Over the last six to twelve months, I have reported dozens of occurrences of shill bidding on Royal Doulton Figures, namely Laurel & Hardy. The latest occasion was 07/03/2008 when a seller used one ID to shill bid on all of their listings and ended up winning them all, the genuine members who bid were all conned and no one got what was rightly theirs. ( This guide on Shill Bidding Techniques may help you.)

Update 17/06/2008 I have identified three new ID's. Items are relisted using the private auction format, so you don't see who's bidding again'st you. The Rogues Gallery guide includes a list of previous Id's used.

Item location is now stated as England

Remember this individual didn't sell any of the Royal Doulton Figures and other items they had listed, I'm certain they will be relisted under yet another new ID.

When the items get relisted, remember that the seller will have little or no feedback. 

Check the following information I have provided, hopefully this will prevent you from been duped by this unscrupulous individual.

This individual has listed them using at least seven different ID’s all of which I have reported.

Both ID’s used in the latest attempt to con genuine members became unregistered within minutes of the listings finishing the same as the previous five I had identified. With a little thought, time and effort using google the listings can still be traced using key words such as eBay Royal Doulton Laurel & Hardy etc.

I’m certain that the same Individual is responsible when these items appear on eBay, as the item location is normally one of the following Birmingham, Dudley, Wrens Nest, Harebell or West Midlands.

The photo’s used are normally identical in every listing, irrespective of who the seller is and they sometimes have the sellers ID on them to make them look genuine, the item description is normally done in very large word format and often states sorry no PayPal.

They have tried selling them individually without a reserve starting at 0.99p also individually with a reserve. The figures are all limited edition models. 

The biggest problem you are faced with, is when they are listed with a reserve which will be over £100.00 which hides the bidders details (only shows a feedback star rating) or as private listings as this prevents you seeing information an totally prevents you from doing any searches on any bidders .

If they list them as Private Listings (Scammers) YOU WILL BE SHILLED and you CAN NOT check the other bidders ID's.

This individual has also listed other items including Guinness Memorabilia, Beswick Alice In Wonderland Figures (photo's), Royal Worcester, Pictures Of Shilled Robert Harrop PG Tips Chimps and other Beswick Pieces.

This persons trades anywhere from one to five months and normally has three ID’s on the go at anyone time, they do purchase items to gain positive feedback, but they also bid and don’t pay. After receiving a few negatives they normally become unregistered and set up another new account.

All of the ID’s they have used have all received negative feedback’s for selling fakes, damaged goods, and high postage charges.

To check out what someone is bidding on then follow these steps: -

From My eBay, click Advanced Search

From the menu on the left click Item by Bidder

Enter the bidder's user ID and tick the include completed listings box and leave "even if not high bidder" checked. Remember that a shill bidder doesn't necessarily want to win their auctions!

Now click Search.

If the bidder you are questioning is mainly bidding on one seller's auctions and they are bidding on different types of items then you should be suspicious and report it.

This guide needs to be visible to protect you the eBay Community. I have taken the time to make you aware of this ongoing problem please vote by clicking the yes button.

 Thanks if you have taken the time to read it.

Please Check  My Other Guides - They May Save You ££££££££££

My objective is to raise awareness of such individuals to the new, niave and even long served traders of the issues in todays market place. Of the criminals who blatantly defraud the general public.

It is Imperative that information such as that I have provided, is visible to all. The only way this happens is your votes.