Seeking advice - Fraudulent Bidders

[rosin*felt*music]

Recently, I had an auction (#4017137527)where one bidder made 17 or 18 bids until he was the highest bidder, only to retract his winning bid, making the higher bidder pay his maximum bidding price.
I was wondering what was your policies in a case like this: Do you offer a discount? Cancel the auction and start again?
I feel sorry for the winner, but at the same time, do I have to be responsible for those fraudulent bidders?
I'd really appreciate your advices on this.
Thanks.

Laurent

[fitzheueninternational]

Looking at your bidding list, the second bidder and the retractor both had the same bid amount. If the second bidder wasn't willing to pay the $28.00 for the item, why would they enter that amount if they are a legitimate buyer? Just something else for you to think over.

[zarzuella]

Hi Laurent

The problem here, of course, is that to the underbidders it looks like you were shill bidding under a different account name in order to drive the price up. Unfortunately, this is a fairly common scam used by not-very-honest sellers.

In your shoes, I'd do everything I could to reassure the other buyer that this was not my fault and keep my reputation intact.

[systemagic]

I'm not sure that there has been any fraud here other than, possibly, whatever reason the original high bidder gave to make the withdrawal. The original guy's buyer's remorse is the only possible wrongdoing. The auction between you and the successful bidder was conducted with complete integrity and, while I can understand feeling awkward, judging from your concern you apparently have integrety. This is a judgement call and you have to go with your heart but it's ultimately an honest auction. I believe that I'd just complete the transaction and only address any concerns if the successfull bidder raises them. I don't think that I'd offer a discount. You could block the original high bidder though so that, at least, it doesn't happen again.

[shooger]

The person who broke eBay rules here is the bidder who bumped your auction up. They "helped" you for some unknown reason. Schill bidding isn't allowed, for whatever reason it occurs. Someone (you, your high bidder, or some random eBay member) should report the schill bidder. Generally, eBay does nothing about it.