As a brief update to the various scandals involving allegedly fraudulent vintage movie posters circulating in the marketplace, two stories published online today by the New York Times report that Kerry T. Haggard has been arrested on mail fraud charges. [Read more…]
Round-Up: More Media Coverage on Fraudulent Vintage Horror Movie Poster Scandal & Lawsuits
In the past few weeks, the scandals involving allegedly fraudulent vintage movie posters circulating in the marketplace has been covered by various online and print media outlets, including The Gainesville Times, The Athens Banner-Herald, and Rue Morgue Magazine. [Read more…]
New eBay Legal Development in the UK – Seller to be Fined up to £50,000 for Shill Bidding
The latest in a series of interesting legal developments related to eBay in the past few years, breaking news today is the case of an eBay seller in the UK who faces up to £50,000 in fines for shill bidding his own auctions. The Daily Mail reports this is the first case in which someone is being fined for such activities. [Read more…]
Revisiting Remote Online Bidding Auction Services: Comparing Auction Network, iCollector, LiveAuctioneers, Heritage Live
Following today’s Propworx Iron Man auction and the entertainment memorabilia event held by Heritage Auction Galleries last week, I thought it might be interesting to revisit the state of online auction remote bidding services active in the marketplace today. While there are a few options available, there are still some distinct differences in the quality and features of each service: Auction Network, iCollector, LiveAuctioneers, and Heritage Live. [Read more…]
AFP Report: Court Finds eBay “Guilty of Negligence” In Power Seller Fraud Case, Buyer Awarded $22,000
Per a report from the AFP, an Austrian court has found eBay to be guilty of negligence in a case about a buyer who used the auction site to purchase gold from an eBay “Power Seller” dealer, which he never received. [Read more…]
Editorial: Reaction To “What’s Hot In Hollywood Collectibles” Article By The Seattle Times
The Seattle Times published an article this week about collecting original movie props and costumes, presented as a Q&A interview with Antiques Roadshow appraiser Philip Weiss of Philip Weiss Auctions. As is typical with mainstream media coverage of the hobby, much of it is preoccupied with discussion of high prices realized at auction. However, there is also a focus on questions about authenticity and fraud (which I applaud), though some of the responses – particularly those about eBay – have prompted me to share some of my own personal opinions and reactions. [Read more…]
Superman Costumes in the Marketplace Archive: March 2010
This article continues coverage of Superman costumes and costume components offered for sale publicly in the marketplace attributed to use in the Superman films of the 70s-80s starring Christopher Reeve and characterized as “original” and “authentic”.
[Read more…]
Auction Fraud at Center of FBI & Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Report for 2009
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) issued their Annual Report a few months ago. Among the highlights is that auction fraud – a frequent topic in the hobby of collecting original television and movie props and wardrobe – was reported to make up one of four complaints made to the organization. [Read more…]