How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Scammers: Common Fraud Schemes in the World of Collecting

One of the oldest and most common scams in collecting is the sale of high-quality copies disguised as genuine rarities. Modern technology allows for the creation of counterfeit antiques that can be difficult for even an experienced eye to distinguish from the original. Coins, stamps, paintings, porcelain, and jewelry are especially common targets for forgery.

Published on November 27, 2025•4 min read

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Collector's Guide

Tags:#collecting #fraud #antiques #forgeries

Forgeries and Copies: How to Separate the Wheat from the Chaff

Term	Description
Original	A genuine item created in the stated time period by the specified author or manufacturer.
Copy	An item created to imitate an original, often without malicious intent (e.g., a museum copy for exhibition).
Forgery (fake)	A copy created with the specific intent to deceive and sell it as an expensive original.
Reproduction	An item made at a later time using old technologies or molds, often legally and with appropriate markings.

Scammers skillfully imitate materials, hallmarks, signatures, and even signs of aging, such as patina or craquelure. It is important for a novice collector to understand the difference between the terms often used to describe items.

Understanding these distinctions helps to correctly evaluate offers on the market. One should always be skeptical of items with a 'perfect' history that are sold at a price significantly below market value.

Auction Traps: Price 'Shilling' and Hidden Defects

Online auctions have given collectors access to a global market, but they have also given rise to new types of fraud. One such scheme is price 'shilling'. This is a practice where the seller or their associates place fake bids on their own lot to artificially inflate its price and provoke excitement among real buyers.

Recognizing such a scheme can be difficult, but there are several warning signs to look out for. A safe purchase at an auction requires composure and attention to the behavior of other bidders.

There are certain signs that may indicate possible price 'shilling':

Unnaturally rapid bid increases. Especially when the same bidder constantly outbids any offer by the minimum increment.
Participation from accounts with zero or very low ratings that are only active on a specific seller's lots.
A sudden stop in bidding after reaching a certain, predetermined price ceiling set by the seller.
Bids are retracted shortly before the auction ends, leaving the previous bidder with an inflated price.

Another trick is concealing defects. A seller might use poor photo angles or vague wording in the description to hide cracks, chips, or signs of restoration.

Auction traps: price 'shilling' and hidden defects

Safety Checklist: How to Vet a Seller

The seller's identity is a key factor in the security of any transaction. Before placing a bid or making a purchase, it is necessary to conduct a thorough check. This is especially important for transactions on online platforms where it's not possible to meet in person. A careful analysis of the seller's profile will help avoid many problems.

By spending a little time researching the seller, you can get a fairly complete picture of their reliability. Here is a basic checklist to help you make an informed decision.

Study the rating and review history. Read not only the positive but also the negative comments. Sometimes one detailed negative review speaks volumes.
Pay attention to how long the seller has been registered on the platform. Sellers who have been active for years generally value their reputation more than newcomers.
Analyze the seller's other lots. If they specialize in one area (e.g., numismatics or porcelain), that's a good sign. However, if they are selling items from completely different and unrelated fields simultaneously, it's a reason to be wary.
Ask clarifying questions about the item. Request additional photos, ask about the item's history. A reliable seller will respond willingly and to the point.
Assess the quality of communication. Evasion of direct answers, rushing, or pressure are bad signs.

Attention to Detail: What to Look for in a Lot Description

The lot description and photos are your primary source of information about the item. Scammers often take advantage of buyers' inattention by writing ambiguous descriptions or publishing low-quality images. Verifying an item's authenticity begins with a thorough examination of all provided materials.

Don't take grand epithets like 'unique' or 'museum-quality' at face value. Only verifiable facts matter. Focus on specific details and don't hesitate to ask for more information if something raises doubts.

What to pay special attention to in the product listing:

Quality and quantity of photos. Pictures should be clear, taken in good lighting, and from different angles. There must be close-up photos of hallmarks, signatures, and any existing defects.
Detail of the description. A good seller always indicates the exact dimensions, weight, material, and period of creation of the item.
Mention of restoration and defects. Phrases like 'condition consistent with age' can hide serious damage. Look for a direct indication of chips, cracks, scratches, or signs of restoration.
Presence of information about provenance. The history of ownership of an item significantly increases its value and is a confirmation of its authenticity.
Clear terms of sale and delivery. Make sure you understand all the conditions of payment, the cost and method of delivery, as well as the return policy.

Attention to detail: what to look for in a lot description