[powell_am]

There is a unique memorabilia item on an auction website that I must have. It is so specific to what I want that I am fine paying what’s necessary.

Here’s my question, the auction will take place during a time that I can’t attend. For the item it is estimated to sell for $1000. We all know how inaccurate the estimates can be. I am tempted to place a maximum bid for $5k or $10k. The only thing that’s stopping me is a fear that the auction site will see my high maximum bid and will run the bidding up close to my maximum. Asked differently, should I trust that the auction site will not violate the supposed rules or am I warranted in not trusting that the secret maximum will be trusted as a secret?