buying auction properties

I read this on CurbedLA. Some auctions allow the following: "Except where prohibited by law, the Auctioneer may, on behalf of seller, bid at any time up to the amount of the unpublished reserve price for each home." Translation: The seller can also bid on properties. So that guy shouting $250,000 next to you may actually be a guy hired by the seller. Not that we're suggesting that sort of thing will happen, but auction experts say it can take place." So interesting. Here is one upcoming AUCTION --> SAVE THE DATE: 655 S Hope St lofts will be auctioned off April 18th- if you can get one you may get a bargain.