Bids often leap in the last few seconds.
Many bidders prefer to bid a few seconds before the auction ends, which is perfectly legitimate. A bid is equally valid whether it's placed in the first second of the auction, or the last second.
Once late bids come in, eBay's automatic bidding system will automatically increase existing bids, up to their maximum.
So please be reassured that this explosion of activity just before an auction ends is perfectly normal.
This is why it's risky to hold back the amount you bid, in the hope of increasing it if needed - you may not have time to. Just bid the maximum you're willing to pay; that way, eBay's auto bidding system will keep increasing it for you until you either win, or are fairly outbid by someone who was willing to pay more. Which is what auctions are about.
