22 April 2008, 10:57

eBay cracks down on stolen accounts

Online marketplace eBay has launched a mechanism to prevent sales from stolen accounts. First, eBay stores a unique Flash cookie on the computers of members who login. If Flash is not installed, a permanent HTTP cookie is stored. This cookie allows eBay to tell later whether the user is logging on from the usual computer.

In a second step that will probably take place this summer, eBay will assess this information when members enter an item for sale. If sellers do this from a previously unused computer, they will be called at a telephone number entered at eBay and given a code. They then have to enter the code for the item to be auctioned.

In the process, eBay also checks whether the contact data have been changed recently. If so, the member has to call eBay and provide information not listed under "My eBay". eBay spokesperson Maike Fuest told heise online that the company is aware that this new procedure may scare off a few sellers, but eBay has ruled in favour of security.

(trk)

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