Extra verification for knife buyers on eBay UK

August 28, 2008

eBay are to introduce additional verification for buyers wishing to purchase knives on the site. From September buyers will have to place a credit card on file or enter their card details at the point of purchase. The card won’t be used for payment, purely for authentication.

The announcement points out that it’s an offense to sell a knife to people under 18 years of age - although every eBay account holder should be over 18 it’s not always the case and regardless minors often use parents accounts without their knowledge. Sellers have little or no means of verifying the age of their buyers so it’s good to see eBay taking steps to toughen up on buyer checks.

eBay emphasize that the knives policy hasn’t changed pointing out that items such as switchblades and throwing knives are already banned.

Written by Chris Dawson · Filed Under Site Changes, eBay.co.uk | 13 Comments