Legal Definitions - puffer

Definition: A puffer is a person who is hired by the seller at an auction to bid on the property to encourage other potential buyers to bid. This is done to increase the price of the property and make it seem more valuable.

Example: At an auction, the seller may hire a puffer to bid on a painting to make it seem like there is a lot of interest in the painting. This can encourage other bidders to raise their bids and drive up the price of the painting.

Explanation: The puffer is not a genuine buyer, but rather someone who is paid to create the illusion of demand for the item being auctioned. This can be seen as a deceptive practice, as it can mislead genuine buyers into paying more than they would have otherwise.