Sorry, but what is the point asking seller if he is shill bidding?  What did you expect he will say?  But now if he gets reported  he will blame you, even if it is somebody else who reported them.

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Voltaire: “Those Who Can Make You Believe Absurdities, Can Make You Commit Atrocities” .