If an auctioneer faked a bid in the UK he or she would be hauled through the coals as this practice is illegal in the UK.Yes, their plan was to become Facebook for business but they are struggling to make money and like auctioneers are faking bids to look busier than they actually are.
Agreed, but it is bad practice taking bids "off the wall" and would be frowned upon by any honest auctioneer, no matter where they are.You'd have to prove it first. Friends in that industry tell me all sorts of dirty tricks to make the result of auctions look much better than they are.
"Illegal in the UK" is a lot of things that presently go on in the UK motorcycle industry, but there is a notable lack of parties interested enough to take things to court and then to its legal conclusion.
Given the ridiculous cost of a claim in British courts, however likely the chance of success, this is perfectly understandable.