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Hey Travis. This story is about the most expensive eBay listing I have ever seen for what looks like a gadget from a 1980s spy film. But the gadget is something that police have used for decades. It goes to show just how much surveillance tech is floating around in the world, even if you usually can’t see it.
— Jules
An apparently original StingRay cell phone surveillance device listed on eBay was taken down by the company on Tuesday after 404 Media contacted it about the listing. The device, which was labeled as used, was up for sale for $100,000.
The device was listed as “Harris Stingray Cellular Phone Surveillance w/ Power Cord & Rolling Case - USED.” Photos uploaded to the listing show the device, numerous cables, and a StingRay operating manual with the original Harris Communications logo. A close-up photo shows the power switch, which glows green when turned on. According to the operating manual, this device was from 2004.
“Powers on. Not fully tested,” the seller wrote in the listing details. “Only pictured parts are included in listing.” When reached for comment about whether the device was real and any background information on how they had obtained it, the seller responded, “No background.”
 A screenshot of the StingRay listing.
eBay’s electronic equipment policy does not allow most devices “used to transmit or receive signals or for surveillance,” including radios using both CB and HAM frequencies and items “prohibited by government agencies.”
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“Maintaining a trusted marketplace is a top priority for eBay and we make significant investments to help ensure a safe buying and selling experience for our customers,” an eBay spokesperson told 404 Media in an emailed statement. “Sellers are obligated to comply with eBay policies and applicable laws and failure to do so may result in consequences up to, and including, a permanent suspension. Consistent with our Electronic Equipment Policy, we are removing this listing and will continue to monitor the marketplace.”
This iteration of the StingRay may not be able to spy on modern phones or networks, though. StingRays, and more broadly IMSI-catchers, of which StingRay is a specific model, have been used by law enforcement in the U.S. to track cell phones for years. However, the Harris Corporation, which originally manufactured StingRay tech, went defunct in 2019 when it merged with L3 Technologies to become the sixth-largest US defense contractor. In June 2020, it advised law enforcement agencies that it would no longer provide software updates to existing StingRay equipment to keep up with new cell phone technology.
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