It's a shame we cannot see the item in question, so may I ask was there a Reserve on the item?
Sometimes then, bidders will place multi bids just to see what the reserve is, and withdraw once that reserve has been revealed. Nothing underhand here, just frustrating, but in the long run good too, as she doesn't wish to end up with a non payer.
To be honest, if this is the case with a Reserve, for future items, it's better to just start an auction for the lowest amount one is happy to receive, it cannot sell for less. Then, if only one bid is received, which often happens, the price required, is achieved. If it doesnt sell with no other listing upgrades added, there's nothing to pay.
Reserves are an expensive optional listing uograde, costing 4% of the set reserve, payable sale or no sale, and charged the second the item goes live.
@gwaum0
