Criticized for Preventing Online Fruad

A month ago I included in my blog and web site an article I wrote with a recommendation to prevent buying FAKE autographs on Ebay. Namely, suggesting using the service PSA quick opinion to get an idea if an autograph is legitimate prior to buying and getting hoodwinked. Soon after I get an email form a self proclaimed expert telling me that my article gave him a bad impression of me. Now, I will say that this particular autograph dealer has a less then respectable reputation throughout the autograph collecting industry and was even expelled FOR LIFE by the leading autograph collector organization. By that’s not really important.

What was bizarre, to me anyway, is that this long time autograph dealer considers a COA from the selling dealer (in this case himself) more legitimate compared to one by an independent third party like PSA or JSA. Now, I don’t know what his personal beef is with PSA, but although there are NO perfect authenticators, third party organizations like PSA are obviously more legitimate then a COA from the dealer selling the item, if not for one reason only, objectivity.

Also, as probably one of the first autograph collectors on Ebay (since 1997) I have witnessed thousands of autograph forgers. And, most of them have creepy consistent characteristics. One is that they all will bad mouth PSA. Why? Autograph forgers on Ebay in particular want to preserve the anonymous, un-policed, safe haven for their criminal activity as they have enjoyed for so many years on Ebay. However, I commend Ebay during the past couple years as they have finally employed some kind of program to thwart some of this blatant criminal activity. Namely, conferring with approved authentication services to stop and sometimes even shut down fraudulent sellers.

Hence, when you encounter a dealer or seller of autographs who exudes a lot of negativity toward third party authentication services, it may be a “red flag” and a warning to take caution before doing any business with that seller. I’ve been buying and selling autographs, vintage movie posters, fine art paintings and sport memorabilia for over 20 years, and a second opinion is always a good thing.

Buying Autographs, Fine Art and other Collectibles Online Carries a Risk

So, you're on Ebay bidding $200 for a rare autographs like a photo of Humphrey Bogart. There's 10 seconds left to the auction so your heart starts to race....7..5..4..3..2..1...YOU WON! Wow, you just won a $3000 signed photo for only $200, WHAT A DEAL! The seller has 100% feedback so no problems with authenticity, right? Two weeks later you get the photo, looks nice, you show it to your family. Six months later, you send the sign photo to a reputable auction house that specializes in selling autographs. The highly experienced dealer looks at the photo and responds with his opinion. There is a 99% chance he is going to tell you what?

Tune in next Thursday for the answer and several extremely valuable tips that could save you THOU$ANDS.

Kevin Conway is the owner of Conway's Vintage Treasures, an e-commerce site for the high-end collector of Primitive Fine Art Oil Painitings, Rare Autographs, Vintage Movie Posters, Antique Toys, Vintage Sports Memorabilia and other unusual antiques and collectibles.

Conway's Vintage Treasures
http://www.cvtreasures.com/