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Scarey email from Microsoft
 

Hi, I am still a newbie here but I bought stealth & ghost, I have an ebay account about 50 days old, I received an email today directly from Microsoft, Here is my copy /paste of the main contents:

Please understand this letter is intended to open communication between Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”) and your business.

Microsoft receives information from various sources each month regarding the distribution of Microsoft software, including from customers who have questions or concerns. When possible, and in an effort to work more closely with resellers, Microsoft advises businesses when their name has come to Microsoft’s attention.

In keeping with this policy, we would like you to know that it has come to Microsoft’s attention that your business may have distributed illegal and/or unlicensed Microsoft software or components. Microsoft would like to take this opportunity to make sure you have the information you need to avoid exposing your business to the consequences of counterfeiting and other forms of illegal distribution of Microsoft software and components.

Consequences of Illegal Distribution
Microsoft takes the protection of its trademarks and copyrights very seriously and undertakes substantial expense to provide legal and educational programs to protect consumers, honest resellers and honest system builders from counterfeit and illegal software. Microsoft routinely conducts undercover test purchases across the country from system builders and resellers who are reportedly selling counterfeit or other unlicensed Microsoft software. For willful infringement, federal law authorizes damages up to $150,000 per copyright and up to $2,000,000 for trademark. Intentional violators may also be subject to criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

After this they gave me a long list of what is illegal and legal they said "if I have any questions to contact them".

I haven't received anything from eBay yet, no warning nothing. Is this common, Should I be worried? does any body ever get sued or prosecuted for this stuff?
Any info would be greatly appreciated,

Are you selling unlicensed MS SW ??? This is a VeRO item grade as you might know.

I'd stop right away & heed this warning shot across the bows as it appears to be at the moment.

Yes, Chinese stuff, sucks cause it's so damn profitable, Does this always happen when selling this kind of stuff?

MS SW (especially in quantity), chinese supply sourced or not, is VeRO graded & not recommended item to sell via EB at all unless you are an authorised reseller or something to that effect.

China is NOT the best place to venture for brand name goods & is known to be one of the worlds BIGGEST counterfeit market producers out here.

MS can get very serious with you & you'd be remiss to ignore them.

Consider this to be a lucky escape from serious grief & trouble.

:ranger:

MS Software might be profitable but it won't be when your sued for a ton of money or in jail. As SUVE suggested, Stop right now and don't sell anymore bootleg copies.

I will not sell on this account any more, I guess I still have a lot to learn.

You can sell stuff on this EB/PP A/C - just don't being selling counterfeit goods or VeRO graded stuff that is very likely to bring you under greater scrutiny.

But besides selling stuff around the house how do you profit selling on ebay? I cant figure out how to make any real money! Some headphones "VERO" have done well but besides that, software seems to be all I can make any real profit from.

ohh......have a read around the Wholesale Discussions section to give you ideas.

There are opportunities out there but you have to work very hard & do your research extensively in the markets you are interested in.

I'll say that much.

:thumb:

I believe Sandy suggested to someone on the forum on selling used women undies, lol. I'm not sure if that's something someone here is into selling but it's just a suggestion :laugh:.