GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- Interior designer Cary Howard uses eBay to decorate for himself and for his clients. Lately, he says he's noticing what he calls "fraud" online.
He says the second he puts in a bid -- even on something that hasn't gotten a bid in days -- the item's cost immediately spikes and become expensive.
It's called shilling. It pushes prices up by creating a fake auction. The seller my have his friends ready to make fake bids, or have a computer program. Auction site eBay forbids this type of action, and makes it known on its website.
Law professionals say shilling is difficult to prove. In Michigan, a conviction for shilling is only a misdemeanor, with a fine of $100.
Cooley Law School professor Devin Schindler says to change the problem, there would have to be more internet regulations. But he says the country has already pushed back against more regulations during debates over SOPA or PIPA.