Legal Question in Consumer Law in Pennsylvania

Friend misused my eBay account

A friend of mine lost his job and needed money for rent. I have an eBay and PayPal account so I helped him list 15 items under my eBay account. The items sold, buyers paid to my PayPal account and I gave him the profits (selling price minus listing fees). He was supposed to mail the items out a couple days ago, but will not return my calls or emails to verify that he did. My eBay feedback was 100% with 139 positive transactions over 8 years. I don't want to be out money (which I don't have) just because I tried to help a ''friend,'' but I don't want the 15 winners to be ripped off either. What can I do?


Asked on 1/20/09, 7:59 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: Friend misused my eBay account

You asked about who is responsible for making good on purchases through online transactions you processed through your account.

Your friend didn't misuse your online accounts, you did. The purchasers had a contract with you, not with your friend. They expect to either receive their goods, from you, or a refund. In some cases you may also be liable for additional damages, such if an item was truly unique or can't be had except through another, more expensive, purchase.

You may have claims against your fiend, but I would also suggest that the claim for each failed transaction would have to be brought separately.

You need to follow-up quickly and either make certain that the purchasers get their goods or get their money back. Your explanation of the circumstances may minimize negative repercussions, but it does not relieve you of the sole and complete responsibility to make whole the purchasers, who you have essentially defrauded.

Regards,

Roger

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Answered on 1/20/09, 1:20 pm


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