Well, this is creepy...

[The Night Owl]

So, at Ebay, I just got a message from a zero feedback Ebayer saying that a certain item which I have up for auction was stolen many years ago from a relative of hers. I bought the item fairly recently at a store. The Ebayer has not provided any proof of her claim. What should I do?

[sufrommich]

1. Tell her you have reported her attempted scam to Ebay.

[suninvited]

2. Is it a unique item ?

Why would she think this item is the same one?

I would report it to EBay and let her know, for sure !

[The Night Owl]

3. Sort of...

The item is something which has the alleged owner's first name on it and which is also signed by a somewhat famous person. The item is not worth very much so I feel inclined to believe the woman's story. I guess I'll just give it to her. I just don't want to be accused of being a theif.

[Whoa_Nelly]

5. You are not a thief

You didn't steal anything.

And if she wants it back, she can bid on it.

i got back a unique doll back in 2003 by finally finding it on eBay.
It was my doll, and I bought it back for $25.

Don't let the woman guilt you.

You bought it fairly, and it's yours to sell.

[The Night Owl]

6. I agree with you in principle but I don't mind giving the item to the lady.

I'm not trying to be a saint or anything. I would probably ask for compensation if the item were more valuable.

[suninvited]

7. You purchased it fair and square

I think you can come to a compromise.

[Vinca]

4. I think I might ask for more information first.

Ask the circumstances and date of the theft, if there's a police report, etc. I had a similar thing happen in the group shop where I sell. A lady came in and spotted something in my booth and began ranting and raving that it had been stolen from a relative. It was not a "one of" item and after about 15 minutes of listening to the woman go nuts the owner of the store escorted her out. I thought if she really believed it was property that belonged to her family, she'd return with a cop, but she disappeared. I agree with you though that if you're convinced and it's an inexpensive item, just give it to the person. That's what I would do.

[peacetalksforall]

8. I would find out what Ebay says. But I wouldn't give it back without her providing

you with specific details. You're person sounds just like the person who threw a fit in the antique shop (Vinca's post). If she is not honest, it's a great way for getting free things. Check e-bay. There may be a record on her. Involve a third party - e-bay.

[The Night Owl]

9. Well, there weren't any fits involved.

In her first message, the woman seemd calm and rational but her tone was slightly accusatory. For instance, she wrote...

Please get in touch with me at <email address> regarding how to get this back from you. I am very interested in hearing how it came to be in your possession as I see that you are on the other side of the country.

I felt like telling her... uh, no, you will not be getting it "back" from me because I didn't take it from you... but I decided to be nice instead and simply asked for some information which would corroborate her story... and she provided it. Our subsequent emails were very pleasant and I've since sent the woman the object in question at no cost to her. I don't want anything to do with stolen merchandise.