eBay Fraud
As Internet and computer fraud increased over the years, law enforcement agencies became more intent on heavily prosecuting those accused of committing such crimes. Federal agencies, corporate Internet agencies and various state task forces have come down hard on people committing such crimes as eBay fraud and online auction fraud. Attorneys at The Blanch Law Firm have been defending individuals since online auctioneering became a popular form of ecommerce, and they have years of experience with the law and how different agencies prosecute this type of Internet Fraud. Devising an effective defense in an eBay or online auction fraud case takes a uniquely sophisticated trial attorney who is willing to go the extra mile in order to properly serve his client. Online auctions sites such as eBay (the top online auction site) create unique legal situations, and so attorneys who defend those accused of eBay fraud must have a keen sense of the law and the issues surrounding Internet law.
Consesequences for eBay/Online Action Fraud Convictions
If convicted of committing online auction fraud, you could be facing both criminal and civil consequences. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has brought hundreds of actions against thousands of defendants, ordering over hundreds of millions of dollars in fines and repayment of funds as well as prison sentences. The first federal prison sentence resulting from online auction fraud was given to Robert Guest in 1999. Since then, individuals who thought they had the best scheme have spent time in state and federal correctional facilities as punishment for their role in an online auction scam. The defense attorneys at The Blanch Law Firm regularly work with law enforcement, prosecutors and the courts to get the best possible outcome for their clients. They've successfully managed to help numerous clients avoid jail time and large fines by rigorously defending their clients and formulating winning defense tactics.
Types of eBay/Online Auction Fraud
Online auction fraud, not child pornography Websites or Nigerian letter scams, is already the most frequently reported form of Internet fraud--ten times as common as the second and third most reported kinds of Internet fraud combined. Types of online auction fraud include:
- Bid Shielding
- Shill Bidding
- Failure to Pay
- Misrepresentation
- Credit Card Fraud
- Work From Home Scams
Examples of Actual eBay/Online Auction Fraud Prosecutions
- In one famous case known as "The Hare Case" a Florida man Violated the FTC Act and the Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule by offering computers and related equipment for sale via auction sites, accepting payment and failing to deliver the goods. The man ultimately pled guilty to Wire Fraud, spent six months in home detention, three years on probation and was ordered to pay restitution of over $20,000. Mr. Hare was also banned from doing business on the Internet.
- In a second case known as "The Walton Case" Mr. Kenneth Walton was prosecuted for shill bidding online. He was charged with Wire Fraud and Mail Fraud in connection with the online auction fraud. He put a painting up for auction on eBay fraudulently stating it was done by a famous American modernist. Mr. Walton and his accomplice were indicted on charges of participating in a bidding ring that cost buyers $450,000 and on sixteen separate counts of Wire Fraud and Mail Fraud. Each count carries with it a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and $1 million in fines.
If you're facing criminal prosecution for eBay fraud or online auction fraud, contact the attorneys at The Blanch Law Firm. Their knowledge and successful defense of previous Internet fraud cases uniquely qualifies the firm to defend even most complex online auction fraud case. To speak with a white collar attorney about your criminal defense concerns, Contact The Blanch Law Firm by calling 917-472-9883 or at 1-866-690-9316 to arrange an initial consultation.
