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how do i know that a seller doesnt just open up a "shadow account" and bid up their own stuff -

(1 of 6)
how do i know that a seller doesnt just open up a "shadow account" and bid up their own stuff -
Feb 10, 2013 07:11 PM

even to the point of being the high bidder and winning the auction so that they essentially have their "no reserve" be a reserve. at the last minute this car i was bidding on -121061813604 is the item no. - got bid up and actually won by a bidder with 0 feedback. how do i know that this winning bidder is not the seller themselves just bidding up because the no reserve auction is not going that well for them.

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(1 of 6)
how do i know that a seller doesnt just open up a "shadow account" and bid up their own stuff -
Feb 10, 2013 07:11 PM

even to the point of being the high bidder and winning the auction so that they essentially have their "no reserve" be a reserve. at the last minute this car i was bidding on -121061813604 is the item no. - got bid up and actually won by a bidder with 0 feedback. how do i know that this winning bidder is not the seller themselves just bidding up because the no reserve auction is not going that well for them.

1 person has this question.
(2 of 6)
Re:how do i know that a seller doesnt just open up a "shadow account" and bid up their own stuff -
Feb 10, 2013 07:18 PM

Shill bidding is a crime and it's rare.  You can never be 100% sure.

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(3 of 6)
Re:how do i know that a seller doesnt just open up a "shadow account" and bid up their own stuff -
Feb 10, 2013 07:18 PM

Ebay can track a seller's (or buyer's) IP address to tell if the bids are from the same computer.  Plus if it's questionable, they can tell if the bidders are even in the same location as the seller.  Shill bidding is a big no-no on Ebay & is illegal in the US alltogether.  Not worth a seller making a few extra bucks if he can't spend it while in jail.

 

Now I can't say it never happens, but highly unlikely.  If you suspect it, you can report it to Ebay & they will check it out, but they will not notify you of any findings.

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(1 of 1 members found this answer useful)
(4 of 6)
Re:how do i know that a seller doesnt just open up a "shadow account" and bid up their own stuff -
Feb 10, 2013 07:21 PM

I doubt the seller is willing to go to jail for that.

What you are suggesting is a crime, as well as a serious policy violation.

 

eBay has ways of detecting that, methods that are not public knowledge.

They will know if it happens.

(5 of 6)
Re:how do i know that a seller doesnt just open up a "shadow account" and bid up their own stuff -
Feb 10, 2013 07:50 PM

Hey, guess what? Other bidders are allowed to bid, even bidders with 0 Feedback.

This auction didn't get "bid up" by this bidder. They bid once and won. You are an example of sour grapes. There is no shill bidding.

(6 of 6)
Re:how do i know that a seller doesnt just open up a "shadow account" and bid up their own stuff -
Feb 11, 2013 03:16 AM

eBay Motors auctions for vehicles are non-binding, so why shill?

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