, and the illegally copied books can be removed from the site.

 As for removing the seller, they may not know the book was an illegal copy and ebay is unlikely to remove them over one transaction or report. 

 To cut down on the possibility or receiving counterfeit items, do not make purchases from China, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka or other far east based sellers.