- This topic has 7 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 1 month ago by
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A person I left negative feedback for 1 year ago started messaging abuse at me, suggesting that he has taken actions against me, and that “I better be on my toes” for further retribution. This person lives a 23 minute drive from me.
I wouldn’t normally care so much about something like this, but I am on edge. My town (Bloomfield, NJ) just had its first announced Covid-19 case, a New Jersey hospital stopped taking new patients after several staff tested positive, and this person’s messages are escalating in frequency and instability. I contacted eBay, asking whether they could release the person’s contact information or take other proactive measures outside of closing his account. Waiting on a call back after the rep speaks to management. I remember hearing about an incident where Ryanne called the local police department of a person who made similar threats against them. I am willing to do this, so long as eBay decides to release the contact details. The rep warned that they might not do this, if management decides that he hasn’t explicitly threatened violence. I think I might be able to get his address anyway, if I buy something from his store through someone else’s account. I blocked his account at the time of the incident, but he is still able to message me. I am not going to respond to any further messages. Is there any precaution that I could be taking, that I am not taking?
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First, I would no longer respond in any way, shape, or form to this person. They will not respond to any kind of logic. Responses just stokes the fire.
If you purchased something from this buyer, you have their full name and address. Call the local police in his town and let the handle it.
But as I said, usually crazy people need input to keep up their craziness going. Lack of any input from you will likely mean they’ll find something more “fresh” to attack.
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At the bottom of the messages, it says where the person is based. I purchased something a year ago, and they never sent it – I don’t have their contact information. It does look like eBay took their account down. If they in fact have my address, I am concerned about a retaliatory visit. eBay rep says that while they can’t release contact info to me without an explicit threat, they have a Security Center that police can call into, and information might be released to them.
Jay, you’re right. I shouldn’t have responded at all once they started threatening me.
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If you’re worried about them visiting you, know your state laws re: stand your ground/castle doctrine. Even through this person just sounds like a low-energy keyboard warrior with a 0.00000001% of actually doing anything, get a home defense weapon – it’s a good life-long investment anyway.
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I would print out the messages and take them to your police department to ask what they can do to protect you from these threats. eBay might provide you with information on this person if you no longer can find it, based on these threats. If you can provide the information the police might pay them a visit to warn them off, or at least you do have it on record if anything happens like vandalism, etc. I agree with Jay, do not respond to them in any way from this point forward, there is nothing to be gained from doing that and its likely to just inflame them more.
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Anybody who is this crazy should be ignored. If someone starts using profanity, violent speech, or breaks the terms of conduct for ebay, I call ebay and block them/ban them from auctions (figure out how to configure your account so you can do it).
Also, get a PO Box and use a business name for shipping.
In your situation, it would be best to report to the police. Bring the printed out emails to the station in person and ask to report terroristic threats. Ask for information about a stay-away order or restraining order.
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