Clark has talked about ways you can unlock certain cell phones and use them overseas. One of the suggestions he’d heard was to buy the phones on eBay. The listing says “world phones” and they appear to be real bargains. But many of these were scams. When you buy on eBay, you have no idea if what the seller claims is true. It’s the ultimate free marketplace, and it’s wide open to everyone – good and bad. Libertarians would say it’s great. Some people have bad experiences, and that’s just the way it goes. But Clark thinks eBay needs to take some initiative in policing what goes on at its site. He says it’s not like placing a classified ad because eBay is its own merchant and all transactions take place on the site, not separate from the newspaper as happens with classifieds. If eBay is going to do the right thing, the company needs to take another tack on its role in site transactions. Clark thinks eBay should set up a bonded marketplace. All sellers would have to be issued a performance bond for selling things. That way the site could ensure sellers and their products are legitimate. Clark isn’t talking about a “trusted seller” program. That’s a racket. This is a bonded seller program that certifies the transaction. In the meantime, consider using escrow services. For right now, you have to protect yourself.