Ebay shuts down Apple iPhone auctions

Online auction website eBay (EBAY) pulled from it's site 6 auctions purportedly selling iPhones. eBay's reason: They weren't confident the seller could deliver the yet-to-be-released phones within 30 days.

Bidding was going nuts on these auctions as the top bid had reached $1125 before the auction was stopped.

"Thanks for informing us of the Apple iPhone listings. As we understand, the Apple iPhone will not be commercially available until June. Any listings claiming to be selling the Apple iPhone are in violation of eBay's pre-sale policy which requires sellers to guarantee shipment within 30 days from the date of purchase. All postings violating eBay's pre-sale policy will be removed." an eBay spokeswoman said via an email to Computerworld.

Computerworld contacted the highest bidder who said he entered the auction because he was planning to use PayPal, which offeres insurance for fraud up to $2000. His boss had given him $1500 to bid on the phone so he figured he was protected.

Now I dunno about any of you, but before bidding, I'd want to know just how this seller was planning to get the iPhones? Does he know Steve personally?