The Steiners received disturbing packages—live cockroaches, a pig mask, a funeral wreath—while their blog, Ecommerce Ledgers, targeted eBay’s policies. The harassment spanned months, forcing the couple to seek police help.

Investigators traced the attacks to eBay’s San Jose headquarters, where senior executives grew hostile over the Steiners’ coverage. A seven‑year legal battle ended with a record $56mn settlement. eBay’s former CEO Devin Wenig was ordered to pay $2mn, while other executives faced smaller payouts.

The campaign included harassing eBay staff, sending pornographic material in David’s name, and publishing the Steiners’ address online. Executives such as Steven Wymer and Wendy Jones were implicated, and the company later pleaded guilty to related criminal charges, paying a $3mn fine.

eBay issued a formal apology and condemned the conduct. Despite the settlement, the Steiners still suffer from the trauma, continuing to run Ecommerce Ledgers and share their story in a 2024 documentary.