How eBay Keeps its Platform Safe

eBay has invested billions of dollars in technology and programs to create a safe and reliable service for users.

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do at eBay and that starts with creating a trusted, transparent and safe marketplace for everyone.

Jamie Iannone, President and CEO of eBay.

These efforts start with a money-back guarantee and extend all the way to cutting-edge AI tools that constantly monitor listing for potentially dangerous or illicit items.

In 2023, 99.2% of prohibited item violations were blocked before ever appearing on eBay, according to our recent Transparency Report. 

Ensuring Platform Integrity

eBay has multiple programs in place to protect intellectual property and prevent potentially dangerous or stolen items from being listed. 

For years, eBay has partnered with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle retail theft organizations, groups who steal large amounts of merchandise to sell online. In 2022, for example, eBay worked with state and federal prosecutors to investigate a multi-state crime ring that sold an estimated $4.2 million worth of stolen goods on online marketplaces. To simplify these investigations, eBay also has a dedicated law enforcement portal for law enforcement officers to submit investigation-related requests to the eBay platform quickly and securely.

Similarly, through eBay’s Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) Program, owners of intellectual property rights can report eBay listings that may infringe on those rights . eBay then promptly removes listings reported by rights owners as IP infringing, notifies the seller and reviews the seller account for possible enforcement action. In 2023, eBay proactively removed approximately 3.2 million potentially counterfeit and prohibited items.

Beyond reporting tools, eBay uses a combination of highly trained investigators and AI and image detection technology to monitor listings and identify those that could be prohibited under our policies. In 2023, eBay further developed its AI capabilities by acquiring 3PM Shield, a provider of advanced AI-based marketplace compliance solutions. 

Protecting Consumers

Shoppers who rely on eBay benefit from programs that offer them peace of mind when purchasing used goods. When they purchase high-end items, such as jewelry, handbags, sneakers or watchers, from our Authenticity Guarantee program, they know they’re getting genuine items.

Sellers using the program send sold sneakers to a team of experts who check everything from the stitching and the color of the box to the font used on the tag and the luster of the leather. If the shoes pass inspection, they’re tagged, logged in the system and sent to the buyer. The in-depth inspection is free for both the buyer and the seller.

When the Authenticity Guarantee program came around, we saw that our buyers became super confident in their purchases and as a seller we also felt protected. The Authenticity Guarantee program makes a world of difference and personally as a consumer I would not purchase anything without this stamp of approval.

Linda, an eBay seller

Through our eBay Refurbished program, customers can purchase used brand-name products from companies, such as Apple, Cuisinart and Ninja, at up to 50% off with a minimum one-year warranty. The products are repaired or reconditioned to 100% functionality by vetted sellers or the manufacturer, and then go through extensive quality assurance testing.

Automotive buyers on eBay also receive special attention. If a customer purchases an eligible part for a car or motorcycle repair and it doesn’t fit their vehicle, they can return it for a full refund under the eBay Guaranteed Fit program. Similarly, customers who buy a car on eBay are eligible for Vehicle Purchase Protection, which protects against fraud, vehicle title issues and undisclosed defects for up to $100,000.

Taken all together, these protections create a safe shopping environment on eBay, and the company is committed to building them out further.