Taking down Etsy competitors' stores - Extortion ???

[CrissComics]

Two weeks ago I received the message I post below from [REMOVED]

[This content has been removed by Moderation. We ask that you please review Section 1, Item 1 of our Community Policies before posting in the Forums.]

Of course, I didn't replayed, I just put it on Spam folder. I contacted Etsy, I marked it as spam, but nothing happened. The same person bought something from my shop and then he wanted a refund for a no reason. I refunded him and I told him not to buy from my store. Today he bought again from my shop. The main problem is not he bought smth and will probably will want a refund, but the message he wrote (the message from above) and Etsy did nothing.

I know I can't do anything as a Etsy seller. I can't block the buyer, I can't protect against a scammer with a refund request and so on. I know because I went through this and Etsy refunded the open case without hearing my opinion on that case.

I posted this for you to know what kind of business try to do some ppl here. So, be aware!

Kind regards,

Criss

[BootifulLabels]

If you marked his message as spam and also contacted Etsy about the approach, you have done all you can.  Just cancel any purchases he makes, hopefully he will eventually get the message.  Keep reporting any further messages as SPAM and Etsy should take action to remove the account.  Unfortunately, that may not stop him opening a new account and repeating the harassment.  

[howtobooksandmore]

You can do something about it.  Cancel every order from this person.  That will cancel the order, refund the money and prevent them from leaving feedback.  If he does order again, report him to Etsy for shop interference and/or harassment.  Etsy may or may not do anything about this but they will not tell you why as that is considered an issue between Etsy and this person.  Just like they will not discuss issues with other shops that you report to them.

I wouldn't worry too much about them destroying your store because you shouldn't be selling digital downloads of comic strips without the IP holders permission.  Some one will eventually take your store down if this person doesn't.

[JMOldeVintage]

@CrissComics  - First, that someone would write you offering their services to harass &/or interfere with your competitors' Etsy shops is disturbing. You have marked the messages as spam & reported them to Etsy. 

How you are cancelling & refunding their orders leaves me puzzled, since you offer Digital items. Once purchased they are ready for download unless some of your items are custom. But obviously if you can do this, that is a good route to take.

However, do read this from Etsy:

https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/the-ultimate-guide-to-intellectual/22398703823

I am assuming you have the proper licensing to be selling the items you have listed. If not you might have problems in the future, especially if Etsy does an inspection of your shop due to your reports to them on the person messaging you. 

[Vintorious]

"Our team comprises individuals with expertise in reporting copyright infringement, ensuring thorough and effective action."

It sure does sound like a shakedown. It also sounds like they plan to slowly capture all of your digital files, which will eventually make them your  competition, unless you have the weight of Marvel, DC, etc. behind you to protect your right to disseminate their works.

[SheWhoPlaysWithGlass]

.

[DesertChains]

At least they used “comprises” correctly.

[BagmakerSupply]

@CrissComics: You should include your licensing information in the listings for all of the trademarked and copyrighted names and images so that no one thinks you are infringing on intellectual property rights or selling what could otherwise be considered by a buyer (or Etsy) as counterfeits. A buyer could open a case against you and get their money back and keep the item.

Also we will be able to assist you in the future as your fellow sellers are not supposed to help a shop that is breaking the law or Etsy rules.

[Amaradorn]

Wow! Just wow! That's some racket they are running there. I would definitely screen shot every communication and purchase/refund from that user and send all of it to Etsy support. Create a case file. Refund and cancel any new orders immediately. This is harassment and shop interference.

Unfortunately due to the nature of what you are selling you are at a very high risk of legal and legitimate copyright infringement takedowns. I recommend you get legal advice to ascertain whether your business model is actually legal in the first place.

[Toysandsuchforall]

That's ofcourse what they aim at.  How else can they take down any competition other than reporting infringements etc.  So this is a knife cutting at both sides.  If they can do that to others, so they can to you.  Still, what they are boasting about or trying to do, is also illegal.

[dippeldiundscribble]

„The main problem is not he bought smth and will probably will want a refund“

Don’t underestimate this. Maybe their concept is to take your shop down if you don’t collaborate and pay. 

[Former_Member]

...................................................................well. This is awkward.

I mean I assumed that, being the internet is run largely by people, that this kind of stuff is happening, but to outright reveal themselves unsolicited is quite a bold move. I suspect they're trying to intimidate you - stating the nature of their business, and then proceeding to hint at how they do things so you'll start worrying they can do to you what they do to others. Because tbh, they could ravage your shop entirely, and may even point you in the direction of some painful lawsuits. You're a big time counterfeiting operation in the eyes of those who hold the rights to those comics. They know it.

I'd close your shop immediately and hope for the best.

[CatsWhiskersCurios]

I suspect the reason you were targeted is because they know what you're doing is illegal and that immediately gives them a bargaining advantage.  I would close your shop before you get into serious trouble.  And then report them.

[digitaldoodlebug · Accepted solution]

https://www.copyright.gov/what-is-copyright/

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/what-is-copyright/