Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Harald Greisen on January 24, 2021 at 7:59am

This store should be called "Little Shop of Fraud and Forgeries".  YIKES!

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Permalink Reply by Harald Greisen on January 24, 2021 at 8:08am

It's terrible that a nice platform such as Etsy, which is normally used for handmade and craft items, is now being infiltrated with sellers who sell fake autographs.  Hopefully Etsy catches on and does something about it. Last thing they want is to be part of the problem.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on January 24, 2021 at 8:43am

I noticed Etsy dealers yesterday selling a lot of autographs I didn't think were real. A few:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FunAndGifts?ref=simple-shop-header-name&a...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/725987536/lp-vinyl-elvis-presley-autog...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/888242085/michael-jackson-autographed-...

Look at this Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ZioncollectibleFinds?ref=simple-shop-head...

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Permalink Reply by Findbooks on October 27, 2024 at 12:33am

Steve, in a couple of days this post and the whole thread is likely to disappear along with this important information.

What about a "watch-list" thread as a permanent feature of the home page? When I say "watch-list" I mean "wall of shame" but you probably would not get away with that title. 

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on October 27, 2024 at 12:44am

Start a discussion in Town Square about what you want, why, and cover all the details. If members want it, we will do it.

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Permalink Reply by Rich on January 24, 2021 at 8:55am

Yeah, those are all forgeries.

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Permalink Reply by David on January 30, 2021 at 2:32am

I am familiar with some of the signatures he is selling and I can guarantee they are 100% fake. Honestly, see all the positive, euphoric reviews this seller is getting makes my blood boil.

One thing to consider when analyzing potential scammers like this - if a seller has such high values items such as these with multiple signatures from high profile actors, why is the seller using a completely unheard of authentication service like "Legitly" instead of PSA, Beckett, JSA, etc?

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Permalink Reply by Harald Greisen on January 30, 2021 at 6:54am

It takes a whole 60 seconds to report the shop to Etsy. As long as people aren't reporting, they will get away with it. As long as people aren't reporting, they're ok with this happening. Hopefully you all took the time. :)

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Permalink Reply by HARDKORE79 on February 23, 2022 at 8:52am

I also came across this Etsy profile, I was ready to buy the Mars Attacks soundtrack vinyl with various autographs on it including Jack Nicholson... I was worried about the price being too low, all products at the same price (freddy mercury, kurt cobain and others autographs) and the autographs always done with the same 3/4 markers.
Thanks to you I was able to understand that it is probably a scam.

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Permalink Reply by ShortyUK on October 26, 2024 at 10:49am

Hello Everyone,

I am new here and to this genre of collecting so thank you for your help in advance with my query.

In trying to buy a thoughtful present for a close friend I have recently purchased a supposed Buffalo Springfield signed album (please see picture attached).

I was a bit hasty (I was hooked in by the ‘last one remaining’ and this particular artist has a sentimental link to my friend.

I tried to verify the authenticity by querying with the seller whether it came with a certificate of authenticity and he replied:

“Message:LOA is from forensic autograph authentication”

The seller also say they offer a full refund so I proceeded with the purchase.

However with a bit more searching around then finding experts such as yourselves on this site I can see you believe this vendor is supplying fakes.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ZioncollectibleFinds?ref=shop-header-n...

I’m kicking myself for being so hasty and when I google the Authenticator their website looks a bit too generic for my liking, I also have a friend who is a very well regarded sports memorabilia collector but I feel too embarrassed to ask his opinion on whether my now purchased item is genuine or fake.

Would any of your knowledgeable community be able to help me with your thoughts regarding this item? I have paid >£600 and even if I do ask for a refund I have now paid shipping and UK import duty so am worried I won’t get a full refund or how I verify if it is genuinely autographed.

Sorry for the ramble rant.

Many thanks

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Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on October 26, 2024 at 11:07am

Welcome, Shorty, you came to the right place.

Genuine autographs are rarely found on Etsy. And not even 1 out of 100 autographs with forensic examiner authentication are genuine.

The good news is that genuine Buffalo Springfield band-signed albums sell for $500-$1,000 or so with top notch authentication: Roger Epperson, PSA/DNA, BAS (Beckett), JSA.

Here's a link to the band-signed Buffalo lots in RRAuction's past auction database:

https://www.rrauction.com/search/?str=buffalo+springfield&flexd...

You may not find one in time for Christmas, but you'll find one.

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Permalink Reply by ShortyUK on October 27, 2024 at 12:51am

Thank you very much  Steve, for the response, link to RR auction and the general welcome.

I am up-skilling as fast as I can now and think from what I can glean within your community are commenting, those ‘top notch’ authenticators (Epperson, PSA, BAS, JSA etc in your reply) are the only real authorities on this kind of thing to be the right level of authentication?

With my purchase being a likely fake then (a shame that Etsy is happy to host a whole scale fraudulent operation?) it is for me to perhaps go through the hassle of pushing for a refund on the time, then go fishing/wait patiently for the right thing via RR.

I did at least find a link to a book I could buy which is newly personally signed by Richie Fury (I am now hoping this is a genuine website place now I am delving down the rabbit hole who knows!):

https://www.richiefuray.com/commerce/orders/0a87644f-75a6-44a4-8482...

Also whilst here maybe you or your wonderful community could help share any knowledge of the likelihood of authenticity of this EBay seller.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/twistandshout1

This guy on the face of it has had them signed personally, has a number of Buffalo Springfield memorabilia and offered:

‘I do guarantee all of my items to pass a third party authentication service, or your money back. I got all these signed myself. Yes, the album does come with the original LP”

I will check out your sight to see if this seller gets the thumbs up from your knowledgable circles 

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