Buying autographs can be an exciting venture for collectors, but it’s also a landscape full of potential pitfalls. With the increasing prevalence of forged signatures and unscrupulous sellers, it’s important to be cautious and well-informed before making any purchase. Fortunately, with a little research and some basic knowledge, you can navigate the autograph market safely and avoid being scammed by counterfeit sellers.
Here’s a guide on how to protect yourself and ensure that the autographs you’re buying are authentic.
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is assuming that anyone selling autographs online is trustworthy. While there are reputable sellers on platforms like eBay and independent websites, it’s crucial not to take their word at face value. Many online sellers claim to have “inside connections” at film studios, sports teams, or music venues, or they may boast about hosting “private signing sessions” with celebrities.
The truth is, the number of autographs signed at film premieres, concerts, and other events is often very limited, and not nearly enough to supply the numerous dealers making these claims. If someone is selling dozens of signed items supposedly obtained from these events, ask for evidence. Genuine private signings are often documented with photo proof, but even then, be cautious—photo proof can be faked, stolen, or simply taken out of context.
Many sellers try to bolster the authenticity of an autograph by offering provenance, or the history of the item’s ownership. While provenance can sometimes be helpful in verifying an item’s authenticity, it’s not foolproof. In fact, provenance can be fabricated just as easily as a fake autograph.
For example, on an episode of BBC’s Inside Out, forgery expert Curtis Dowling demonstrated how easy it is to create a fake Churchill-related item, complete with a fabricated story to give it credibility. Even university experts and the general public were convinced by the false provenance, showing just how convincing these stories can be.
Always remember that provenance is only a guide, not definitive proof. Don’t let a backstory sway you into buying something questionable.
It’s easy to assume that a photo of a dealer with a celebrity is a surefire indicator of authenticity, but that’s not always the case. Photo proof only proves that the seller met the celebrity once—it doesn’t guarantee that the signed item is genuine. Worse, unscrupulous dealers may use Photoshop to create fake photo proof or steal images from other legitimate sellers to boost their credibility.
Be skeptical of photo proof and always ask yourself if the item itself holds up to scrutiny, even if there’s a photo.
Before purchasing any autograph, research the dealer’s history and credibility. Many online sellers claim to have been in business for years, but how much of that is fact and how much is fiction? If a dealer claims to have been trading for 10 years or more, verify that claim by checking their business history, website, and industry connections.
Good autograph dealers are well-known within the community. If you’re unsure about a dealer’s legitimacy, reach out to others in the autograph trade or look for their participation in recognized autograph associations, such as the UACC (Universal Autograph Collectors Club) or AFTAL (Autograph Fair Trade Association). Membership in these organizations provides a certain level of trustworthiness, but it’s still important to confirm their active membership by checking the relevant websites.
Another simple but important step is to check whether the seller provides full contact information on their website. By law, online sellers must provide a physical address and a way to reach them beyond just a mobile number. If a seller only lists a mobile phone number or fails to provide any address, consider that a red flag. A lack of contact details suggests they may be hiding their true identity or location.
Legitimate dealers will have no problem providing their full contact details, and a quick check of their website should confirm whether they’re conducting business openly and transparently.
When in doubt, ask the seller questions. Good dealers will be more than happy to discuss their knowledge of autographs, the history of their business, and how they source their items. Ask them specific autograph-related questions to gauge their expertise.
A trustworthy dealer should be able to provide clear, detailed answers about how they authenticate their items and should not shy away from providing further details about an autograph’s origin or the circumstances under which it was signed.
Many sellers offer Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) as a guarantee of the item’s legitimacy. While COAs can provide reassurance, they’re only as good as the dealer issuing them. A COA from an unknown or untrustworthy source is essentially worthless. Always investigate the reputation of the person or business offering the COA.
COAs from reputable, well-known sources can add value to an item, but don’t rely on them as your only proof. Check the authenticity of the item itself through the other methods mentioned in this guide.
A simple Google search can often reveal all you need to know about a dealer’s reputation. Search for reviews, complaints, and any mention of legal issues. In the past, disreputable sellers like Andrew Sullivan and Sporting Icons were exposed through court appearances and consumer warnings. Had buyers performed a basic search, they could have avoided dealing with these fraudsters.
If a dealer has a solid reputation, you’ll find plenty of positive feedback from other collectors and dealers within the industry.
The good news is that the autograph industry isn’t all scams and forgeries. There are many highly reputable, trustworthy dealers who have been in business for years and who have earned a solid reputation for honesty and integrity. Dealers who are part of well-known organizations like UACC or AFTAL are usually more reliable, as they follow strict ethical standards and their memberships can easily be verified.
These dealers often attend autograph shows, participate in industry events, and are known within the community. They also provide proper contact details and are available to discuss their items in detail. Taking the time to find these trusted dealers will go a long way in ensuring you buy authentic autographs.
Buying autographs can be a fun and fulfilling hobby, but only if you avoid the pitfalls of fakes and forgeries. By doing your homework, questioning the legitimacy of sellers, and researching the history of any autographs you’re interested in, you can avoid being scammed and build a collection that you can be proud of.
Always take the time to verify the dealer’s background, check for real contact information, and look for proven industry credentials. With the right approach, you’ll be able to spot the red flags of fraudulent sellers and enjoy the rewarding experience of collecting authentic autographs.