World First Partnership Between Queensland Police and eBay
The Queensland Police Service and online marketplace eBay have teamed up in a world first initiative which will help protect consumers rights online, Minister for Police Judy Spence said today.
“As with all transactions, consumer protection is vital and the Queensland Police Service and eBay are at the forefront of consumer protection in cyberspace,” Ms Spence said.
“In the past if a consumer had a complaint when an item they purchased on a site like eBay didn’t arrive or was not what was described, they often made a complaint straight to police.
“In many cases police found that if the consumer contacted their online auction site or the seller directly their complaint could be easily handled without police involvement.
“So the Queensland Police Service has launched a website which will direct consumers who have a complaint to eBay’s dispute resolution processes.
“Police expect this initiative will settle around 70% of disputes without police becoming involved.”
Ms Spence said police will direct anyone with a complaint back to the eBay website at www.ebay.com.au to check the terms of sale, deal directly with the seller, raise a dispute with eBay or file a dispute with PayPal if they used that online payment method.
“On most occasions the matter will be resolved however if the consumer is still not happy they can then report the matter to Queensland police.”
“Queensland police have also set up a website to direct people on how to make a complaint at www.police.qld.gov.au/onlineauctionfraud.”
eBay Australia Trust and Safety Director Alastair MacGibbon said while the overwhelming majority of transactions on eBay are trouble free, eBay is delighted with the proactive approach taken by Queensland police to address issues when they arise.
“Where matters are being investigated by Queensland police, eBay will provide information including victim details, complete background information of the person under investigation and advice on what may be required for any search warrants,” Mr MacGibbon said.
“eBay’s ability to help law enforcement in this way means that any attempt to commit wrongdoing on eBay can be more easily dealt with than other more traditional forms of offline crime.”
