eBay Dispute Highlights Pitfalls Of Automatic Billing

MADISON COUNTY, Ind. -- A woman who was embroiled in a billing dispute with auction giant eBay hopes her story will get people to think twice about giving companies direct access to their bank accounts.

Music is life for Lana Kuhn. She has a piano or organ in every room of her home.

Among Kuhn's collection are a baby grand piano and her great grandmother's organ, dating back to the 1800s.

Kuhn was ready to retire and wanted to downsize her collection by placing one of her organs for sale on eBay, Call 6's Rafael Sanchez reported.

After a week, she pulled the posting and became upset when eBay sent a bill and warned of an extra fee.

"Once they have my bank account number, they can go and help themselves and do whatever they want," Kuhn said. "That's why I contacted you. I need to get this stopped and get to the bottom of it."

Contrary to what Kuhn said she was told, eBay said the weeklong listing costs $248. When she placed a stop payment at the bank, it allowed the bank to charge her $15.

eBay, similar to businesses such as utility companies or mortgage companies, can take payment directly from a consumer's account if a consumer provides that information.

"I was really happy that finally the president's office at eBay sent me a letter after you contacted them," Kuhn said. "This was a wonderful learning experience. I learned to never give my bank account to anyone."

Kuhn decided she might not want to cut down her musical instrument collection after all. eBay and Kuhn resolved the billing dispute to each side's satisfaction.