Under 18

[maxbla2011]

A friend of my 13 year old has opened an Ebay account and sold an item - about £150. Item posted to seller but now cannot get to the money as he needs to prove his age. Is their anything he can do? Could he ask his dad to contact ebay & gain access on his behalf? Not sure how to help or advise? Thoughts please...

[plpmr]

The big problem is that your 13 year old fed false information to eBay to open the account and doubtful eBay would give access to the account - it's in eBay's hands.

[maxbla2011]

Fortunately not my 13 year old - one of their school friends but appreciate the response. I've messaged them to say that they're unlikely to get the money but I'd check for any advice on here.  Thanks again...

[papso22]

Tricky situation, it doesn't seem right that ebay can keep the money but the child broke the rules.

Perhaps the father could ask  citizens advice for help if ebay don't offer a solution.

Hopefully the child in question, and anyone he moans to, will learn a lesson from this.

[maxbla2011]

Agree... there's a part which says it's a good lesson to learn (and that's not a bad thing) - but also know his family history and that this was his first chance to have some money. Difficult situation and probably a tough lesson. Thank you for commenting.

[papso22 · Accepted solution]

It's a shame that his father didn't sell it for him then.  

[maxbla2011]

Definitely agreed.

[red_magpie]

It's a shame that his father didn't sell it for him then.

Maybe it was something of his dad's that he sold!

Seriously, if he hasn't done so already he needs to 'fess up to his parents so that they can resolve this with eBay.

It was very enterprising for a 13 year old. Ideally one of his parents could open an account and let him use it under supervision The would both need to understand that the adult would be fully responsible for all transactions. It would be good business experience for him.