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Buyer Beware!

© Barbara Bell

There is a darker side to collecting antiques, and even before there was an Internet, there were many ways to dupe an unsuspecting novice. The Internet makes it easier and quicker for the crook, and harder for the victim to fight back. This is the first in a two-part series on fraud, both in using the Internet to purchase antiques and collectibles, and in knowing how to recognize fakes and reproductions when you are buying elsewhere.

We are warned constantly about giving our credit card info to strangers on the telephone, and yet many consumers blithely give out such personal data on the Internet. Security on the Internet has improved dramatically in the last few years, but you as a buyer should remain cautious.

Don't purchase anything by credit card over the Internet unless the web site you are purchasing from states it has an encrypted server/browser. This should be clearly explained somewhere on the first page or transaction page. Otherwise, look for an 800# or a mailing address, and complete the transaction offline. There should also be assurances by the web site that your personal information will not be sold to third parties or mailing lists. Print out the completed form or page afterwards so you'll have a hard-copy backup of the transaction.

Because the potential for abuse exists, it's a good idea to go to the following site for an overview of fraud and scams on the Internet so you'll be aware of the pitfalls:

Internet Fraud Watch

This week my local news media reported the fifth in a series of burglaries since early spring where hundreds of Beanie Babies were stolen. Some have been taken from shops and displays in supposedly secure areas, others have been taken out of parked vehicles. These thefts involved collections and stock worth thousands of dollars.

Where do you think the thieves will try to sell their loot? If they are smart, they'll try the Internet! Beware that if an offer of anything from Beanie Babies to rare ephemera sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Rare art, firearms, jewelry and ancient artifacts are among the items you may see offered, perhaps on a web site that appears quite reputable. Before accepting the seller's word for the legitimacy of the object, ask for written verification, documentation of its provenance, or a copy of an estate insurance appraisal and bill of sale. There are also web sites where you may see lists of stolen items posted, with assistance in determining if the item you want has been reported as stolen. These sites are listed in the links.

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