This guide will give you instructions on how and where to file complaints against a dishonest Seller who has sold you an illegal duplication, or "bootleg" copy, of a movie or TV program on DVD or VHS. Information on reporting bootleggers to EBay and filing complaints with federal authorities are discussed.

FILING COMPLAINTS AGAINST BOOTLEGGERS: WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO FILE

Report Bootleggers To EBay

If you know that a Seller is listing illegal bootleg copies of movies or programs on EBay, or if you should purchase and receive one, make sure you file a complaint or report to EBay. This is important, as EBay can close (suspend) a Sellers account if they get enough complaints, especially if a Seller has violated EBay's  policy forbidding the sale of bootleg items repeatedly.  

You can file complaints with EBay as follows:

1.  Click on "help" at the top of the EBay screen and then type in "bootleg". 

2.  Various selections will appear on the screen. Select items pertaining to your complaint. Some of the complaints listed here that you may want to consider filing are "Recordable Media", "Bootleg Recordings"  or "Replica, Counterfeit Items and Unauthorized Copies".

3.  As you select each title that pertains to your situation, you will see an area at the bottom of the screen that says "file a complaint" and lists different types of complaints. You can file more than one  complaint against a bootlegger for each type of infringement or violation. .  

4.  All you need to file each complaint is the EBbay item number.  You can also enter in more than one item number, separated by commas.

You do not have to be a Buyer who has been ripped off by a Seller who is selling and distributing bootleg DVDs or VHS copies on EBay. If you see an item for sale on EBay that you know is a bootleg copy on DVD or VHS (for instance, if you see a movie on DVD that you know has never been released on DVD and is out of print on VHS), you can report this infringement by writing down the item number and filing a report to EBay as mentioned above.  There are so many items for sale on EBay that it would be nearly impossible for EBay to check them all. This is why it is important for you to notify them about dishonest bootleggers on EBay, so they can investigate the matter further.

File A Dispute With EBay 

You can file a dispute with EBay. However, keep in mind that this is merely a forum where you and the Seller can write back and forth, as a means to resolve a problem. EBay does not get involved in the dispute resolution. However, it is good to file a dispute, so you have a record of filing a complaint against the Seller. It also puts the Seller on notice and EBay keeps the dispute filed against a Seller on record, in the Sellers account. 

You can file a dispute by clicking on "help" at the top of the EBay screen.  The reasons to file a dispute are if you paid for an item and did not receive it, or if you paid for an item and received it but it is not as described.  (note: you will not see item not as described until you click on item paid for and not received). You will need detailed information to file this dispute, such as payment type, check or money order number, date paid, amount paid and item number. 

Filing a dispute is also helpful if you decide to file a complaint with EBay's Safe Harbor (go to "help" at top of EBay screen and type in "Safe Harbor"). Safe Harbor will get involved with complaints filed against a Seller, which can result in disciplinary action and result in the suspension of the Sellers account. (note: Safe Harbor charges a fee.)

Where and How To File Complaints With Federal Authorities Against Bootleggers

You will also want to report the bootlegger for copyright infringement with the proper authorities at the Internet Crime Complaint Center on the FBI website (enter FBI on your search engine). You can also report the Seller to the U.S. Postal Service (enter USPS on your search engine) and file a complaint on their website if you have sent payment by mail to the Seller and if he or she used the USPS to send or mail you an illegal bootleg copy. Another consideration to report illegal bootlegs or copies of media, movies or TV programs would be to contact your local state Consumer Protection Agency or Attorney General's Office.

How To Notify Production Companies Who Own The RIghts to Movies And TV Programs Of Copyright Infringement 

If you have the time and want to take your complaint against bootleggers one step further, you can notify the production company that own the rights to a movie or TV program of the copyright infringement and illegal bootlegging activities. They have a right to be notified that their movie or TV program is being copied, distributed and sold. You can find out what company owns the rights to a film or TV program by checking it on the IMDB wesbite (enter IMBD on your search engine).IMDB has an extensive data base of every movie and TV program. Just enter in the name of the movie or TV program on IMDB and a detailed report of the film or program will appear. It will also tell you what company owns the copyright and distribution rights. With this information, I do a web search to find out the contact information of the company and then notify them by email of the infringement. 

Although filing complaints with federal agencies and production companies is time consuming, it is certainly worth it  to report a dishonest Seller that is making profit at your expense and ripping you off.  At least you have the satisfaction of knowing you have done everything possible to put a stop to the illegal bootlegger, and perhaps put them out of business.

CHECK OUT MY OTHER GUIDES TO HELP YOU AVOID GETTING RIPPED OFF BY THE ILLEGAL BOOTLEGGER. 

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