[giantfan270]

no, it is against the law, in every state (some other countries, it is fuzzier. but there are even FEDERAL STATUTES against it). it is collusion to defraud. it's fairly black and white law. not only that, it can carry very severe penalties

it's not just frowned upon. (like that line from "The Hangover" about "self-help" on a plane). ignorance of the law and such

plus, even if it wasnt a state law (which it is), the federal statues would apply anyway. seriously...simple bleeping logic

---

so you created a post about shilling. brilliant

Show me the law! And where "severe" penalties as you suggest have been imposed. You can't because there is no precedence.

I've been going to the auto auction every Wednesday for the last 25 years. Some weeks we sell as many as 50 cars and buy up to 20 for inventory. When a guy on the block has one of his buddies bidding against me to bump the price up, I don't call the police, or even auction management. I'm smart enough to realize what is happening and I walk away when the car hits my max bid ("floor" as it's called in the business). I then know what that sellers M.O. is and I watch out for it. Or maybe not buy from him again.

I prefer to let my units sell themselves. I have a following of buyers that wait for my cars to hit the block. I sell 75% of my units to the same buyers every week. I'll let cars go at a loss every now and then just to keep the buyers happy. When dishonest sellers cars come up to the block, buyers will walk away because they know whats about to happen. Try selling a car with no bidders. Just like at the auto auction, the honest e bay seller will always be more successful in the long run. By shilling he's only hurting his business. People aren't stupid.

Bottom line:
You only get hurt if you fall into their trap and if that happens it's your own fault.