This post is about an eBay defamation case currently making its way through the courts. Our firm, Kelly / Warner, doesn’t represent either side. We do, however, help folks in similar situations.

If you’re here to read about a customer review defamation case, keep scrolling. If you’re struggling with an online reputation issue, Kelly / Warner can help. Get in touch today; let’s start weighing your legal options.

Introductions and self-shout-outs aside, without further ado, we present The Case of the eBay Ring Refund…

eBay Defamation Case Study: Unsatisfied Client v. Jeweler

Refund Confusion Results In Legal Tussle

Several months ago, a woman (whom we’ll call “Alice”) bought a ring from an eBay store; she split the purchase between two credit cards.

Unfortunately, Alice decided the ring wasn’t for her and initiated the return process. At first, the jeweler didn’t realize that Alice had used two cards and only refunded one.

That’s when things supposedly took a vengeful turn.

Business Owner Said…

Allegedly, the refund confusion compelled Alice to create a phony Yelp page. But Alice didn’t use her own information. Instead, she purportedly created a fake Yelp page under the jeweler’s name — and for the coup de grâce, littered it with negative reviews, including an accusation of “[stealing] thousands of dollars through this diamond scam.”

Customer Said…

No way, insists Alice, who swears she is not the one. In a statement, Alice shared her side of the story:

“[T]here were two other people involved in this dispute with the eBay seller and they were the ones who posted on Yelp and other online sites. I have email evidence that I did not write any of the comments. The plaintiff’s eBay account was shut down due to her misconduct based on eBay’s investigation.”

Reviews Lead To Job Insecurity For Plaintiff and Defendant

The jeweler suffered serious setbacks because of the reviews. Customers canceled orders; eBay removed listings; Intuit even canceled her payment processing account.

Alice didn’t fare any better. You see, for the past decade, she reportedly had worked for the Chamber of Commerce, but lost her job soon after this defamation debacle. Her former employer refused to comment on Alice’s departure, but when asked about the situation, she said, “I am considering filing a countersuit for defamation of character leading to loss of income.”

The Difference Between Bad Reviews and Defamatory Reviews

Judging from online discussions, many people seem to think businesses can sue over negative reviews on sites like (but not limited to) Yelp, eBay, Ripoff Report, and Amazon.

Not true.

Free Speech is an American solemnity. Since the Founding Fathers distributed The Federalists Papers, our nation has enjoyed a long and storied history of public criticism. Every person on U.S. soil can shout their opinions from the top of Denali or a digital pedestal.

But we can’t publicly lie about a person or business, to the point of material hardship. Ask yourself: What would you do if a customer or colleague spread rumors about your circumstances or business? Would you shrug it off, citing free speech, even if the fib destroyed your livelihood?

Winning an eBay Defamation Case

How can plaintiffs win online review lawsuits? Every case is different, but at the very least, claimants must convince a judge or jury that the defendants:

• Made false statements of fact, which caused material harm to befall the plaintiffs; and
• Acted negligently — or with actual malice — in publishing or broadcasting the declaration.

Considering An eBay Defamation Lawsuit?

Are you weathering a reputation storm? Wondering whether or not you can sue for defamation? Our team regularly assists people overcome reputation challenges.

Get in touch to talk about your situation.