Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!

[Pandoras_box]

Originally Posted by Pathos

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

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

Too many labels these days. I bet you there is one for every member of this forum.

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by tinsoldier

If the person is suspected of benefit fraud I can categorically assure you they can and do. I have seen printouts from paypal regarding fraud inquiries where the benefit claimant didn't even know it was happening.

No you havent and no they can't.

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by Pandoras_box

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





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.

He actually brought his daughter into it! However I dont think he has a daughter, theres definitely not a woman who would oblige.

Good posting though.

The HMRC thing is also a myth - the deal was with eBay/HMRC that eBay would block accounts that reached the threshold because the HRMC do not have the resources to directly tackle this. I am sure eBay got some under the table benefits from signing up to the voluntary aggrement.

You have to be accused of benefit fraud before 'anything' happens. Your bank accounts would show regular withdrawals rom a source, could be a regular payment from someone else or indeed PP withdrawals. You would then need to justify it. If you can, great, if you can't, its there choice to investigate further or not. Sure if you drive up to the JSA Office in a Hummer wearing Armani, you would give them reason!

The OP hasn't commented on the level of sales the account has been recieving but if they havent been asked for a VAT number, then the sales are sub the threshold, so small fry in a massive ocean. The OP also isn't running this business or account and hasnt profitilised from it from what I gather.

I think we have all be in issues with losing eBay accounts before, and therefore our livelihood, so 'willing' this person to lose their business is pretty crass. We have all been there. We have all had our PayPal Limited emails and lost everything, the OP can quite easily support her friend without any real 'risk' to herself, but some seem to want to cut them down.

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by Pandoras_box

Too many labels these days. I bet you there is one for every member of this forum.

Very true! thats one of his.

I am enjoying someone who commits fraud on a daily basis commenting on fraud though.

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by tinsoldier

LOL, if you say so. I've seen it and frankly couldn't care less if you believe me or not. The more resourses there are to catch out benefit cheats the better.

Tell me, why does someone let an anonymous made up online persona get so far under their skin to the point where you need to create some kind of perceived real person? It can't be healthy for you to know I'm deliberately getting to you.

You haven't.

Who's the perceived real person?

[Phoenix8]

Originally Posted by 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.

Thanks Pathos. I appreciate balanced views including those for and against, however there’s more to the back story than is written here. This person hasn’t always been honest with me and trust is a big thing when it comes to stuff like this. I have considered him from day one but it generally feels like a one way street and he is showing little regard for how any of this has affected me, or is still affecting me not to mention any potential future implications. He now says he’s annoyed and resentful that he has to close it down, despite what I’ve expressed to him many times and I’ve been more than reasonable and considerate to his needs. There is a distinct lack of respect there which makes me feel resentful as I don’t think he’s really thinking of me in this whole thing at all. I don’t wish him any ill at all, but he’s treading on dodgy ground himself and I don’t particularly want him to get caught out, and especially not when I am or have been involved in the situation. I’m trying to look out for both of us but he’s prepared to take risks (for both of us) that I am not. It just feels like a liability and I have a bad feeling about it. I’d sleep much easier if it was no longer a concern for either of us. Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind? Would you still transfer the account over if you knew it potentially posed a risk to either of us? I just don’t think we can say 100% there is no risk. Someone always knows more than we do ...

[Phoenix8]

Originally Posted by Pandoras_box

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





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.

I’m definitely trying to give this as much thought as possible so thank you. I do appreciate your advice. I’m hoping to not have any black marks (for either of us) with eBay, but the legal perspective is my main concern. I wish I wasn’t in this position at all but here we are. I wouldn’t lock him out suddenly unless absolutely necessary, I always try to be amicable but I’m not prepared to be a mug either. Been there done that. I’ll be getting legal advice too. I’ve learned to trust no one.

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by Phoenix8

Thanks Pathos. I appreciate balanced views including those for and against, however there’s more to the back story than is written here. This person hasn’t always been honest with me and trust is a big thing when it comes to stuff like this. I have considered him from day one but it generally feels like a one way street and he is showing little regard for how any of this has affected me, or is still affecting me not to mention any potential future implications. He now says he’s annoyed and resentful that he has to close it down, despite what I’ve expressed to him many times and I’ve been more than reasonable and considerate to his needs. There is a distinct lack of respect there which makes me feel resentful as I don’t think he’s really thinking of me in this whole thing at all. I don’t wish him any ill at all, but he’s treading on dodgy ground himself and I don’t particularly want him to get caught out, and especially not when I am or have been involved in the situation. I’m trying to look out for both of us but he’s prepared to take risks (for both of us) that I am not. It just feels like a liability and I have a bad feeling about it. I’d sleep much easier if it was no longer a concern for either of us. Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind? Would you still transfer the account over if you knew it potentially posed a risk to either of us? I just don’t think we can say 100% there is no risk. Someone always knows more than we do ...

To be quite honest, I think you are making a much bigger thing out of this than there really is. Its an ebay account, its not Microsoft or a stock market trading account.

You have to remember the majority of the people here on this forum are working in similar ways to the things you fear and no one is in jail. Although this forum is the best to advise, people will always present an overly logical viewpoint rather than the reality of what they do themselves.

Personally for me, if its a friend who's built a business, I'd give them the account. You have a new name you said? so start your new accounts and thats you sorted. In the very very very unlikely scenario someone asks you about an old ebay account you havent used in years, then its a pretty easy thing to explain. 'I let my friend use it as he didnt have one' , its not a crime, there is no law against allowing others to use an ebay account.

Unless you arent telling us something and you're currently holidaying in the Seychelles ten times a year and posting photos on facebook while driving a Range Rover, do you geneuinely think anyone 'official' cares about you? I just get the sense there is a little paranoia here to be honest.

I'd be pissed if i was losing an ebay outlet - every single person is on this forum because they lost an ebay outlet! Thats why the forum and methodology was created. However, if you want for him to close it down then you can do it , it's your account. Generally the forums stance is using friends accounts is a general no, for matters like this, it can cause hassle - but generally when people start stealthing and lose previous accounts i sometimes be from selling vero items and the same happens again. But its not shut down is it?

We also only have your side to this story, there are always two versions of events.

I don't think it as complicated as you are making it and I don't think you need to overanalyse it. Just make a choice. Ask this person to close the store, or not.

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by Phoenix8

I’m definitely trying to give this as much thought as possible so thank you. I do appreciate your advice. I’m hoping to not have any black marks (for either of us) with eBay, but the legal perspective is my main concern. I wish I wasn’t in this position at all but here we are. I wouldn’t lock him out suddenly unless absolutely necessary, I always try to be amicable but I’m not prepared to be a mug either. Been there done that. I’ll be getting legal advice too. I’ve learned to trust no one.

You wont have any black marks on your eBay account unless things like DSR's/metrics are taking a hit which is I think what Pandora was paraphrasing earlier, shut shutting an account immediately can cause hiccups. It needs a slow down and redact type method and leave some money in the Paypal for six months to cover chargebacks.

'I've learned to trust no one' - lol, I revert to my earlier comments about paranoia.

Can I ask, has something specifically happened why you have suddenly decided to feel this way?

Why not just have a formal 'backdated' agreement in writing for your assurance?

I'm a bit baffled tbh as its all fairly simple no drama stuff if approached in an intelligent manner. You mentioned you have ill health and suffer from stress, could it be that you are overreacting to all of this? I know I do when I am stressed, I literally send an an army with nukes in to combat the slightest issue.

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by tinsoldier

Then don't trust them. There is a good chance that if this ever became a legal matter, say HMRC investigated him or the Benefits Agencies investigate you, then he may throw you under the bus.

I'll go as far as to say that I suspect that as we speak someone is breaking the law and you know about it, so sort it out.

Sounds like you are a great friend or have great friends, your world must be very cold.

As you are currently breaking the law by misrepresenting yourself to a financial entity, multiple times on multiple platforms I may add, have you gone to the Police and reported what you are doing? If so, as by your own advice, what was the outcome? You seem to still be writing on forums therefore nothing happened eh? Please tell.

What you do is troll forums with bad information. Most of your other posts have been confirmed as bad information, and this is a continuation of that. You have mutiple warnings from moderators because of this.

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by tinsoldier

Morning my pet troll, wow, you've got it bad.

Ironically if you're right about me your'e enabling me and I'm delighting in getting to you.

Pathetos, move on, it's not good for you to let me get you you like this.

Question still stands:

As you are currently breaking the law by misrepresenting yourself to a financial entity, multiple times on multiple platforms I may add, have you gone to the Police and reported what you are doing? If so, as by your own advice, what was the outcome? You seem to still be writing on forums therefore nothing happened eh? Please tell.

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by tinsoldier

Nah, that's just your imagination getting to you, see how bad you've got it.

Not one single warning about the advice I give, not one.

How many warnings have you had? Best to be honest about these things being that it would only take James a second to disclose.

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by tinsoldier

See my post above, you're so blinkered you cannot see it.

I have NEVER has a warning about the advice I give.

Honesty on a forum like this.......you're a funny gal.

Interesting statement.

Questions still stand though as remain unanswered:

As you are currently breaking the law by misrepresenting yourself to a financial entity, multiple times on multiple platforms I may add, have you gone to the Police and reported what you are doing? If so, as by your own advice, what was the outcome? You seem to still be writing on forums therefore nothing happened eh? Please tell.

How many warnings have you had?

[james_112233]

@Pathos

Just reading all your logical posts made me feel a bit more calm to be honest.

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by james_112233

@Pathos

Just reading all your logical posts made me feel a bit more calm to be honest.

We live in an era of fear, led by Tabloid newspapers and Channel 5 puesdo documentaries. We just have to apply a little intelligent rationale now and again to reground ourselves.

It's easy to get swept up in sensationalism as our Tinpal does.

[Phoenix8]

@pathos

Nice try Mikey. Did you really think I’d be dumb enough to not know it was you? You still underestimate me don’t you. I knew it was you the moment you first commented, the “trolling” comment was the first thing to give you away. It’s your signature insult and an obvious attempt to discredit Tinsoldier who was giving me advice against your blatant agenda. No surprise there really.

Your over concern for my ‘friend’ and enthusiasm for him keeping my account was the next giveaway. Your language, spelling, use of the words such “paranoia” and “over reacting”.. all the exact things you said to me in your last email and gaslighting at its very best. Your previous posts - all you. From South London too no? I’ve screenshot the lot as I know you like the edit function. Honestly, unbelievable. You knew I was posting in the stealth forums for IMPARTIAL advice. I actually expected you to see the post, I knew you’d go looking but I didn’t think you’d sink this low. Next time you try to deceive and manipulate someone, maybe don’t quote word for word what you already said to me in your last email, which by the way you sent around the exact same time you first commented on here. It’s 100% transparent so don’t even try to contest it. As I’ve told you multiple times, I’m seeking the best course of action for me now, I’ll let you know how I’m going to proceed when I’ve decided so in the meantime, please get off my thread. I’d like comments from people who aren’t only interested in themselves. But you should know you’ve done yourself absolutely no favours whatsoever by pulling this stunt. Also, no one is dangerous on this thread except for you.

Sorry everyone, in case you missed it the thread has been derailed by the very person who is trying to get me to give him my account. This, is what I am dealing with and a prime example of just why I’m in this mess.

[Phoenix8]

Originally Posted by james_112233

@Pathos

Just reading all your logical posts made me feel a bit more calm to be honest.

You might want to read my latest update before you let him sway you.

[Pathos]

Originally Posted by Phoenix8

@pathos

Nice try Mikey. Did you really think I’d be dumb enough to not know it was you? You still underestimate me don’t you. I knew it was you the moment you first commented, the “trolling” comment was the first thing to give you away. It’s your signature insult and an obvious attempt to discredit Tinsoldier who was giving me advice against your blatant agenda. No surprise there really.

Your over concern for my ‘friend’ and enthusiasm for him keeping my account was the next giveaway. Your language, spelling, use of the words such “paranoia” and “over reacting”.. all the exact things you said to me in your last email and gaslighting at its very best. Your previous posts - all you. From South London too no? I’ve screenshot the lot as I know you like the edit function. Honestly, unbelievable. You knew I was posting in the stealth forums for IMPARTIAL advice. I actually expected you to see the post, I knew you’d go looking but I didn’t think you’d sink this low. Next time you try to deceive and manipulate someone, maybe don’t quote word for word what you already said to me in your last email, which by the way you sent around the exact same time you first commented on here. It’s 100% transparent so don’t even try to contest it. As I’ve told you multiple times, I’m seeking the best course of action for me now, I’ll let you know how I’m going to proceed when I’ve decided so in the meantime, please get off my thread. I’d like comments from people who aren’t only interested in themselves. But you should know you’ve done yourself absolutely no favours whatsoever by pulling this stunt. Also, no one is dangerous on this thread except for you.

Sorry everyone, in case you missed it the thread has been derailed by the very person who is trying to get me to give him my account. This, is what I am dealing with and a prime example of just why I’m in this mess.

This is a very odd post I must admit. I am not sure if the @ symbol was intended for me or not? Or are you a Tinsoldier 'secondary' account? Suspicious.

As I think we established, my advice to you was to make one of two choices, give your friend the account or don't. Which is similar to what others have said. No one here can make your decision for you and in all fairness, no one here actually cares a whole deal. Most of us are here because we have lost eBay accounts and have used the methodology that Aspkin developed, which we studied by purchasing his Stealth Book - and a lot of trial and error by ourselves over the years. This is primarily what the forum is about. It isn't really the place to air dirty washing or to deal with the benefits office.

In my defence, Tincan claimed, in his capacity as a criminal himself, he was able to jeopardise an investigation by seeing confidential and GDPR compliant documents from his 'daughters ex'. This is beyond ridiculous in my opinion. This combined with his many previous posts of inaccurate information will always bring a level of disbelief from myself, and no doubt others.

Essentially, you still need to make the decision for yourself, that much remains, my advice would be to do that and then it will no longer cause this level of anguish to you.

[james_112233]

Originally Posted by Phoenix8

@pathos

Nice try Mikey. Did you really think I’d be dumb enough to not know it was you? You still underestimate me don’t you. I knew it was you the moment you first commented, the “trolling” comment was the first thing to give you away. It’s your signature insult and an obvious attempt to discredit Tinsoldier who was giving me advice against your blatant agenda. No surprise there really.

Your over concern for my ‘friend’ and enthusiasm for him keeping my account was the next giveaway. Your language, spelling, use of the words such “paranoia” and “over reacting”.. all the exact things you said to me in your last email and gaslighting at its very best. Your previous posts - all you. From South London too no? I’ve screenshot the lot as I know you like the edit function. Honestly, unbelievable. You knew I was posting in the stealth forums for IMPARTIAL advice. I actually expected you to see the post, I knew you’d go looking but I didn’t think you’d sink this low. Next time you try to deceive and manipulate someone, maybe don’t quote word for word what you already said to me in your last email, which by the way you sent around the exact same time you first commented on here. It’s 100% transparent so don’t even try to contest it. As I’ve told you multiple times, I’m seeking the best course of action for me now, I’ll let you know how I’m going to proceed when I’ve decided so in the meantime, please get off my thread. I’d like comments from people who aren’t only interested in themselves. But you should know you’ve done yourself absolutely no favours whatsoever by pulling this stunt. Also, no one is dangerous on this thread except for you.

Sorry everyone, in case you missed it the thread has been derailed by the very person who is trying to get me to give him my account. This, is what I am dealing with and a prime example of just why I’m in this mess.

Genuinely confused right now.

[rsot]

Best not to worry about the confusion, if any

[Play]

Originally Posted by Phoenix8

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?

Your PayPal is the elephant in the room, given it has your financials attached. That's what can cause implications for you that go beyond the realms of simply getting suspended on eBay which there are workarounds for.

Closing your PayPal is the best thing in this case.

[Phoenix8]

Originally Posted by Play

Your PayPal is the elephant in the room, given it has your financials attached. That's what can cause implications for you that go beyond the realms of simply getting suspended on eBay which there are workarounds for.

Closing your PayPal is the best thing in this case.

Thanks, yes this is the main concern for me but I wasn’t sure if closed PayPal accounts still get investigated, or if closing it may even prompt a ‘check’. I don’t particularly want to get suspended from eBay either it’s just more hassle I could do without and especially not for the sake of someone who clearly couldn’t care less about me. I am seeking legal advice also, but it’s a difficult one as none of it is particularly legal.

If I thought closing it all down would be the end of it, that’s 100% what I would do. If letting him have it relinquishes me of any involvement, I’d do that. Not sure that’s possible though given the whole thing has been running through my PayPal for 3.5 years. He knows there is a chance the business account may get shut down if he takes ownership of it but he hasn’t acknowledged the fact that I may be penalised by eBay and get any future accounts banned (this is what I have read elsewhere) I’d like to avoid any comeback at all ideally as I’m basically just collateral damage.