Having a celebrity’s autograph can be an exciting hobby. Or perhaps you want a former rock-star, President, or sports person. They all can be found in abundance on the Internet, especially on Ebay. But, as with any commodity, there is a problem. They aren’t all real. Is that a shock? Do I mean that someone might knowingly sell something fake on the web? Of course they tell you it’s a real signature and even offer up what is called a COA or LOA, which means a certificate or letter or authenticity which states that, in someone’s opinion, they are the real thing. But that’s usually a piece of paper with very little authority behind it, even when the COA is issued by a supposed “expert” group, such as PSA/DNA, GAI, or James Spense. They have been known to be wrong at times. Because, unless you were a witness to the signing, you are still just giving your opinion.
     Presently, the hottest autograph is anything signed by Barack Obama, so his signature is the most sought and the most faked. People are spending $650 for any signed book by him, so they are jumping on that bandwagon and copying his famous “B”and “O” with a slash, themselves.  Other famous autographs are of Paul McCartney (or any Beatle), Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Mickey Mantle, Neil Armstrong, John Wayne and most big stars from the past. Babe Ruth, and historical figures such as Abe Lincoln, and Ben Franklin command huge sums. Once again, they can and are, faked. So you must do your homework.
     RR Auctions, Christies, Sotherby’s, Historyforsale.com, and Heritage Auction Galleries, can be places to find good verified examples of the signatures to use for comparison. Take the time to make your own judgments first. Or, if buying on Ebay, use an online service to pre-check the signatures such as those offered by PSA or GAI. If you are going to a website, check on ripoffreport.com or do a Google search and add “scam” or “fraud” after the name of the website. Often, someone else that was taken will post a report or tell how they were scammed.
     A few sites to avoid, based on these reports could be Coaches Corner (myccsa.com) and NE Autograph (neautograph.com). This one specializes in posters, but a simple check reveals that the autographs are poor attempts to replicate real ones. Plus they don’t respond to emails if you are unhappy. So stay with those companies that are qualified dealers and members of the UACC, the Universal Autograph Collectors Club, or other organizations that have some basic standards.
     Finally, use common sense. A Babe Ruth signed baseball for $100 is an obvious fake. They typically sell for at least $1000 in poor condition. If you feel you have been ripped-off, contact the dealer. Pay by PayPal or credit card and be prepared to stop payment if necessary. Don’t spend more than you can afford to lose and if it looks or sound suspicious, leave it alone. There will always be another opportunity to get that amazing autograph somewhere. Just be patient. I’ve been a collector for several years and have been taken a half-dozen times. But I have learned from my mistakes and that’s why I’m writing this article. It’s a way of helping others that will also buy a fake, regardless of how careful you are. You have been warned, so good luck.