eBay Shill Bidding?

[dgridley]

My brother sent me this auction early on and commented that it appeared too low a price for that item at that stage of the game ($75).. I checked the seller's completed and saw all of his auctions for those items ended around $300 - $350, but now when I check that particular completed auctions bidding history, I notice some interesting similarities between all the bidders usernames.. all include double *'s except the winning bidder. What are the odds on that? Shill bidders? Something else?

http://offer.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBids&item=130196176829

 

[unclewalter]

I think that is ebay protecting the buyers names by filtering them. I'm not completely sure though. I've seen that before and wondered what it was.

 

[mhdoc]

When the auction goes over a certain amount the buyers identities are automatically coded.

 

[.Andy]

I think that is ebay protecting the buyers names by filtering them. I'm not completely sure though. I've seen that before and wondered what it was.

Yes you can buy it as an additional option for ebay listing. Its used alot of times when the item is sinsitive (porn,adult diapers ect) I sell alot of stuff on ebay. (no porn) and I've used it a few times.