With this information you can go on Signingshotline and make sure the athlete actually signed at that date and location.

I always suggest that when you see a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) that has been issued by a company that with which are not familiar with.... Google the name of the company..... see what comes up.  Reputable companies are bound to have a website or have done some sort of advertisement online. 

See if the player your interested in has an exclusive contract with a particular company.  For example, Franco Harris (Steelers) is exclusive with Steiner, Troy Aikman (Cowboys) is exclusive with GTSM, Bart Starr (Packers) is exclusive with TriStar.  Remember, these athletes do signings at other shows with arrangements through their agents, but if you know when and where your item was signed, it helps to answer ALOT of these questions. 

Never buy an autograph unless the seller and or authentication company can give you detailed information about when and where the signing occured.  Be careful if all they say is, "It was signed at a private signing", but won't tell you when and where that occured.  If you check Signingshotline, a majority of all public and private signings are listed on that website.  There is even a tab where you can look up previous signings to see if the company issuing the COA actually did a signing with the athlete in question.

When in doubt, don't buy it.... most athletes are active signers and you will find another item in which you can have more confidence in.

This guide is intended to provide very basic information.  If you would like to learn more about AVOIDING FRAUD, please read this highly rated guide:  AVOID FRAUD

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