eBay auction fraud detected with new software

[February 26th 2001]

Mace Software has developed software to help detect prohibited activities on the world's largest online auction site. eSafe2Bid is an application designed for use on the PC platform to be used by eBay auction bidders for quickly identifying fraudulent auction sellers. eSafe2Bid uses unique algorithms to help detect shill bidding practices by eBay sellers. Shill bidding is where a seller places bids on their own auctions for the purpose of raising the bid price. This practice is strictly forbidden by eBay and can result in a seller being permanently suspended. In addition, shill bidding is considered a felony with severe consequences. eSafe2Bid use has already resulted in the suspension of several long time sellers whose shill bidding practices have gone previously undetected.

"eBay does a great job of trying to prevent shill bidding.", says Gary Mace, president of Mace Software. "However, with thousands of auctions at any given time, it is impossible for them to ensure that it does not occur. eSafe2Bid allows the bidder to check the seller out themselves."

eSafe2Bid software includes other features geared to benefit the eBay bidder. For example, it extracts negative feedback comments for quick viewing. eBay has in place a feedback system where bidders and sellers rate their experience upon completion of an auction. Bidders are encouraged to check a sellers past feedback before placing a bid. This can require clicking through dozens of web pages in order to find the negative comments that have been logged. With eSafe2Bid, the negatives comments are placed in their own window for easy viewing.

"eBay has done an excellent job of instituting a feedback system, the only big complaint I have is that it's a bit bulky." wrote Slaughterhouse.com, a leading software review site. "eSafe2Bid attempts to streamline the process so performing a preliminary check on a seller takes 30 seconds not 30 minutes."

Links
Mace Software		http://www.macesoftware.com