"private listing--bidders identities protected"

[OsFan]

Are you saying that a seller may have a separate account used to shill bid their own auctions and because they are able to keep the identity of that second account hidden they won’t get found out?
Seems like eBay would still know the identity and would be able to put a stop to it. Of course that’s if eBay even cares about those things anymore. Who knows...

[Leon]

Originally Posted by OsFan

Are you saying that a seller may have a separate account used to shill bid their own auctions and because they are able to keep the identity of that second account hidden they won’t get found out?
Seems like eBay would still know the identity and would be able to put a stop to it. Of course that’s if eBay even cares about those things anymore. Who knows...

Oh they care. Where they can make more money they care. Shilling makes them more money though I don't know that is the reason they don't try to stop it.

[silvor]

They know if you have 2 accounts. Pretty easy with same address, credit info, names etc.

But if your friend across the country bids on your items, they really can't tell. At first.

Originally Posted by OsFan

Are you saying that a seller may have a separate account used to shill bid their own auctions and because they are able to keep the identity of that second account hidden they won’t get found out?
Seems like eBay would still know the identity and would be able to put a stop to it. Of course that’s if eBay even cares about those things anymore. Who knows...

[ls7plus]

Thank you for your advice and comments, gentlemen. I subscribe to the notion that if it smells fishy, it most likely is, and my prime concern was shill bidding at work here. This item went unusually quickly from "Buy It Now" to auction, and then all the bidders' identities are private. That along with your comments leads me to conclude that this is what is indeed going on.

Your assistance is very much appreciated,

Larry

[doug.goodman]

Originally Posted by silvor

They know if you have 2 accounts. Pretty easy with same address, credit info, names etc.

But if your friend across the country bids on your items, they really can't tell. At first.

OR...

Your friend who lives in the same house as you but has a different name and their own credit card.

[doug.goodman]

Originally Posted by OsFan

Are you saying that a seller may have a separate account used to shill bid their own auctions and because they are able to keep the identity of that second account hidden they won’t get found out?
Seems like eBay would still know the identity and would be able to put a stop to it. Of course that’s if eBay even cares about those things anymore. Who knows...

Who knows? Ha! See my previous post...