Case 306: Ina & David Steiner
Casefile True Crime
Deep Dive
Why did Ina and David Steiner start their online newsletter?
They started Auction Byte in 1999 to cater to online sellers, driven by their shared interest in collecting and trading items.
How did Ina and David Steiner's publication evolve over time?
Initially called Auction Byte, it evolved into eCommerceBytes by 2019, becoming a reputable resource for sellers on platforms like Craigslist, Etsy, Amazon, and eBay.
What was the content of Ina Steiner's article about eBay's lawsuit against Amazon?
Ina's article highlighted eBay's CEO Devin Wenig's inability to stop market sales decline and questioned the effectiveness of suing Amazon to curb seller exodus.
Why did Ina ignore the initial messages from Tuialay on Twitter?
Ina suspected Tuialay was a troll and adhered to the advice to not engage with online provocateurs to avoid escalation.
What escalating actions did Tuialay take after being ignored by Ina?
Tuialay escalated by flooding Ina's email with unwanted subscriptions, sending disturbing packages, and eventually doxing her by posting her personal details online.
How did the Steiners respond to the escalating harassment?
They increased security measures, installed cameras, added alarms, and reported the harassment to the Natick Police Department.
Who was identified as the person behind the harassment, and what was their connection to eBay?
Veronica Zay, an eBay employee, was identified as the person behind the harassment. She worked in the global security and resiliency division.
What was the role of eBay's Senior Director of Safety and Security, James Bohr, in the harassment?
James Bohr led the team that orchestrated the harassment, using tactics like doxing, sending disturbing packages, and creating fake Twitter accounts to intimidate the Steiners.
What were the consequences for the eBay employees involved in the harassment?
All seven conspirators pleaded guilty and received sentences ranging from probation to 57 months in prison, along with fines and community service.
How did eBay respond to the incident, and what changes were implemented?
eBay paid a $3 million fine, apologized to the Steiners, and strengthened its policies, procedures, controls, and training to prevent future incidents.