Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steve Newport on December 28, 2016 at 3:08pm

I think I'm in real trouble, folks. I've been exploring this site and discovered that popculturesignatures on ioffer is full of forgeries and scams. I'm devastated, and doubtful I will get a refund. There are so many more expensive items than the one I bought, though and people need to know!!

Has this happened to anyone else here? could anything be done for your money, or was it a harsh lesson learned? Sorry for being such an amateur.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Philip Ellis on December 28, 2016 at 6:49pm

Hope you get the refund pal. Keep us updated! We've all be stung before. Just means next time you do a lot and a lot of research before buying!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steve Newport on December 28, 2016 at 6:57pm

Thanks, I appreciate the caring! it doesn't turn me off from collecting, but it sure does make me feel stupid. I've been a collector for years but I typically got all my autographs in-person. There's a lot to look for when it comes to acquiring pieces from another era, and I was naive to think that such a "reputable" store wouldn't rip people off. Sometimes ignorance is bliss, but I am glad I discovered this group (even if it was too late this time!)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Philip Ellis on December 28, 2016 at 7:11pm

Yea this group has been of great help to me. I had no clue on certain signatures. I've been using this website. And known examples verified by PSA to really help expand my knowledge. But yea we've all been stung before! And I know I would of got stung recently with a Christopher reeve item if it wasn't for this group! It's incredible the amount of fakes out there. Makes up a large majority. but yes. This group is great! So glad to have recently become apart of it. As I said. Wish you the best with sorting this out. I'm sure your get it all sorted!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on December 28, 2016 at 7:41pm

For Jeffrey Hunter you might want to keep an eye out on Golden Age Autographs (Tom Kramer's site) or Classic Entertainment Autographs (Dr. Brucato's site).  Brucato had one a while back.  As for getting proof of the autograph being fake you might have to ask your credit card what they accept. They probably would accept PSA-DNA or JSA but I would want to know first.  Depending on how much you paid for the autograph you might want to check their fees.  Unfortunately, places like eBay, Amazon, ioffer and their ilk are often polluted with fakes.  Amazon and ioffer have the benefit of most who find on there often do not have much experience.  Sadly in autograph collecting lessons are often expensive.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steve Newport on December 28, 2016 at 7:57pm

I appreciate the push in the correct direction! I'm hopeful but not counting on getting my money back this time. This was a relatively inexpensive autograph compared to a great many they are offering, so I hope others don't fall for the scam! I am releived, though, that I didn't spend the money on the 8x10 and custom frame/museum glass I was planning to get for this forgery.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Pete Bendu on December 28, 2016 at 3:38pm

Sorry, this is not Jeff's signature, I think you have already figured that out. The beautiful thing about most transactions today, chances are you paid with paypal or a credit card. If the seller does not willingly take the item back and issue a refund, paypal believes in buyer protaction and your credit card can be contacted to stop payment.

Good luck, Pete 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steve Newport on December 28, 2016 at 3:58pm

Thank you Pete. I've just talked to my institution (Wells Fargo,) they said they can refund if the item is not received (though I will receive something, obviously not what I bought) OR if I get the item proven as counterfeit which I should have no problem doing. I just need to figure out how to get that documentation...

I did not pay with PayPal, the seller (popculturesignatures) conveniently did not take PayPal but I did use my card and there is a record already on file. James Falkenstern is his name. I believe he has an account here. I'm very disappointed but I greatly appreciate your help.

• ▶ Reply