Yes...many scam artists on this platform 'allowed' to continue in their thieving ways regardless 'who' they are unfortunately.
I saw that Witness/Bot Owner's explanation to you, that "It's an auction" as a reason for him 'stealing' your funds...Hmmmnnnnn...One does not 'lose/forfeit' money at an auction simply by 'bidding'...(Not in the 'real' world) Only here on Steemit?
Be extra careful with your funds, and 'new' dealings with an un-named Witness/Bot Owner who has a history of having done the same (Even to Newbies) He used to post a message on his Bot-Site that "If you don't understand the way this works, and send too much Steem, I will consider it a 'donation" (paraphrasing) Don't know if he ever changed that behavior or not.
Even had the real wolfs service smartmarket thieve 13 steem of me last night, and I was only trying to right a wrong, and put someone back in positive monies after a toxic bernie had plunged his post into the red.
Oh...'Uncle' Bernie...? There's nothing the top dogs here will ever do to tone his antics down...They're all too afraid; he's got them under his thumb, while getting under every bodies skin...That's his favorite 'game'.
I saw that SmartMarket refunded your (53?) Steem eventually the last time...Now they have pulled a move on you again? (Maybe an error?)
You have a keen eye my friend, likes ya style.
It was 56 though, just for clarity sake lol.