Block Threshold: Preventing Repeat Fraudulent Bidder Registrations

Block Threshold is a fraud-prevention feature that helps stop previously blocked bidders from creating new accounts using slightly altered information (such as a new email address).

Instead of relying on email address alone, the system compares multiple pieces of bidder information from new registrations against bidders you’ve already blocked.

If enough information matches, the new registration is automatically blocked.

When a new account is created, BidWrangler compares it against all blocked bidders in your platform using details such as:

• Name

• Phone number

• Physical address

• Other identifying account fields
  

Each match contributes to a percentage score.

If the percentage match is equal to or greater than your Block Threshold, the system will:

• Prevent the account from being approved for bidding

• Mark the registration as not approved for online bidding

• Notify admins (if email notifications are enabled)

The Block Threshold is a percentage match value, typically between 0–100.

If your Block Threshold is set to 80%:

• A new account that matches 80% or more of the information from a blocked bidder will also be blocked

• Even if the bidder uses a new email address

Lowering the number makes the system more sensitive.

Block Threshold:

• Does not block bidders based on unpaid balances

• Does not automatically block existing bidders

• Does not work unless the original bad account is manually blocked

• Does not guarantee zero false positives

Manual blocking is still required for known bad actors so the system has something to compare against.

Navigate to:

Company → Settings → Customization → Block Threshold

• Registrations will show a red “X” under Approved for Online

• You may see the bidder appear to unblock briefly, then re-block automatically if a matching blocked account still exists
  

• They will see “Pending Approval”

• They will not be able to bid unless manually approved

If a duplicate “DO NOT USE” account remains blocked:

• The system may re-block the good account automatically

• Please contact us to remove the duplicate blocked account to resolve the issue

This can happen when:

• Block Threshold is set low (e.g., 56–70)

• Multiple bidders share similar names, cities, or addresses
  

This is expected behavior and is often preferable to allowing repeat fraud.

1. Always manually block confirmed bad bidders

2. Start with a Block Threshold of 80

3. Adjust in small increments:

   • 80 → 75 → 70 (if needed)

4. Monitor registrations using:

   • Registrations page

   • Filter by Approved for Online = False

5. Expect occasional manual approvals - this means the system is working

As an added safeguard, BidWrangler also offers a “Require New Bidder Approval” option within Terms & Conditions.

When enabled, first-time bidders must be manually approved before they are allowed to place bids. You’ll be notified when a new bidder registers, giving you the opportunity to review and approve them before bidding begins.

This setting can be applied per Terms & Conditions, allowing you to use it only for specific auctions or higher-risk events.

This option is commonly used alongside Block Threshold for an added layer of bidder vetting.

Click here to learn more about Requiring New Bidder Approval.

Block Threshold is intentionally flexible because every auction company’s risk tolerance is different.

If you’d like help:

• Reviewing blocked registrations

• Adjusting your threshold

• Troubleshooting unexpected behavior
  

Don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance at helpdesk@bidwrangler.com