DO NOT use eBay Sneaker Authentication Program: Authenticators STEALING and RESELLING shoes on eBay!

[hegotcards824]

Ebay employees at the sneaker authentication hub stole my sneakers, claimed a lost/misplaced package even though it was signed for. My shoes were relisted for sale the same day on the ebay platform and are still up for sale despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue!

Here is the item I sold on October 12, 2021: 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/334177148406

It was delivered to the authentication address and signed for on October 19, 2021 (FedEX tracking, insured with signature confirmation, "signed for by LLEO"). It then sat in the "authenticator received the item" stage of the authentication process without any movement. 

A case was then opened by the buyer on 10/27/2021 since he did not receive the item, the case was closed the same day, the buyer was refunded from eBay, and the item was deemed as "lost/misplaced". The rep I spoke with said neither the buyer or seller would receive the shoes since they were "lost" after showing the listing of the same shoes. 

Later that day the buyer messaged me stating the exact same shoes that he purchased from me were re-listed for sale (on the same day they were signed for at the authentication center), which is still a live listing: 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265368591004

There are key identifying features when comparing my sold listing to the pictures in the new listing of the Black Jordan VI shoe: there are small white rocks and dirt on the sole in the exact same place, identical cracking on the midsole (specifically white area of cracking on the left heel) and the exact damages on the box (white peel above the size sticker). Additionally the pictures look like they were probably taken at the hub with all the shoe boxes of various sizes and merchandise in the background. The seller also has many "hype" shoes listed for sale in various sizes. 

I called eBay with all of the above details and they stated they are "looking into it" but could do another about the seller or the listing even though it contains stolen goods. 

Disgusting to see this happen and for eBay for allowing the listing of stolen goods.

Does anyone have any advice on how to go about this, and if this is a legal issue given eBay and their employees are knowingly aiding and abetting in the sale of stolen goods?

Even though the fees are more on other platforms such as GOAT & StockX, I would recommend not using ebay as a buyer to ensure you get the product, and as seller knowing the "authentication process" is an easy/accessible way for employees to steal purchased goods and resell for their own profit. 

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

@hegotcards824 

We actually had a guy start a post who used to work at the authentication company in NY.  It was quite interesting to say the least and although he never witnessed anyone out right stealing he heard stories of it.

     But he did say they discard all of the extra laces, stickers etc. If I can find this post I'll put up the link for you.

[mudshark61369]

@hegotcards824,

In your post you say you called ebay. If you called their customer service number the reply you received "ebay is looking into it" is a stock answer given by their CS reps when an issue comes up not covered by their playbook.    FYI, the shoes found by your buyer sold yesterday.

I would suggest that you contact ebay through face book or twitter. (F.B. link below)

https://www.facebook.com/eBayForBusiness

On that page is a blue button Send Message,  I haven't used it but have heard you will need to give your name, username, possibly the item number.

  I would very carefully lay out your case. Saying there are two issues, Starting with:

• Issue one: Shoes lost at authentication Center.
  
• Sold item number on 10/12  received at Authentication Center and signed for on 10/19 by employee name ---------,  give the Fed-Ex tracking number so the rep can check it.
• Seller hub shows no movement after that.
• 10/27 Buyer opened INR dispute and was decided in their favor and they received a refund.
• Called CS on 10/?  and was told shoes would not be returned since they were deemed to be lost. No mention of a refund to me, or a credit of my fees.  I feel I deserve compensation for my loss since the shoes were in ebay's possession when they went missing.
• ISSUE Two: possible theft of the shoes by an ebay employee
• My buyer found a listing on 10/19 the same day as the tracking showed delivery to Authentication Center, for the same pair of Air Jordans with the same damage on the shoes and box, also the same pebble stuck in the sole of one of the shoes.  (I would carefully point out where it is). They Just sold on 10/31.
• If you have more photos of the shoes that you didn't post add that you can provide them. 

Before taking the above action carefully read through the link below. Almost to the bottom of the page you'll see What will happen if my item is damaged or lost while in possession of the 3rd party authenticator?  You might want to copy and paste that info from the link.https://pages.ebay.com/authenticity-guarantee-sneakers-seller/

[goldair1_4]

If it was me,i wouldn't have bothered with ebay,just straight to the cops.

If you are 1000% sure they are your old shoes that were nicked,then it's a criminal situation that needs the police.

Ebay aren't the police,and can't be expected to be either

[mudshark61369]

---

@goldair1_4 wrote:

If it was me,i wouldn't have bothered with ebay,just straight to the cops.

If you are 1000% sure they are your old shoes that were nicked,then it's a criminal situation that needs the police.

Ebay aren't the police,and can't be expected to be either

---

@goldair1_4, 

The only problem with your suggestion is it would mean contacting the police in the city where the alleged crime took place. Since the 2 cities the centers are located in are, Las Vegas, and NYC, how much investigation they would do for a cyber crime is questionable.  

@hegotcards824,

If my suggestions from earlier do not work  you might want to try the FBI's IC3 unit

https://www.ic3.gov/

[cho-hop-z563gk9zvr]

I think these authenticator thieves just got me with the same scam. The authenticator say my shoes are not as described & I just took pictures of shoes before shipping out in new condition. It's a shame ebay was decent years ago. I will have to cut ties with them after my similar situation. 

[kh-vince]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.