EBay gives buyers, sellers ultimatum on arbitration

Auction website EBay tells users that they must send a letter to opt out of arbitration or forgo joining class-action lawsuits.

If you're an EBay user, heads up: The big dog of online auctions says it will take away your right to join class-action lawsuits unless you send in a letter challenging the move.

EBay also is serving notice that the company and its affiliates reserve the right to track you down any way they please, "even if you incur charges for receiving such communications."

Taken together, the latest changes to EBay's user agreement suggest the company is taking a harder line with its more than 100 million buyers and sellers.

Users of the site have until Nov. 9 to opt out from the arbitration provision of the new contract. If you don't, the company says, "you will only be permitted to pursue claims against EBay on an individual basis, not as part of any class or representative action or proceeding."

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