EBay reaches $55.7 million settlement with couple that was sent spiders, bloody pig mask

eBay reached a $55.7 million settlement with Ina and David Steiner, a Massachusetts couple targeted by a harassment and cyberstalking campaign allegedly orchestrated by former eBay employees. The Steiners, who run the trade publication ECommerceBytes from Natick, said threats and disturbing deliveries began in 2019, including a bloody pig mask, live spiders, and a book about surviving the death of a spouse. Prosecutors said pornographic magazines were mailed to neighbors and the family’s home was listed on Craigslist as a destination for “singles, couples and swingers.” Federal charges were filed in 2020, and some executives received prison time. eBay previously paid a $3 million criminal penalty in 2024, and said it is “wrong” and “reprehensible” what occurred. The settlement includes $48.7 million for the couple and $6 million to charities.