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When I try to access certain listings on ebay they are blocked - I am told this is because it thinks I am in France. I use an English ISP and the problem only happens with Firefox, not (for instance) IE. How can I overcome this?

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  • Last reply by Selinacat

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When I try to access certain listings on eBay I get the following message: "Unfortunately, access to this particular listing or item has been blocked due to a Paris commercial court decision that bans trade of certain authentic perfumes and cosmetic products on eBay because of French selective distribution laws. eBay is appealing this ruling but is nevertheless required to enforce it. We are blocking your viewing in an effort to comply with this court decision. Regrettably, in some cases, we may prevent users from accessing items that are not within the scope of the decision because of limitations on existing technology." eBay support told me it is because they think I am in France or because I am using a French ISP. I am in London and am using the British ISP, Bethere. What can I do to convince them that I am in England? The URL quoted is just an example. It happens frequently with other listings.

When I try to access certain listings on eBay I get the following message: "Unfortunately, access to this particular listing or item has been blocked due to a Paris commercial court decision that bans trade of certain authentic perfumes and cosmetic products on eBay because of French selective distribution laws. eBay is appealing this ruling but is nevertheless required to enforce it. We are blocking your viewing in an effort to comply with this court decision. Regrettably, in some cases, we may prevent users from accessing items that are not within the scope of the decision because of limitations on existing technology." eBay support told me it is because they think I am in France or because I am using a French ISP. I am in London and am using the British ISP, Bethere. What can I do to convince them that I am in England? The URL quoted is just an example. It happens frequently with other listings.

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What does this page say about your location?
http://whatismyipaddress.com/

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This is what I get: ISP: Be Un Limited Organization: Be Un Limited Connection: Broadband Services: None Detected City: Horsham Region: West Sussex Country: United Kingdom

It can't be a problem with my ISP or my IP address since it only happens with Firefox. When I try out the same listings with other browsers it doesn't happen. eBay said Firefox must be making it seem as though I am in France. Goodness knows how or why??

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PS I have just discovered, from the "What is my IP address" site that geolocation is not enabled in my browser (ie, Firefox). It suggests I use another browser which does allow it. Maybe that is the problem? But if so, why does it not affect all users of Firefox? Is it possible to allow geolocation in Firefox? And if so, is it advisable to do so? I really don't want to be forced to use another browser if I can help it.