What % of signed cards on ebay are forgeries ?

[khkco4bls]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

Meaningless question, as it cannot be answered with any degree of accuracy. (Especially by those who have been decrying eBay as "getting worse" for the last ten years or so. You'd think they'd be up to 100% fake by now.)

Lot's of them are fake. Each must be judged independently. Look for trustworthy, knowledgeable sellers, and do your own homework.

(And, BTW, stop being so lazy. Maintain some standards. Use real words instead of "r," and "u.")

really D..

[egri]

My theory is that it depends on the player. A forger is not going to get rich cranking out fake Cloyd Boyer autographs, so you're probably safe there, but for big stars and players who died young, stick with reputable sellers.

[yanksfan09]

Too many variables to even give an educated guess. Only talking cards? or all signatures? Star players? no name guys etc...?

I'd assume almost all manufacturer authenticated modern day cards are real. like the topps certified cards inserted in packs. However it gets a little more dicey when you get into the old player cuts that are inserted into modern card creations.

Unauthenticated autographed cards of major stars would certainly be the biggest area of fakes....

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by khkco4bls

really D..

It's the professor in me. ;-)

[bnorth]

I would guess most of the lower end in person/TTM autos on eBay are fake. I have a friend that played with Griffey and Johnson in Seattle. I have got a ton of autos from him and when I compare them to the ones being sold on eBay only about 10% at most are actually his.

Yes nobody autographs don't sell for more than a few $ each but nobody is going to send in a $5 auto for authentication. It is all about quantity. Sell 20 fake $5-$10 autos a week on eBay and that is $100-$200 a week cash in there pocket with little to no risk.

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Yes nobody autographs don't sell for more than a few $ each but nobody is going to send in a $5 auto for authentication. It is all about quantity. Sell 20 fake $5-$10 autos a week on eBay and that is $100-$200 a week cash in there pocket with little to no risk.

I think there are a lot more of these types than anyone wants to think. It's like the Dollar Store for forgers.

There is one eBay seller that has a never ending supply of astronaut signed 3x5 cards. Low priced shuttle astronauts who will sign through the mail for free, yet they are all fakes. And for years he has been selling a dozen or two a week for $3 - $10 each. I'm sure there are many more like this in sports, entertainment, etc.

Obviously some areas and price points are safer than others, but never assume someone won't stoop so low as to fake anything.

[thetruthisoutthere]

Originally Posted by Mr. Zipper

I think there are a lot more of these types than anyone wants to think. It's like the Dollar Store for forgers.

There is one eBay seller that has a never ending supply of astronaut signed 3x5 cards. Low priced shuttle astronauts who will sign through the mail for free, yet they are all fakes. And for years he has been selling a dozen or two a week for $3 - $10 each. I'm sure there are many more like this in sports, entertainment, etc.

Obviously some areas and price points are safer than others, but never assume someone won't stoop so low as to fake anything.

+1

The kitchen table forgers continue to run amok on Ebay.