IP: LAPD INTENSIFIES EBAY INVESTIGATION

[David Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

The Los Angeles Police Department recently transferred the
investigation of an alleged auction scam on eBay to its High Tech
Task Force, which will consult with the FBI and the U.S. Postal
Inspection Service.  Although the investigation is being
beefed-up, the task force says that it is unlikely that the
suspects will turn up.  The suspected fraudsters sold computer
and electronics equipment on eBay, at first legitimately, thereby
gaining a trustworthy reputation on the site.  However, since
early March the sellers have taken money from over 100 buyers
without sending them any merchandise in return.
(Cnet, 29 March 2000)