Stolen Images - Ever had this happened to you?

[phear3d]

long story short, i previously sold my Ar Tonelico sealed on ebay that ended on Oct. 27th, here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230184671032&ssPageName=STRK:MESO:IT&ih=013).. some asshole, dyaus26, used my images on November 1st and sold the same exact item for the same amount.. here (http://cgi.ebay.com/AR-TONELICO-Melody-Of-Elemia-PS2-Factory-Sealed-Artbook_W0QQitemZ170165161564QQihZ007QQcategoryZ62 053QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

i already reported him/her to ebay. what sucks is that the auction he had already ended, it could have been pulled if i noticed it sooner. but i messaged the guy and told him not to do it next time. but i altered the image and added some text to it, just for kicks. cause he not only copied the same image from my auction, he also hotlinked the image!! how dumb is he?!

[Fuzi0n]

I would have loved to see what would have happened if you edited the images while his auction was still active.

[phear3d]

I would have loved to see what would have happened if you edited the images while his auction was still active.

i would have loved to do that. i would replace the images with this

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g20/phear3d/cag/milkhunt2box.jpg

somehow i think i should be entitled to some royalties, lol

[Fuzi0n]

ROFL that would have been classic if you caught it in time.

[mguiddy]

This looks like a job for goatse.

Look!!
Up in the sky...
It's a bird...
It's a plane...
No! It's... :-#:puke:

As far as I know no one has ever done this to me. But I wouldn't really care. I usually use free image hosting so hotlinking wouldn't be an issue for me and for all I know they might not have a digital camera and have no way of showing that "Look, see, it is sealed. Now give me more money for it."

[sasukekun]

I always watermark my images, or add something in the images so people cant steal it.

[phear3d]

I always watermark my images, or add something in the images so people cant steal it.

yeah i usually do the same for all. but i just didnt feel like doing it at the time. i actually dont mind if my auction title is copied, i've seen it happened before and i've done the same to previous auctions but i always try to make sure i add something else to it before i post it.

[WhipSmartBanky]

yeah i usually do the same for all. but i just didnt feel like doing it at the time. i actually dont mind if my auction title is copied, i've seen it happened before and i've done the same to previous auctions but i always try to make sure i add something else to it before i post it.
You said you messaged them. Did they respond or just ignore it?

[phear3d]

You said you messaged them. Did they respond or just ignore it?

i just did a few hours ago. no response yet. im not sure what they can do at this point since the auction has already ended a few days ago.

[RSGames]

You may want to check out this link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/AR-TONELICO-Melody-Of-Elemia-PS2-Factory-Sealed-Artbook_W0QQitemZ170168017224QQihZ007QQcategoryZ62 053QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

:lol::lol:

[DreamSymphony]

Why does it matter anyways? Why is everyone so uptight about nothing these days? Bad game BTW.

[phear3d]

You may want to check out this link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/AR-TONELICO-Melody-Of-Elemia-PS2-Factory-Sealed-Artbook_W0QQitemZ170168017224QQihZ007QQcategoryZ62 053QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

:lol::lol:
LOL!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHA. that is classic. i guess i'll be reporting this as well.. that is just funny... :rofl:

Why does it matter anyways? Why is everyone so uptight about nothing these days? Bad game BTW.
if walmart decides to use Light Blue sale as their little slogan for upcoming sales, wouldn't you call that copying/cashing-in on Kmart's Blue Light sales? im not thinking too deep onto this.. those were my images, and someone decides its cool to just save 3 minutes of your time to just hotlink a picture from a previously ended auction without my consent. thats just not right.

[briansraregames]

I always watermark my images, or add something in the images so people cant steal it.

Watermarks work well, or use some stange background object like an ugly blue and green blanket....or a ugly black couch or something.

[phear3d]

lol should i put the milkhunt picture instead? i havent received anything from ebay yet. maybe tomorrow then.

[Theduck]

why do you care if someone uses your pic?

[phear3d]

why do you care if someone uses your pic?
omfg. :wall:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/reviewsandguides/content-picture-theft.html

Content and Picture Theft


eBay members are not allowed to use another eBay member's pictures or content in their reviews or guides without the other member's permission.
Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:


Review or guide cancellation
Listing cancellation
Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings
Limits on account privileges
Loss of PowerSeller status
Account suspension

[Killer Rabbit]

why do you care if someone uses your pic?
Well, because people need to get their own pictures. This is a picture that the OP took of his specific copy of Ar Tonelico, which he took to demonstrate that he owned a copy of the game, that the game was sealed, and was in good condition. People who steal images like this one are trying to say that the item pictured is the one they are selling, which is obviously not true.

Now, there's nothing wrong with just using someone else's box art scans or something, or if you're taking one picture of your own item and posting it on the auctions of multiple identical items. But it's being dishonest if you're using someone else's picture.

Also, the OP might be annoyed that someone's leeching his photobucket bandwidth.

Edit: Oh, and OP: go for the Milkhunt 2, man!

[Chronotrigga]

Hell, I'd want to what the real item looks like. If I wanted to know what a used Wii looks like, I'd go to Google images.

[phear3d]

he messaged me, and asked me which listing. lol.

refresh the page, you should see Milkhunt 2!

[Bretts31344]

Someone has stolen my pictures on Ebay too. I reported them after I noticed, but it was within hours of the auction ending.

[Theduck]

omfg. :wall:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/reviewsandguides/content-picture-theft.html

Content and Picture Theft


eBay members are not allowed to use another eBay member's pictures or content in their reviews or guides without the other member's permission.
Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:

Review or guide cancellation
Listing cancellation
Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings
Limits on account privileges
Loss of PowerSeller status
Account suspension

Right, why do you care though? Maybe his stuff looks exactly like yours.

[FeNoM91]

Simple as this, make a printout with your eBay username.
Take the picture with that paper as the background. I use that in all my auctions.

[phear3d]

Right, why do you care though? Maybe his stuff looks exactly like yours.

maybe.. but what part of not allowed dont you understand? in new york city, car dealers had gotten in trouble for posting a picture of what looks like the actual car on newspapers. but it turns out, the car was same make and model, except that it was in an accident a week or two before.

and why do i care? because its my picture and its not his.

[phear3d]

i think we might have to spell it for him, or re-act it like what they did on Rescue 911.

[-Never4ever-]

Seems like someone's getting there panties in bunch over nothing :-/

Do you dial 911 when someone jaywalks as well?

[Theduck]

Seems like someone's getting there panties in bunch over nothing :-/

He's part of the fun police.

[phear3d]

Do you dial 911 when someone jaywalks as well?

do you make stupid comments to make yourself sound cool? i mean seriously, jaywalk? is that the best you could do?

i find this situation funny. but annoyed at the same time. i don't think ive taken it seriously since i just changed one of my images to my milkhunt 2 image.

[loserboy]

Do you dial 911 when someone jaywalks as well?

I can't speak for the op...but I usually attempt a citizen's arrest, and then give them a serious beatdown.

On a more realistic note, no one should steal anyone's pictures and reuse them. Use a fucking stock photo, take a picture yourself...don't be a fucking lazy ass....bottom line.

OP, put up a picture of your ass, or a pair of nice titties....that'll get your thief suspended post haste...

[phear3d]

OP, put up a picture of your ass, or a pair of nice titties....that'll get your thief suspended post haste...

thats not a bad idea but the thing is that its linked to my previous listing, so that will show the images too. how long until they delete old listings?

[loserboy]

thats not a bad idea but the thing is that its linked to my previous listing, so that will show the images too. how long until they delete old listings?

I suppose you can at least put a picture of something completely different than. Find a copy of duck hunt or some other game, scratch the disk, or crack it, or scribble on the cover of it and post that.

[PenguinoMF]

OP, put up a picture of your ass, or a pair of nice titties....that'll get your thief suspended post haste...

But that will get the OP suspended too. I would put something up that is totally different and will ruin the new auction but won't get you suspended.

I say put one of those cat pictures up.

[machoman_93]

Put up an ad to join the army to replace one of the other pics!

[Vinny]

Goatse.

[dafoomie]

why do you care if someone uses your pic?
Your pictures are your property. Plus, the seller is misleading the buyer by not using an authentic picture of the actual item being sold. And, if your pictures start popping up all over the place in other auctions, it calls your credibility into question, it would look like you also used someone elses image.

There is also the issue of stealing bandwidth by hotlinking the images and not hosting them yourself. But, I don't think thats an issue for most people anymore.

When I sell an item, I only use pictures of the actual item being delivered, even if there are multiples of the same title. And thats what I expect when I purchase an item, unless its explicitly stated that its a stock photo.

[Killer Rabbit]

But that will get the OP suspended too. I would put something up that is totally different and will ruin the new auction but won't get you suspended.

I say put one of those cat pictures up.

Hmmm. The Milkhunt is awesome, but I agree.


Okay, I remembered the perfect thing to use, but it's a flash video. Oh well. Here it is anyway. Perhaps you should just use an image similar to one in this famous video.

One google later, here it is: http://gprime.net/flash.php/youareapir (http://gprime.net/flash.php/youareapirate)ate (http://gprime.net/flash.php/youareapirate)

[Negative]

I'd love for something like this to happen to me. I'd probably post this.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j197/Fox-Hound/cdscratchlg.jpg

[btw1217]

I'd love for something like this to happen to me. I'd probably post this.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j197/Fox-Hound/cdscratchlg.jpg

lmao, that's awesome

[Fuzi0n]

If he doesn't catch his auction, my guess is that it might go for a very low price. If that happened someone could probably list it again and make some money. But who knows what he really has, he may have a resealed empty box like I saw another CAG got for another game.

[CoffeeEdge]

Haha, nice. Wonder when that clown will notice.

Goatse.
Yes. Except something better, like (EDIT: Haha, nevermind, names removed. I don't want to accidentally cause anyone to see those clips, haha).

[Haggar]

Lemonparty.

[trunks982]

i remember someone stole the exact description as I had when i was selling my .hack sealed lot. he didnt steal the pics though.

[loserboy]

I just bid .99 on the game, now he won't be able to make any changes to the auction.

[tiredfornow]

:rofl: at auction w/ milkhunt. :]

[FeNoM91]

do you make stupid comments to make yourself sound cool? i mean seriously, jaywalk? is that the best you could do?

i find this situation funny. but annoyed at the same time. i don't think ive taken it seriously since i just changed one of my images to my milkhunt 2 image.

I agree. If I take my time to set up a picture, transfer it to my computer and use it in my listing, I should be the only fucking person allowed to use it. Just becuase some lazy ass doesn't want to spend 2 minutes taking a picture, he doesn't deserve the right to use it.

[phear3d]

Hmmm. The Milkhunt is awesome, but I agree.


Okay, I remembered the perfect thing to use, but it's a flash video. Oh well. Here it is anyway. Perhaps you should just use an image similar to one in this famous video.

One google later, here it is: http://gprime.net/flash.php/youareapir (http://gprime.net/flash.php/youareapirate)ate (http://gprime.net/flash.php/youareapirate)

lol i love that but too bad its flash!!!

they deleted the listing. i got a message from ebay.


Dear Milkhunt 2,

Thank you for writing eBay in regard to your report of image theft.

I've reviewed your report about the following listings:

170168017224
170165161564

I can confirm that eBay has taken the appropriate action. If a seller
violates eBay policy, depending on the violation, a range of actions may
result. These actions may include listing cancellation, limiting account
privileges, account suspension, forfeiture of eBay fees on canceled
listings, or loss of PowerSeller status.

Due to the eBay Privacy Policy, we can't share specific information
about another member's account or the actions we've taken. This policy
protects all eBay members and ensures that your personal account history
will always remain private.

For more information about item description and picture theft, go to:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/vero-image-text-theft.html

It is my pleasure to assist you. Thank you for choosing eBay.

Sincerely,
Kent

eBay Customer Support

[loserboy]

Damn it, there goes my .99 bid...lol.

[Grogknot]

This takes knowledge of PHP and a web host, but I've heard of someone modifying their picture with PHP to keep unwanted users from stealing the image. Basically when the request to download the image comes from your ebay auction page, it will show the real image. Any other pages requesting to download the image show a different image, like a broken disc. Someone did this on Ebay a while ago, I think I saw it on digg...

[GuilewasNK]

Your pictures are your property. Plus, the seller is misleading the buyer by not using an authentic picture of the actual item being sold. And, if your pictures start popping up all over the place in other auctions, it calls your credibility into question, it would look like you also used someone elses image.

There is also the issue of stealing bandwidth by hotlinking the images and not hosting them yourself. But, I don't think thats an issue for most people anymore.

When I sell an item, I only use pictures of the actual item being delivered, even if there are multiples of the same title. And thats what I expect when I purchase an item, unless its explicitly stated that its a stock photo.

Best post.

[mguiddy]

they deleted the listing. i got a message from ebay.

I may be mistaken but I think since the first auction was deleted, ebay should send the buyer an email saying they auction was deleted, the contract is void, and not to pay for the item because it doesn't come with any protection from ebay.

I know I've gotten similar emails from ebay before but I'm not sure if they were for auctions that ended or ones that were close to ending.

[phear3d]

I may be mistaken but I think since the first auction was deleted, ebay should send the buyer an email saying they auction was deleted, the contract is void, and not to pay for the item because it doesn't come with any protection from ebay.
i didnt know about that. wow thats bonus. damn and all i wanted was for the auction to be pulled. serves him right i guess.

[phear3d]

lol this guy is really something, he did it to another cag. maybe this guy is from cag.

rarebucky's suikoden iv auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/Suikoden-IV-Playstation-2-PS2-NEW-FACTORY-SEALED_W0QQitemZ150178893586QQihZ005QQcategoryZ620 53QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

dyaus26's suikoden iv copycat (http://cgi.ebay.com/Suikoden-IV-Original-PS2-Playstation-Factory-Sealed-New_W0QQitemZ170168041534QQihZ007QQcategoryZ62053Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

i messaged rarebucky and told him about it. ill let him deal with him this time. this guy is annoying..

[Killer Rabbit]

We should have him use a screencap from that "Ice Cream CD Repair" video that was on Digg recently, along with negative's "Actual disc!" comment .

That'll show 'em.

[iazybandit]

lol this guy is really something, he did it to another cag. maybe this guy is from cag.

rarebucky's suikoden iv auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/Suikoden-IV-Playstation-2-PS2-NEW-FACTORY-SEALED_W0QQitemZ150178893586QQihZ005QQcategoryZ620 53QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

dyaus26's suikoden iv copycat (http://cgi.ebay.com/Suikoden-IV-Original-PS2-Playstation-Factory-Sealed-New_W0QQitemZ170168041534QQihZ007QQcategoryZ62053Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

i messaged rarebucky and told him about it. ill let him deal with him this time. this guy is annoying..
Bad thing about images uploaded to eBay's server like rarebucky's is that someone can steal the image and you cant do anything about it. You may be able to remove the images from the server if there was no bids placed but I dont know if the image is still on the server even if you uploaded the same file just different file name.

I always upload my own images to my own website and put watermarks on all of them...that is if you use digital watermark and not traditional pen and paper with image. If you use photoshop, you can add watermarks easily.

1. Make a new document with no background color
2. Make text of whatever you want the watermark to say and save it
3. Select all (CTRL + A; CMD + A) and copy the watermark
4. On photoshop, there is an ACTIONS palette.
5. Click RECORD button and on image, paste watermark
6. Apply opacity to watermark so that it is semi-transparent (usually 20-30%)
7. Press the stop button to end recording

So next time you have an image, just open up the watermark image, copy the watermark, click on the image you want to add the watermark and press the PLAY on the ACTIONS palette. This will add the watermark and change opacity automatically so you dont have to keep doing it manually.

[Slim Gatsby]

lol this guy is really something, he did it to another cag. maybe this guy is from cag.

rarebucky's suikoden iv auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/Suikoden-IV-Playstation-2-PS2-NEW-FACTORY-SEALED_W0QQitemZ150178893586QQihZ005QQcategoryZ620 53QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

dyaus26's suikoden iv copycat (http://cgi.ebay.com/Suikoden-IV-Original-PS2-Playstation-Factory-Sealed-New_W0QQitemZ170168041534QQihZ007QQcategoryZ62053Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

i messaged rarebucky and told him about it. ill let him deal with him this time. this guy is annoying..

I bid to lock the auction.

[iazybandit]

I bid to lock the auction.
Wouldnt do anything if the image is uploaded to eBay's server.

[Killer Rabbit]

I bid to lock the auction.

We are mean people.

Funny people, but still mean. :lol:

[unforeseen]

I am sure some ppl have used my pics but I do not search it out. I actually had a seller request if he/she could use my pic and I said OK. No big deal but al least I put watermarks in my pics now though.

[moo]

He's done it to another person.

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Shin-Megami-Tensei-Digital-Devil-Saga-1-2-Box-Set-PS2_W0QQitemZ170168051870QQihZ007QQcategoryZ62053Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" > dyaus26's auction with stolen picture</a>

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Shin-Megami-Tensei-Digital-Devil-Saga-Deluxe-Box-compl_W0QQitemZ200169516212QQihZ010QQcategoryZ6205 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" > the victim's auction</a>

Sorry, I don't know why it messed up the format. I thought I did the HTML code right...

[mguiddy]

He's done it to another person.

dyaus26's auction with stolen picture (http://cgi.ebay.com/Shin-Megami-Tensei-Digital-Devil-Saga-1-2-Box-Set-PS2_W0QQitemZ170168051870QQihZ007QQcategoryZ62053Q %20QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

the victim's auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/Shin-Megami-Tensei-Digital-Devil-Saga-Deluxe-Box-compl_W0QQitemZ200169516212QQihZ010QQcategoryZ6205 %203QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Sorry, I don't know why it messed up the format. I thought I did the HTML code right...
HTML is disabled.
You have to use BBCode (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBCode)

[phear3d]

We are mean people.

Funny people, but still mean. :lol:

yeah i think so too. hehe.

[ironmouse]

Lemonparty.

I think a screen cap from dickchop would be more effective.

[rarebucky]

lol this guy is really something, he did it to another cag. maybe this guy is from cag.

rarebucky's suikoden iv auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/Suikoden-IV-Playstation-2-PS2-NEW-FACTORY-SEALED_W0QQitemZ150178893586QQihZ005QQcategoryZ620 53QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

dyaus26's suikoden iv copycat (http://cgi.ebay.com/Suikoden-IV-Original-PS2-Playstation-Factory-Sealed-New_W0QQitemZ170168041534QQihZ007QQcategoryZ62053Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

i messaged rarebucky and told him about it. ill let him deal with him this time. this guy is annoying..

Thanks to phear, I notified ebay and they immediately pulled the listings. Looks like he should be banned pretty soon. Lazy bastard.

[Killer Rabbit]

Thanks to phear, I notified ebay and they immediately pulled the listings. Looks like he should be banned pretty soon. Lazy bastard.

Thanks. :applause:

[Number83]

Wow, I can sell my sealed Ar Tonelico for that much? Grats!

[CGH]

I am sure some ppl have used my pics but I do not search it out.

How can I run a search to find out if someone is stealing my images?

[phear3d]

Wow, I can sell my sealed Ar Tonelico for that much? Grats!

good luck! i put mine for that much because i didnt really want to get rid of it. amazon's prices are $90. but someone bought it. i think i was the first to sell it for that much, i should get commission for starting the trend :lol:. i have 2 sealed copies left im trying to hold onto.

[bmossokay]

Thats crazy you got the time to look through the auctions and search for your past image in ebay auctions and then mark them. Who has the time to go through the auctions like that. Personally I take a picture put it on there and move on never going back to the item I sold again

[Apossum]

i've had it happen to me and I've done it. it's really not that big of a deal. There are pages of completed items done by people who are never going to use the pics again. As long as the pic thief rehosts them, it's not hurting anyone.

[Sharp Katana]

havent had that happen to me but yeah the guy's an idiot. Makes me think about tagging my pics more often.

[phear3d]

How can I run a search to find out if someone is stealing my images?

you look at the past auctions. the ones that ended already.

Thats crazy you got the time to look through the auctions and search for your past image in ebay auctions and then mark them. Who has the time to go through the auctions like that. Personally I take a picture put it on there and move on never going back to the item I sold again

if you know where to look, then you wont have to look through hundreds of auctions. for me, i have 2 extra copies left of the game and i was wondering how much are they going for after i sold it for $110. i noticed that someone did infact sold it and did so for the same price so i followed the link and saw my pictures. i wont necessarily try to look for the others i've sold. i just happened to noticed this particular auction so i decided to take action.

[rarebucky]

i've had it happen to me and I've done it. it's really not that big of a deal. There are pages of completed items done by people who are never going to use the pics again. As long as the pic thief rehosts them, it's not hurting anyone.

Not true - it's mispresentation to use pictures of items you don't actually have for sale. For us collectors, it's a huge deal.