Greg
I would like to see the law or court case that shows shill bidding to be illegal. It may be unethical but I don't think eBAY can win a court case proving it illegal. eBAY even allowed shill bidding, "eBay originally allowed sellers to bid on their own listings as a way to close their listing without selling to the highest bidder. Unfortunately, this privilege was abused so it had to be eliminated."

Now they suspend you, give you a second chance and if you continue "the shill bidder will be suspended from eBay indefinitely." Which means you might get a third chance.

If they consider it a felony to shill bid why do they treat it with a slap on the wrist?

There are those out there who are out to get Richard and whatever he does in considered a whole lot worse than if someone else did the same thing.

Norman

Q. Why isn't a seller suspended permanently the first time shill bidding is discovered?
A. eBay recognizes that some people might not understand that shill bidding is wrong and believes in educating members and providing them with a second chance. This is why a temporary suspension is made. A temporary suspension is serious, and sellers take it as such.

Q. What happens if the seller shill bids again after the temporary suspension?
A. If the shill bidding continues at any time after the temporary suspension has ended, the shill bidder will be suspended from eBay indefinitely.

Q. Can sellers bid on their own listings?
A. Not any more. eBay originally allowed sellers to bid on their own listings as a way to close their listing without selling to the highest bidder. Unfortunately, this privilege was abused so it had to be eliminated. Now, bidding on your own item is considered shill bidding and is not allowed.