When you find an illegal or offensive item on eBay, please do one, all or as many of these things that you can do.  Every bit helps.  Ask your friends or e-lists to help you.

1.    Immediately save the pictures; cut and paste all of the information into an email or a document as evidence; and mail it to us at ProtectRWildlife@aol.com.  All too often all traces of it are removed because people complain.  Although it is good that it is removed, we have lost documentation that we need to report the seller, buyer and eBay to the authorities.   (Click here to use our Report Form.)

2.    Besides just stumbling on these items, do deliberate searches under certain key words:  taxidermy, fetus, penis, dead, road kill, paws, butt, teeth, nest, traps, boy scout taxidermy, vintage taxidermy, etc.  You can do a search for box (usually sold as empty) or angel where you can find weapons.   (Click here to use our Report Form.)

AGAINST EBAY'S TOS AGREEMENT (Terms Of Service)

Live animals
Endangered species parts
Weapons (traps are also a weapon)
Offensive animal parts (wild animal penises, fetuses, puppy paws, kitten tails, etc.)
Protected animal taxidermy
Books on how to make bombs, use weapons, trap animals
Taxidermy in offensive positions (there was a squirrel attacking a human hand)

3.    Contact the seller, bidders, and buyer (if the sale went through) immediately.  Many times one letter can convince them to end the sale, and cancel the contract.  Merely removing the item isn't enough because they will just complete the sale without eBay.  Sample letters are below:   (Click here to use our Report Form.)

                1)    Sample Letter to Seller     

I'm not sure if you are aware or not, but the [item] that you are selling on eBay is illegal.  I suggest you pull this item immediately and not finalize the transaction since you have been reported for selling an item protected under the [Migratory Bird Act] and enforced by the [US Wildlife Services].  Although you probably don't know any of this, it is YOUR responsibility to read eBay's Terms Of Service Agreement under Prohibited Animal Sales.  It clearly states that you CAN NOT sell [bird's nests or eggs]. 

DO YOU HAVE A PERMIT TO DO SO?  DOES YOUR BUYER HAVE A PERMIT TO PURCHASE AND POSSESS THIS ITEM?  Even they will be heavily fined and the item confiscated if they participate.

eBay is ALSO at fault for not catching this and following their OWN TOS Agreement rules!  This item is also going to be used and displayed as evidence in a case against eBay.  If you want to stay out of trouble, cancel this item now. 

Please read the rules before selling items listed on the Prohibited Animal Items list in the future.  Thank you.

                2)    Sample Letter to Bidder(s)

I sure hope you have proof of the proper permit to purchase and possess this [item] because the seller, purchaser and bidders have been turned into [US Wildlife Services] for illegal activity.  Even though there is no excuse for not reading eBay policies on dealing in such items, I figure you just aren't aware of the laws.  Unfortunately, since there is an investigation against eBay and this is one of the items being used as evidence, the parties involved will be dragged into this unless the auction is dropped.  Even if an attempt is made to make transaction privately, you could still be caught.

Please read the rules before bidding on items listed on the Prohibited Animal Items list in the future.  

                3)    Sample Letter to Buyer

I sure hope you have proof of the proper permit to purchase and possess this [item] because the seller, purchaser and bidders have been turned into [US Wildlife Services] for illegal activity.  Even though there is no excuse for not reading eBay policies on dealing in such items, I figure you just aren't aware of the laws.  Unfortunately, since there is an investigation against eBay and this is one of the items being used as evidence, the parties involved will be dragged into this unless the auction is dropped.  Even if an attempt is made to make transaction privately, you could still be caught.

Please read the rules before purchasing items listed on the Prohibited Animal Items list in the future.  

        b.     Send them this legal information so they will take you seriously.

        c.    Send them to our web site www.eBayAtrocities.com.

4.    Contact eBay in numerous ways to complain about a particular item and make general complaints:   (Click here to use our Report Form.)

        a.    Call eBay to reach a live person 800-553-3199

        b.    Fax a letter to eBay 408-558-7401

        c.    Email eBay:

                1)    You can email Bill Cobb, President, at billcobb@ebay.com.  His words:  "I promise I'll read every e-mail.  And most of all, I'll listen."

                2)    Contact Dalhia Altibari (on behalf of Bill Cobb) at the Prohibited Items Department at moreinfo@ebay.com.

                3)    Contact Stan G., eBay Customer Support Representative, Product Development Team at suggest@ebay.com

                4)    eBay Help:  Contact Us (general contact form)

                5)    Contact Customer Support. Report listing violations or problems.

                6)    Join the eBay Consumer Panel:  Your Chance to be Heard!

        d.    Write eBay.com Inc., 2145 Hamilton Ave., San Jose, CA  95125    

        e.     Go to eBay's Animal Discussion Board and link to report live animal auctions (on eBay)