Internet auction giant eBay pulls ad for teen's friendship

(3/14/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- Internet auction giant eBay has agreed to pull a controversial ad off its website. The ad, which originated here in Houston, offered the friendship of a 16-year-old girl to the highest bidder.

The ad had been on the website for nearly a month, but it wasn't until we contacted the company Monday that they removed it and promised a full investigation.

"The person is a sociopath," said Dr. Richard Pesikoff, professor of psychology at Baylor College of Medicine, referring to the person who posted the ad. "They are selling their daughter like you would sell a loaf of bread. "

The ad was pulled by eBay early Monday afternoon after learning the seller not only offered a 16-year-old's friendship, but also provided pictures of the girl, even giving a detailed description of the teen right down to the color of her eyes. The seller even promised the buyer could be friends with the teen on myspace.com, calling the deal an opportunity of a lifetime.

"This is not the place to sell to the unknown general public," said Dr. Pesikoff. "Your audience could include a number of undesirable people."

An investigation is being conducted by eBay to determine if the ad violated any laws. It was pulled because the sale of "virtual" relationships are strictly prohibited. An eBay spokesperson told Eyewitness News "eBay takes the welfare of children very seriously and we strive to ensure that our site does not permit items or listings that could put children at risk."

Before the ad was pulled, one bidder did offer $20 for the friendship. We tried to reach that bidder, but our messages were not returned. We also tried to reach the person who posted the ad, but the person, too, did not return our calls. eBay says they will be trying to track down that seller as part of their investigation.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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