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Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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! :help:

Thanks.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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

OR you give him your account completely.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

I would be more worried about the paypal personally.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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?

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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

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

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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



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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

No you havent and no they can't.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

Very true! thats one of his.

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

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

You haven't.

Who's the perceived real person?

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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 :spy: ...

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.

Re: Disassociating from an eBay account - advice needed!
 

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.