SAN JOSE, CA (DJC) – Recently there was a questionable bid placed on the
“GREAT BIG Wild Abstract Art Painting” (Item #320408444) on the eBay’s web
site.
eBay has concluded that the seller placed a bid of $4,500 on his own item,
using a different user identity. This practice, known as shill bidding, can
artificially drive up the price of an item and is against eBay’s posted
policies.
The bid in question was well below the final sale price and may not have
materially affected the bidding. However, eBay’s policy in these
circumstances is to void the results of the sale and suspend the seller,
which it has done. The high bidder has been notified of the seller’s rule
violation by the eBay’s officials and is released from any further
obligation, though the parties may, if they choose, complete the transaction
on their own.
