eBay to Pay $3 Million for Harassment and Stalking of Massachusetts Couple

The harassment campaign was led by senior executives frustrated with the couple's newsletter; the company will be monitored for three years.

eBay has agreed to pay a $3 million criminal penalty for the harassment and stalking of a Massachusetts couple, Ina and David Steiner, who run a news website, EcommerceBytes Blog.
The harassment campaign included sending disturbing deliveries to the victims’ home, such as live spiders, a bloody pig mask, and a funeral wreath, as well as anonymous threats and public invitations for sexual encounters at the victims’ home.
Senior executives at eBay were reportedly frustrated with the newsletter’s tone and content, which led to the harassment campaign.
eBay's former Senior Director of Safety and Security, Jim Baugh, and six other members of eBay's security team were involved in the harassment. Baugh was sentenced to 57 months in prison in September 2022.
As part of the agreement with the federal government, eBay will be monitored for three years. The couple is also pursuing a civil lawsuit against eBay with a trial date set in March 2025.