Counterfeit Coins flooding eBay- Here’s how to stop it.

[UTCoinGuy]

Hey everyone,

We all know by now that eBay is allowing sellers—especially from overseas like China—to list and sell counterfeit U.S. coins. Even when these listings are reported, almost all of them stay up. This doesn’t just hurt collectors like us; it damages the entire numismatic market and enables the circulation of illegal, fake coins.

I sent the following letter to all 3 of my Senators, but you can copy and customize it to send to your own senator or representative. The more of us who speak up, the better chance we have of getting this issue the attention it deserves.

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Subject: eBay Enabling Sale of Counterfeit U.S. Coins – Request for Congressional Action

Dear Senator ——,

My name is —————-, a resident of ———-,——, and a lifelong numismatist. I’m writing to bring your attention to a growing and deeply concerning issue that is impacting not only coin collectors like myself, but also consumers and American businesses across the country.

Major online platforms like eBay are allowing sellers—primarily from overseas, including China—to list and sell counterfeit U.S. coins. These fake coins are often misrepresented as genuine, defrauding buyers and undermining trust in our monetary history and collectible markets. Despite having policies against counterfeit items, eBay continues to allow these listings to remain active, even after they are reported.

This practice may violate several federal laws, including:
• 18 U.S.C. §§ 485 and 473 (counterfeiting U.S. coins),
• The Lanham Act (trademark infringement and false advertising),
• And possibly federal import/export and customs laws.

I respectfully urge your office to investigate eBay’s role in facilitating these illegal transactions and to consider supporting legislation or oversight efforts that will hold online marketplaces accountable for the sale of counterfeit U.S. currency and coins.

Collectors, investors, and honest small businesses deserve protection from counterfeiters who exploit loopholes in online commerce. I believe this issue warrants serious attention, and I would be grateful for any steps you can take to address it.

Thank you for your time and dedication to our state and our nation.

Sincerely,
———————-

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You can look up your senator or representative here:

https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

If you care about this hobby and its integrity, please consider taking a few minutes to send a similar letter to your elected officials. This isn’t just about buying a bad coin—this is about letting fakes into the country, hurting small businesses, and ignoring U.S. counterfeiting laws.

Let’s make some noise.

[MintErrors]

In my opinion:

One should never point out just a single company for this infraction. There are probably dozens to hundreds of companies, a few dealers, and actual individuals who roam shows looking to peddle illegal coins to make some quick cash.

Education is key for those who wish to indulge in these questionable websites. Its not just about coins, its clothing, memorabilia, and other trade marked products. People who show up at shows or, at a dealers shop to sell their wares seem to be gullable or, know what they are purchasing and throw out an excuse like "I had no idea" when attempting to sell fakes.

Documentation is the best way to identify a problem or surge. Find a federal website that takes complaints against fraud and have the masses fill out the form, identify the website and eventually the source.

This is not an easy task, it has been tried several times and has failed due lack of enthusiasm on the consumer. An effective strategy is to riddle all social media platforms with public awareness announcements. Provide unbiased documentation on the issue.

I would not include any names of corporations nor names of individuals. This might find the complainer in court, made an example by that person or corporation with charges like slander or the Slap act. They might try to break the initial motivation by trying to destroy the individuals in court, making them an example. The initiator is probably ruined, as their time in court may also impede any other legal proceedings depending on the verdict of that court.

Some one would have to have a small mountain of documented, fake merchandise in hand each with a specific letter of each individual item detailing the item as a fake. Thats what a person has to go through.

Its tougher as a country due to get the right government agency involved without hiring more personnel, vehicles, equipment and disposable cash and a budget to do all of this as a sting operation. Then, where does this fit on the agencies already long list of prioritized things to do?

That is a small chunk. Its way more complicated than a simple letter. I dont debate, nor will I continue to reply on this topic.