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Whenever an eBay member places a winning bid or lists an item for
sale which subsequently sells, they are entering into a legally binding contract
with another memeber. In the UK, Europe and the USA as well as most other
parts of the world, it is not legal for persons less than 18 years of age to
enter into such contracts.
Consequently, eBay will not permit persons under the age of 18 to
register as members. Any individual who falsely claims that they are over 18
and registers as a member on eBay will be subject to a range of actions
including:-
- Cancellation
of any listings they have made, together with forfeiture of eBay fees.
- Limitation
of account privileges up to and including suspension of their account on
a temporary or permanent basis.
- Withdrawal
of PowerSeller status if that had been granted
prior to determination that the individual was underage.
There is, however, apparently nothing to stop a minor from actually
using eBay for the purpose of buying and selling, providing that the eBay
account is maintained by an adult who gives consent and also carries legal
responsibility for the actions of the minor.
This grey area has not so far been clarified by eBay, so comments
from anyone having specific knowledge in this area are welcome.
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