When I realized what had happened, my credit card company put me through to their customer support who said they'd refund all but $25. Instead the next day I got an email telling me that if I disputed the charge, they'd be sure I got no refund at all, but if I paid the full 149 they'd guarantee I was successful on an auction or they'd give me a bonus 300 bids.

Once you see how these auctions work, it's clear even 600 bids couldn't guarantee a thing. This is not a company I want to do business with and intend to keep at it until it's set right. (FYI, this happened in December, I've checked the site twice since then and the site's appearance was different each time. Hmmm)