Fake Sports Memorabilia

Beware when buying sports memorabilia
Many sports fans go to online auctions or a local specialty store for collectibles. But experts say, no matter where you go, beware.

"Consumers can and do get ripped off by forgeries," according to Jeremy Kraft, Auction Director at Grey Flannel Auctions and Collectibles, which verifies and auctions high-end collectibles.

In fact, more than half of all autographed sports memorabilia is fake, according to the FBI ‘s San Diego Division.

So, how do you know what's real?
Look at price: If the price of an item is far below the going rate, experts say watch out! "If you walk into a store and a deal seams to good to be true, it probably is," says Kraft. Before buying any sports collectible, you should check several price guides to verify the value, which you can find at your local bookstore.
Be weary of successful players: Kraft says be cautious of items that highlight players who've just enjoyed a successful season. "A red flag should pop up if you see a large quantity of an item signed by a player who is particularly hot," he says.
Make sure your item comes with certificate of authenticity: The collectible should come with a detailed certificate of authenticity from a reputable source. "It should come from a company that is well known and it should always have a name, address, phone number, some way to get in touch with the person."

Some companies that authenticate sports memorabilia are:
PSA DNA: For more information on PSA DNA, click here.
Steiner Sports: For more information on Steiner Sports, click here.

Also
A hologram with a serial number can also add some extra comfort for customers to ensure their item the real deal. "A hologram fixed to an item that comes from a firm that is well known adds a lot of value," says Kraft.

Bright Idea! If you decide to buy a collectible from a vendor you've never dealt with, experts say ask for references and contact them, so you're completely comfortable before making your purchase.

Did You Know?
According to long-time memorabilia collectors - the market for genuine vintage memorabilia has changed dramatically over the last decade. In the late 1980's, the market consisted of a very limited supply of genuine articles. These items were almost exclusively traded among a select group of collectors through a well-defined network. However, at present, the market is literally flooded with tens of thousands of vintage items (including bats, balls, jerseys, helmets, pictures, magazines, pieces of papers, posters, lithographs, and record albums and other items) that are simply counterfeit, according to the FBI's San Diego Division.

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