Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!

[Phoenix8]

I’m looking for some advice on how to proceed with ‘situation’ regarding my eBay account that a friend has been using. I’m long term sick so haven’t been able to work for a long time and he wanted to use it to get rid of a bit of surplus stock he had. It was quite new, didn’t have feedback or anything so I didn’t see an issue letting him use it, however, over time he’s restocked, grown it and converted it to a business account. It’s become a contentious subject as I’ve wanted it closing down for some time, but now he’s invested time into it and built up a customer base, he wants to keep it running.

The problem is, it’s still my account, connected to my PayPal/phone number etc. I really just want to disassociate with it, I don’t even care about getting it back any more mainly because I’m unable to work (which is why I’m not running a business myself) and I realise there could be legal implications for me as now this account is is turning over a decent amount I believe. I make nothing from it and I don’t wish to, but I’m not happy about it at all, I’m unwell and it’s causing me a great deal of stress. Due to illness I haven’t been able to deal with any of this really until now, I’m still not up to it quite honestly but the listings keep increasing and I need it to stop. I never wanted this and now I’m trying to find out the best course of action so this doesn’t come back on me. I now realise I should never have let him use it but it was an honest mistake on my part. It’s caused a rift between us so I’m hoping for a mutually amicable solution but one that doesn’t leave me liable.

He wants to keep the account and detach it from my PayPal/name/phone number and add his own. He says this can be done but that the account may get shut down if ebay clock it. My questions are:

1. Would I get penalised for transferring it to him? Would ebay then shut my other associated (buying) account and any future accounts I might want to set up in the future?

2. Would I still be associated with the account in any way (being as I set it up initially)? Can you ever really ‘detach’ an account? Surely any previous users are still traceable/on record? If this is the case I’d be no better off.

3. If I took back ownership of the account and he deleted all listings and any of his association with it, would this look worse for me should it be investigated in the future? I’m concerned it will appear I’ve been running a business whilst sick and on welfare. I’m thinking if I did take the account back, I wouldn’t be able to use it again anyway and I’d have to shut it down so nothing is traced back to me?

4. As the transactions have all been made through my own PayPal (a significant amount over the last 3 years or so but has mainly been used for repurchasing stock - I have not made any money from this business) would I be better off just closing down my PayPal account completely?

I hope all this makes sense.. It’s probably an unusual question, I’m in a situation I didn’t wish to be in and would value any input as I really don’t know what to do for the best at this stage. I’d like to get relinquish all responsibility ideally and move on with my life!

Thanks.

[Phoenix8]

Anyone know who I could speak to for advice? Or if this would be more appropriate elsewhere? New to the forum. Thanks

[james_112233]

If it's not a stealth account, speak to ebay.

[SaiJin]

Honestly I'd just change the password on all the accounts and have him make his own.

OR you give him your account completely.

[yankee]

I would be more worried about the paypal personally.

[Phoenix8]

I’m thinking of shutting the lot down and starting over. It’s making me sick even thinking about it. If I close down my PayPal is it straight forward to just open up a new one and start over? If I keep them open there’s too much activity in there, I’m thinking at least if it’s shut down it might not get looked at. He has multiple accounts of his own also.

[Phoenix8]

Originally Posted by james_112233

If it's not a stealth account, speak to ebay.

He said there was a ‘stealth’ way of transferring the account which is why I wanted advice from you guys. I didn’t think it was possible to do it but he says it can be done.. I wanted to find out for myself the facts before I did anything.

[james_112233]

The only solution is for you to close the accounts and tell him to open fresh ones.

[Pandoras_box]

Except there are rare circumstances, eBay will not allow a transfer of ownership. In your case, there's nothing extraordinary so that route is unlikely to work.

If it is just liability that you're worried about, then perhaps you can get your friend to sign a legally enforceable contract. You may include terms that allow you to take back your account in say two years.
There should be money in a third-party pot to cover for any liabilities that may arise within the said two years + 181 days.

It is a long shot from being practical, but... Maybe you can build on it.

[Phoenix8]

Originally Posted by tinsoldier

Let's get to the nitty gritty. You're claiming benefits and are, on paper, running a business.

Your now worried you'll get rumbled. So go to the Benefits Agency and put your cards on the table, the WILL catch up with your paypal account in time and the WILL assume its your money. Surely you dont expect anyone to believe that there's nothing in it for you.

Lets be honest, your story doesn't ring true to folk like us who couldn't care less, so there's no chance in the benefits people falling for it.

If it is true, then you need to ensure that all monies have been declared to HMRC and there's a strong papertrail showing than none of the money ended up in your pocket.

Good luck, sounds like you'll need it.

Ok let me get one thing straight. What I’ve said, is the truth. What have I got to gain in here from lying to anyone?? Of course I’m on benefits, I’m chronically sick and barely able to open my eyes most days let alone consider running a business. Believe it or not there’s are decent folk in the world who try to do others a favour, which is what I believed I was doing. The account was there, I was too ill to use it, he wanted to use it, I let him. It became a business and had absolutely naff all to do with me. I’ve asked for the account to be closed numerous times because of course I’m worried about it but it hasn’t been done. I’ve been stupid in not addressing this far sooner but that’s what happens when you’re extremely ill. Of course it looks bad, that is the whole point of this post. To anyone outside it would appear that way. Fortunately there are many messages between us proving this fact should it come down to it but as I have zero stress tolerance I’m hoping it won’t get to that stage, hence why I’m seeking advice (rather than judgement) from people who might know the score.

[james_112233]

Rather than stressing any longer, isn't it wise to close your accounts by force ? he/she is in the wrong using your account to run a business. Sod their feelings.

Close it now, or as tinsoldier said expect to have a hard time when the authorities eventually crack down on you.

In regards to the business if the seller is turning over 85k a year on that account ebay will be requesting a VAT number and possibly even reporting the seller to HMRC as some one that has reached the VAT threshold (so your details being put forth to HMRC) ... who knows what information they share.

[Phoenix8]

Originally Posted by Pandoras_box

Except there are rare circumstances, eBay will not allow a transfer of ownership. In your case, there's nothing extraordinary so that route is unlikely to work.

If it is just liability that you're worried about, then perhaps you can get your friend to sign a legally enforceable contract. You may include terms that allow you to take back your account in say two years.
There should be money in a third-party pot to cover for any liabilities that may arise within the said two years + 181 days.

It is a long shot from being practical, but... Maybe you can build on it.

Thanks. Yes liability is entirely what I’m worried about. I couldn’t care less about money or anything else, he’s offered to buy the account from me but he wants to keep the PayPal account in my name. As it happens I recently changed my surname after a divorce, so he wanted to keep my PayPal in my old name and have me set up a new one for myself in my new name. Of course I’ve said absolutely no way, I don’t want anything to do with any of this. I really do just want out as hard it as it may be to believe. I was probably a bit niaive and trusted that it wasn’t really a problem, he’s quite a seasoned ‘pro’ when it comes to eBay/stealth so I took his word that everything was above board.

[Phoenix8]

Originally Posted by tinsoldier

My daughters ex works for a Local Authority Investigation Unit, given time and workload they contact paypal about every single claimant as they no longer need an order to do so. Their findings ironically reveal so much 'activity' they simply cant do everyone as fast as they'd like, dolies making money on ebay is rife.

Closing it down is a start, but they can expect to be quizzed about it sooner or later so best have their defence in order.

This is totally my concern, I’ve always been law abiding which is why this is extremely uncomfortable territory for me and I was hoping to make it all go away. The only thing I’m guilty of here is letting someone else use my accounts. He did say he’ll transfer it back to me and take any of his association with it off his computer but then that may look even worse for me, which was my dilemma. He’s offered to draw up a letter (in regards to liability etc) but wants to continue using my PayPal account. I can’t afford to be involved with anything he’s doing that may not be above board so this is why I was trying to find out my options. I appreciate all input as long as people realise this is completely genuine, yes there really are people out there as stupid as me.

[Phoenix8]

Originally Posted by tinsoldier

Change the passwords immediately and seek legal advice. If you do not have access to the accounts then contact ebay and paypal to say you've forgotten the passwords. Who's operating the email addresses?

He changed the email so he has control of that, he did that early on so I didn’t have to ‘deal’ with anything. The phone number on the account is mine. He’s said (finally) that he’ll do whatever I want to do now, so I’m seeking the best course of action for me. He’ll sign it back over to me or shut it down. I had a bit of a wobbler earlier and just told him to shut the whole thing down. He generally doesn’t take me seriously and thinks I’ll just get over it (what actually happens is I’m too unwell to keep having the same fight) and it just rolls on. I just wondered if I’d be better off letting him have the damn thing but I really need to cut ties with the whole thing as much as possible.

[Phoenix8]

Thanks everyone for your input, it’s much appreciated. As I said it’s probably not the sort of question you get very often so I am grateful for your time. I think I will get some legal advice (I have a friend who may be able to advise but was trying to keep her out of it so as not to implicate her!) It’s weighing me down immensely so something needs to give. I’m thinking I may need something contractual in place, purely as a safeguard whatever the scenario, which had I been in my right mind would have been done in the first instance. I can only hope he’ll agree to it.

It’s helped to talk this through and get some facts straight in my mind. It’s also highlighted how very wrong this whole thing is.

[Phoenix8]

I’m wondering what happens to couples in this sort of scenario that split up. If a couple was running a business, split and one half keeps it on but they use a joint PayPal. I guess it could be the same situation, possibly one I could put to eBay and have everything moved over to him. Honestly don’t have a clue how any of it works but I know one thing, it’s put me off eBay for life!! Anyway going to bed now. Thanks again fellas x

[Pathos]

Tinsoldier off to his usual trolling.

Be very concerned about recieved any advice from him. It would be dangerous.

Nothing wrong with having it all transferred to your friend. Names on eBay accounts can be changed. Ok, so eBay may give a line that it can't, but if you know ebay, you know how ridiculous they can be about even their own policies I wouldnt believe anything they say.

I also have a private use Stealth account that got PayPal limited, which I added my own PayPal to, and thats still going strong. It may eventually go, and I am prepared for that, but until that day it works well.

It's unlikely eBay will ever close an account unless it was for an eBay reason such as low seller ratings etc or it gets linked to a previously banned account.

As you have not been operating the business yourself, you have nothing to be concerned about regarding the HMRC/Social Security office as long as your friend is happy to take responsibility for that if it ever happens. It probably won't though.

If the account has reached the HMRC VAT threshold, then eBay will essentially stop it running anyway unless you register a VAT account under your name - which dosent sound like you would do or have to do currently, so nothing to worry about there.

Theres plenty of 'fear' being instilled which is ironic as a huge portion of members of this site commit fraud everyday operating their Stealth accounts.

Personally I feel you'd be in a much stronger position by transferring ownership to this person in a formal manner, and then open up your new ones. You have not gained from any of this as you say therefore you have no real worry.

Lots of Pot and Kettles on this forum sometimes.

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by tinsoldier

My daughters ex works for a Local Authority Investigation Unit, given time and workload they contact paypal about every single claimant as they no longer need an order to do so. Their findings ironically reveal so much 'activity' they simply cant do everyone as fast as they'd like, dolies making money on ebay is rife.

Closing it down is a start, but they can expect to be quizzed about it sooner or later so best have their defence in order.

Wow, you have a daughter? poor thing. Or did you just make that up like many other things you have?

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by tinsoldier

I do indeed, or did I make it up.

Welcome back my pet troll, I've really got under your skin haven't I?

I really hope you made it up because I feel for children with poor parents.

Nope you don't bother me personally, but I do have to keep others safe from your tales.

How are your frauds going these days? how many warnings have you had so far this month from the Mod team?

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by tinsoldier

Clearly I do bother you, quite a lot it would seem if you feel the need to keep others safe from me.

As I said, you don't. You may feel in your own pompous self imposed granduer that I do, and thats ok, I appreciate being held in such esteem.

The reality is, I just care about most people and some may be swayed by your tales which could cause them damage.

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by tinsoldier

Nah, I do bother you and you can't help yourself trolling me.

Watch you reply to this as well as my earlier dismissals, you simply cant help yourself.

You keep giving answers to your own questions posed to someone else...

https://www.healthline.com/health/me...alth/sociopath

[Pandoras_box]

Originally Posted by Pathos

Wow, you have a daughter? poor thing. Or did you just make that up like many other things you have?

I do not agree with both his advice but we can leave his personal life out of this.

Originally Posted by Phoenix8

This is totally my concern, I’ve always been law abiding which is why this is extremely uncomfortable territory for me and I was hoping to make it all go away. The only thing I’m guilty of here is letting someone else use my accounts. He did say he’ll transfer it back to me and take any of his association with it off his computer but then that may look even worse for me, which was my dilemma. He’s offered to draw up a letter (in regards to liability etc) but wants to continue using my PayPal account. I can’t afford to be involved with anything he’s doing that may not be above board so this is why I was trying to find out my options. I appreciate all input as long as people realise this is completely genuine, yes there really are people out there as stupid as me.

OP, the Local Authority cannot peek into your PayPal account, neither will they send a request to PayPal for your information. The only financials they have access to is what you give them. If you submit a bank statement that shows PayPal transactions that appears to be commercial, then you may be asked for your PayPal statement.

However, HMRC can now do so (since 2017? not too sure), but you're probably not the fish they're looking to fry. There's a debate on another forum that seems to think HMRC haven't gotten round to implementing it yet.


Contrary to what you've been advised, I would not ring PayPal or change the password to lock him out suddenly. If you that that and he decides to walk away (with his stock) seeing that you've just abruptly cut down his business with no consideration or prior conversation, you'd be somewhat liable from that time onwards. You may be unable to deal with problems that will arise on eBay / PayPal and by that - unwittingly put both your accounts in 'bad standing.'

Let the action you take be a thoughtful one. For you, your friend and his customers. I've got to admit you need that legal advice.

I hope you do well.
Good luck.