Stop Duplicate Accounts & Listings on eBay

Joe Billante, eBay Vice President, told the Public Accounts Committee on 13th of September 2017 that sellers can’t operate multiple accounts if they are selling the same products in same categories and that eBay have internal systems in place to ensure compliance.

Joe Billante statement to the Public Accounts Committee:

“It may look like they have 20 accounts because they put certain categories of certain goods into different accounts.”

“If the same seller wants to operate five accounts because it operates in five different categories, we are able to see that information internally as the seller signs up. We are able to link that together in our systems.”

Reference: PAC Hearing – 13 September 2017 – Tackling online VAT fraud and error inquiry – Oral Evidence Transcript – Q62 & Q67

eBay Duplicate Listing Policy

eBay states it’s against eBay policy to operate duplicate accounts and listings:
“Not allowed; Duplicate listings policy; Selling identical item listed separately by Multiple accounts belonging to same seller”

Reference: eBay Duplicate Listing Policy

eBay Takes No Action against Duplicate Accounts & Listings

eBay does allow sellers to operate multiply duplicate accounts with duplicate product listed in each account. eBay takes no action against these “Bad Actors”, even when it is reported to them. This means “Bad Actors” can dominate eBay & Google Shopping search results with lots of listings of the same product, pushing out the compliant sellers who only list one product. This is putting compliant sellers who play by eBay’s rule book out of business.

Most of the “Bad Actors” are overseas sellers, with many being listed in the Top 10 eBay Sellers in the World and making multi millions in sales. (https://www.webretailer.com/lean-commerce/worlds-top-ebay-sellers/).

eBay is more interested in protecting its revenues, putting its profits before its policies, the UK High St and not ensuring eBay is a level playing field for all sellers.

Recommendations

The Public Accounts Committee must:

Demand that Joe Billante clarifies the statements he made to the PAC and ask why eBay doesn’t take action against sellers operating duplicate accounts and listing.
Demand eBay remove all sellers duplicate accounts & listings.
Remind Joe Billante what the penalty is for misleading Parliament.

Duplicate Accounts Techniques

The techniques using to operate duplicate accounts are:

Listing the sample products multiple times on one or more accounts with variations in the product name and price.
Registering accounts with different company names & addresses. However, after the recent changes in the liability laws, overseas sellers have to give company names & VAT numbers that eBay must check. So now you will see lots of Chinese accounts with the same company names and VAT numbers, with different contact details listing the same products. Before they could use made up company names and VAT numbers.
Registering for multiple VAT numbers through multiple identities and using them on different accounts
UK Sellers can register multiply accounts using different contact details with made up company names because eBay has no business verification process for UK sellers.

Example Duplicate Accounts

Below we have listed some duplicate accounts that have been trading on eBay as far back as 2008. Some of these sellers have been reported to eBay but no action has been taken against them.

It seem now the action has been taken against some of the sellers. Whether it was HMRC issuing “Red Flag Notices” or eBay policing their policies we will never know.

Please note we will be adding to this as we are made aware of seller operating duplicate account:

1 to 45 added 25/07/2018
46 to 56 added 26/07/2018
57 to 58 added 07/08/2018
59 to 81 added 24/09/2018

1) WUIHANGWAN TRADE CO., LIMITED – GB 276887924

This seller used to trade under several identities, including LL TRADER LTD, LILUOWANG TRADING LIMITED, YOTOOL LTD & Jiaci Liu

Their old accounts have closed, but they have reopened new accounts on eBay & Amazon. They have been evading about £1,000,000 in VAT a year since we first reported them to HMRC in 2014.

New accounts:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/vantage_tech/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/wonderdigital/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/elizefittingshop/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/vantage_tech/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/ucan.fixit/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

https://www.amazon.co.uk/sp?seller=A1UXOM3ACFRZUG

Please note that their new Amazon account links too all their old product listings from their old Amazon accounts.

Old closed accounts:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/yootool/m.html?&LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/the_phone_depot/m.html?&LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/electornic_warehouse/m.html?&LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/phone_screen_warehouse/m.html?&LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/electronic_best_shop/m.html?&LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/local_electronic_house/m.html?&LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/louisbabylove/m.html?&LH_PrefLoc=1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aag/main?seller=A16VO7BW1MFJAM
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aag/main?seller=A239LUPZHDNO95

2) SU ZHOU AOLUOLA CO LTD – GB 237636783

3) Shen Zhen Sheng RUI E-Commerce LTD – GB 284941272

This sellers have gone through several VAT numbers including GB 249869929 & GB 243648986 which links it to this Amazon account: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aag/main?seller=A2XD9OFZCWVEF4

4) Shenzhen DBK Electronics Co Ltd – GB 240757117

This seller runs multiple accounts, some of which are used to sell just one product on multiple duplicate listings. This company is a large manufacture of electronic products in China.

Here is their Alibaba account: https://dbkbattery.en.alibaba.com/

5) MINLING CHEN – GB 276613680

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/muahmuahonline/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/wingingwin/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/bilibala_365/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/w2donlineshop/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/coollarlarshop/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/borntodare/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/luckyboom/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

6) GACLOZ TRADING LIMITED – GB 276457564

7) HONG KONG FENG YUE LTD – GB 230567032

Sellers has several eBay accounts listed in the Top 10 Chinese eBayer Sellers in the world – (https://www.webretailer.com/lean-commerce/worlds-top-ebay-sellers/).

8) HUANPENG WANG – GB 142591517

9) SHENZHEN HXT TRADING CO LTD – GB 220529539

10) Shenzhen Youke Ecommerce Co Ltd – GB 242886972

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/happywhile/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/tiendademoda_es/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/blissmall/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/bestdealzones/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/achatmondial/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/funyouwant/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

11) GB 245807102 & GB 251396111 & GB 220306762

All the sellers are linked by 3 VAT numbers that have been used by different accounts at one time or another. All the stock seems the same.

a) HAILONG HU – GB 245807102 was using GB 251396111

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/dengoo-shop/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/ecross-deal/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/efonezones/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/ecborder/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/begoodd/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/co.outlet/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16 (No longer listing products)

b) WENMO QIU – GB 251396111 was using GB 220306762

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/designezone/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/efordeale/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/zhonghuishidai/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

c) TIANDE LI – GB 220306762

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/justopp/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/sevendaystore/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/chengwenkeji/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

16) SHEN ZHEN SHENG DA FANG CHENG MAO YI YOU XIAN GONG SI – GB 277841854

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/wholesale-everything/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/npdh27/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/zhan_ge/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/lucky_everyday/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

17) PUJIANG JUMEIHUIPIN E-COMMERCE CO LTD – GB 283289273

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/smitten-us/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/digizone-uk/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/guaranteed-service/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/masterpiece-oz/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1 – no longer listing products
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/grapebaiwan-us/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1

18) SHENZHENSHI PENGXIANGKUAIYUNFUWU YOUXIANGONGSI – GB 276821672

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/rebornuk/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/sasa-topstore/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/uktizzy-l/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/ego-topmall/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/dowell-4you/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

19) GUANGZHOU SHIANMENGMAOYI YOUXIANGONGSI GB 251992092

Previously using company name MOUNT NET TRADING LIMITED a UK dissolved company & issuing invoices with the VAT number GB 153247619. Now trading in Germany with UK VAT number.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/smartmotor/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/automotor_mall/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/ibestbuy2013/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/sunshinesmileservice/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/de-direktvertrieb/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/amonstar/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=&_sop=16

20) GUANGZHOU TAIGUFENG ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD – GB 151403845

Has changed company names multiple times. We reported this seller to HMRC VAT Fraud team in 2014. They are still trading.

This is the message we got from the seller when asking for a VAT invoice; “The items we sell on eBay are excluding VAT. If customers need a VAT invoice, they have to pay 20% extra”

a) GUANGZHOU TAIGUFENG ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD – GB 151403845

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/uk-top-outlet/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/superlife3c/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/beautygirlshow/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/best4uamazing/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/24hrsbestlight/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/online48hrs/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

b ) GUANGZHOU AIMENTE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD – GB 245955278

This seller previously used the company name GUANGZHOU TAIGUFENG ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD & VAT number GB151403845.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/ukbestseller4u/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/bestdatauk/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/autohomehost/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/4ladystreet/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

Example of old listing showing GUANGZHOU TAIGUFENG ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY Co.,Ltd : https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351500287632

c) OSAN ELECTRONIC HK LIMITED – GB 245951780

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/besdata_top/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

Example of old listing showing GUANGZHOU TAIGUFENG ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY Co.,Ltd : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390627376394

21) YUNCONG XU – GB 186188467

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/vivistore2012/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/togoodday2013/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/gostopxu/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/coper2018/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

22) ZHUO FAN CHEN – GB 237512907

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/grosshandle/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/volaonline/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/monitorshoppingever/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/wowmartwowmart/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

23) WANWAN HU HU WANWAN – GB 274946362

Was using VAT numbers GB 215057829, GB 184017026, GB 251026546

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/eazyget/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/gorgeousland/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/price_co/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/voguestage88/m.html – now selling from Germany

24) DGBAY LIMITED – GB 230327548

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/digi-bay/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/uk3c4u/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/lisuntech/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

25) peiyi zhong – GB 281355990

Nice line of counterfeit goods.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/2017awen/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/peipeidan/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/2014awen/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

26) HUA LI – GB 292507100

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/weareyoung/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/1.the.store/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/foruor/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

27) YOYO Leather Co., Ltd – GB 243776485

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/fe.le22/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/fe.le44/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/fe.le66/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

28) LEI XUE !! LEI XUE – GB 249675065

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/brown.eyes11/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/leisure-time_14/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/diamond-heart_12/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

29) SHENZHEN CHUANGYUNMINGGU ELECTRONIC COMMERCE CO LTD – GB 287234774

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/sum2saday/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/sayhello2015/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

30) WENJIA DENG – GB 249663957

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/beautymakeup2018/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/beautylove2018/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

31) LIPING CHEN – GB 289874030

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/niuniu_shop/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/yuyu_trading/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1

32) LEI SHI SHILEI – GB 271885666

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/live_case/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/like.case/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1

33) JIANTAO ZHU – GB 268071687

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/best10/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/beterstyle/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1

34) QIUMEI TAN – GB 264217512

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/kickyworld/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/dreamhigh_kk/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1

35) Guangzhou Yuexiu District Rui Yi Jin Trading Firm – GB 231222170

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/greatchoicehub/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/reasejoyuk/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

36) XIUQIU DING – GB 291744480

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/keepsfine/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/keepsnumber/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

37) WALKCAT LIMITED – GB 276829550 & WILLSTAR TRADING LTD – GB 257322507

hunt.it-uk previously used VAT number GB 257322507 before changing it. Both companies are Chinese owned & registered in the UK to the same address.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/hunt.it-uk/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/11firsttry/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16 – no longer listing products
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/catwalk-uk/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/iclubuk/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

38) GUANGZHOU YUEXIU DISTRICT RUI YI JIN TRADING FIRM – GB 231222170

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/reasejoyuk/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/greatchoicehub/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

39) Shen Zhen Jia He Ye Mao Yi You Xian Gong Si – GB272523314

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/youtooobi/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/jhy_incstore/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

40) Ink Jungle Limited – GB 972816978 – Gibraltar

Biggest seller of Ink Cartridges on eBay – each account is loaded with duplicate items too.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/wellcheapuk/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/neonoffice/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/rocketinks/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/inkjungle2009/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/inknation2009/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/yourjungle/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16 – no longer listing products

41) KD & Jay Ltd – UK Seller

Selling huge volumes through 2 accounts. Both have slightly different contact details and display no VAT number. Website is http://kdjay.co.uk/store/.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/onlineretailers/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/ukbuyonline/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

42) ONE WISE MAC LIMITED – GB 137970876 – UK Seller

One of the biggest sellers of iPhone cases on eBay. They run 4 accounts that sell the same items.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/keziwu/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/bloomberry/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/ucase-uk/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/best-apple-accessories/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1

43) Playtech LTD & Elite Packaging Supplies LTD – UK Seller

Playtech LTD is VAT registered. Elite Packaging Supplies LTD is not VAT registered. One Director runs both companies. It is against the law to operate 2 companies selling the same products, one of which is used to avoid paying VAT.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/unlimitedseller/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16 – Playtech LTD
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/elite-packaging/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16 – Playtech LTD
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/project-packaging/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16 – Elite Packaging Supplies LTD
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/smile-packaging/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16 -Elite Packaging Supplies LTD

44) Musa Traders LTD – GB 290031535 – UK Seller

Dupilcate accounts using different contact details. Same products, same postcode. Just 2 listing makes sales of £40K per month.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/auhtraders86/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/musa886/m.html?LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=16

45) Wall Tec Innovations Limited – GB 208704028 – UK Seller

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/m.html?_ssn=wallfrog-trading&_sop=16
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/m.html?_ssn=josiecrafts-06&_sop=16