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PSA deemed an autograph signed in person as fake

Hi, I recently sent in a signed copy of the 1st Harry Potter book to PSA to get a LOA. The autograph was signed in person, and as far as I can tell, looks exactly like other authentic JK Rowling signatures I've seen. I have no idea why they didn't authenticate it, but they were happy to take my money.

I know 100% it's authentic since I had it signed in person (i also have a ticket from the event), and now I'm out $100ish and have no LOA, which I only want in case I decide to sell it later on. Is there anything I can do? Any way to get a refund? I called customer service - they were no help and said I couldn't talk to the person who review it.

thanks

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Permalink Reply by terrier8HOF on May 2, 2014 at 4:52pm

you are stuck. you paid for an opinion and you got it. unfortunately it is not the opinion you were hoping for.

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Permalink Reply by william on May 7, 2014 at 2:49am

( Quote>> you are stuck. you paid for an opinion and you got it. unfortunately it is not the opinion you were hoping for. )

It's just like when I started sending for them through the mail.

How was I to know some of them are not real:(

Well I guess those are the chances you take.

This is why in person is always best.

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Permalink Reply by Xwiesy on May 2, 2014 at 5:05pm

If your story is true, this definitely represents an issue for the hobby. I like PSA for the fact they give folks a fighting chance, but they also hold the industry in the palm of their hands.

They improve the hobby in some ways and some ways they do not.

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Permalink Reply by Ian Baldock on May 2, 2014 at 8:42pm

Thats a shame, but you are only paying for an opinion. You could try JSA if you really want to be backed up by a cert of authenticity. However you always risk losing your money if they "rule" against your signature. Thats just the certification game, its not an exact science (unless your presspass collectibles).

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Permalink Reply by Jeffery Kite on May 10, 2014 at 4:10pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp3EqVaiv9I

I prefer this version. :) "Can't ya hear, John?!"

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Permalink Reply by Rock G III on May 2, 2014 at 9:03pm

Yeah as said you paid for an opinion and you got one. I rather them super cautious than authenticating everything.

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Permalink Reply by BallroomDays67 on May 5, 2014 at 10:46pm

I wonder what they're being cautious about, though. What aspect of this signature could be considered cause for concern?

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Permalink Reply by Chicklet McTushy on May 2, 2014 at 9:22pm

Expert authentication is a myth. Please read any of the recent books published on art forgeries. Experts at the highest level were fooled by fakes and signed off on them. This is major museums and auction houses with all the latest forensic equipment.

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Permalink Reply by Rick Meyer on May 3, 2014 at 8:25am

Fooled in the autograph world to. PSA, JSA get it wrong far more often then people think they do. They get paid either way.

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Permalink Reply by Xwiesy on May 3, 2014 at 11:39am

So true...

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Permalink Reply by Mark Janovec on May 3, 2014 at 6:29pm

I think you're getting confused by the belief that authenticators, just because they are experts, should be 100% infallible. Ideally, that would be the case. But that is not reality...nor is it realistic to expect that.

There is a battle taking place between the forgers and the authenticators. The forgers are doing their best to try to fool the marketplace. The authenticators are doing their best to spot whatever mistakes or "tells" the forgers leave behind as evidence. It's perfectly plausible that fakes will occasionally come along that are so good, even the best in the business will be fooled by them (at least temporarily, until consistent patterns start to emerge and can be identified).

Many authenticators will also choose to error on the side of caution, if a particular signature generally looks okay, but has some traits that are of concern. Yes, mistakes will be made, but that is common in any profession where judgment calls are required.