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-   -   FAKE packs and an FBI Fraud Investigation: What would YOU do? (http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=162027)

T205 GB 01-25-2013 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefferyepayne (Post 1078184)
I have no problem with your position at all. My only point is that we can either use this forum to constantly complain about grading companies, dealers, bad buyers, bad sellers, etc, etc, etc or try to improve the hobby when given the opportunity. If a dealer shows any sign of wanting to learn more about how to spot fakes, reprints, repacked packs, etc., I think we should take it as an opportunity to educate instead of pile on.

jeff

I am not sure that ignoring the issues and problems will solve anything. This board makes many aware of the issues out there to protect the hobby. A complaint about a seller or grading company can save someone $ in the end. I guess if you don't like how things are here then you can find another board to visit for info and warnings.

If your referring to probstein123 as "the dealer" then he deserves more than a questioning IMO. He can comment on this of all things but can't come here and reply to allegations of bidding fraud in his auctions. Why the intrest in this Rick? I think there is more than we know with this connection. This is just my opinion but something smells fishy.

Matthew H 01-25-2013 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefferyepayne (Post 1078184)
I have no problem with your position at all. My only point is that we can either use this forum to constantly complain about grading companies, dealers, bad buyers, bad sellers, etc, etc, etc or try to improve the hobby when given the opportunity. If a dealer shows any sign of wanting to learn more about how to spot fakes, reprints, repacked packs, etc., I think we should take it as an opportunity to educate instead of pile on.

jeff

Jeff, I don't see it as "complaining", it's more of a "calling out". If you or I, or anyone else starts doing something questionable, we should all expect a thorough bashing here on the board.

slidekellyslide 01-25-2013 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T205 GB (Post 1078260)
Why the intrest in this Rick? I think there is more than we know with this connection. This is just my opinion but something smells fishy.

Not accusing of anything, but just pointing out that the second post he ever made to Net54 was asking how many cards are in a pack of 1961 Fleer Basketball.

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=134536

whitehse 01-25-2013 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide (Post 1078272)
Not accusing of anything, but just pointing out that the second post he ever made to Net54 was asking how many cards are in a pack of 1961 Fleer Basketball.

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=134536

The funny thing about this link is the only person who answered him is an admitted shiller on this thread:

http://forums.collectors.com/message...42&STARTPAGE=2

Will this stuff ever end?

pepis 01-25-2013 01:24 PM

In thread #7 StarPaxMan wrote:



I'm curious to know how this was all brought out into the open. Was it by the pack submitter or did someone blow the whistle on him?[/QUOTE]

A litle before this thread was deleted the CU deleted another thread
(unopened packs with stars on top) was also deleted now if Dan can recover that thread
you'll find what got all this starded in page # 22

atx840 01-25-2013 01:38 PM

Page 1

Page 22

jwgators 01-25-2013 01:44 PM

http://web.archive.org/web/201012060...6&STARTPAGE=22

pepis 01-25-2013 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atx840 (Post 1078348)

Chris,
i see you founded now you need page #22 which is the start and continues for 3 or 4 pages,

atx840 01-25-2013 01:51 PM

jwgators beat me to it. :D

jwgators 01-25-2013 01:53 PM

Just trying to help solve the mystery...:)

WhenItWasAHobby 01-25-2013 02:16 PM

Here you go, from page 22 through 34 (the entire thread had 127 pages!):

22

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


23

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


24

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


25

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


26

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


27

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


28

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


29

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


30

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


31

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


32

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


33

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


34

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a

WhenItWasAHobby 01-25-2013 02:19 PM

Also, what I don't understand is that Page 22 was written in 2010. There seems to be a time disconnect if this is all the sudden a scandal. What am I missing?

pepis 01-25-2013 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atx840 (Post 1078357)
jwgators beat me to it. :D

I'm an older man dealer/collector for 44 years now and as a collector
51 years now,, my computer skills are limited, so is pretty impresive to me
how some of you can pull a rabit out of a hat sort of speak, anyways
the start like you see is in page 22 however the real kaos is in the next
2 or 3 pages

pepis 01-25-2013 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhenItWasAHobby (Post 1078369)
Here you go, from page 22 through 34 (the entire thread had 127 pages!):

22

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


23

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


24

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


25

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


26

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


27

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


28

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


29

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


30

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


31

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


32

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


33

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a


34

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...ient=firefox-a

Interesting Don,
this thread was deleted because what is in page 23 and you don't have
page #23 there you have page #22 twice you left the most important
post out!

WhenItWasAHobby 01-25-2013 02:51 PM

I fixed it.

Peter_Spaeth 01-25-2013 03:04 PM

Dan can you give a synopsis for those of us who would rather jump in a lake than wade through 50 CU threads?:D

slidekellyslide 01-25-2013 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth (Post 1078400)
Dan can you give a synopsis for those of us who would rather jump in a lake than wade through 50 CU threads?:D

It appears as though at least one bad pack (1973 Cello with Schmidt Rookie showing) originated from two of the biggest unopened material experts in the hobby.

Peter_Spaeth 01-25-2013 03:21 PM

And is this thought to be fraud or mistake?

slidekellyslide 01-25-2013 03:25 PM

I don't think anyone knows for sure, but this happened in 2010 so I am a bit confused why this is being brought up in this thread.

pepis 01-25-2013 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide (Post 1078407)
It appears as though at least one bad pack (1973 Cello with Schmidt Rookie showing) originated from two of the biggest unopened material experts in the hobby.

It gets better someone posted another equaly bad 73 psa pack trying
to defend the #1 guy, as to say 2 wrongs make a right

WhenItWasAHobby 01-25-2013 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth (Post 1078400)
Dan can you give a synopsis for those of us who would rather jump in a lake than wade through 50 CU threads?:D

Peter,

I'm still trying to wrap my head around all that's going on with these snippets of information.

Like Dan Bretta said, it appears that 1973 Topps cello with a Mike Schmidt rookie was resealed with a newer wrapper from the mid-70s. That discussion took place in 2010 and nothing serious came of it since the thread went on to grow to a 127 pages through 2012.

If you look at post #73 on this thread, there are links to a CU Thread where StarPaxMan is showing off an impressive selection of cellos. Unfortunately, the Google Cache feature didn't capture all the comments on the last several pages, but there was an open discussion even as late as last night regarding these cello packs as being "questionable".

I guess the only connection between the two CU threads is that authenticating cellos is allegedly a losing battle.

dzolot 01-25-2013 04:41 PM

I have an idea! Ask fellow hobbyists to "donate" money to your cause. Your cause is to collect enough money to reimburse you for the fake packs that you will open on youtube and expose as fakes. In your videos which I am sure will get thousands of views, you can solicit more money to rip/ reveal more bogus packs. Gets u out of your predicament, helps the hobby and all is documented for the FBI report : )

slidekellyslide 01-25-2013 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dzolot (Post 1078451)
I have an idea! Ask fellow hobbyists to "donate" money to your cause. Your cause is to collect enough money to reimburse you for the fake packs that you will open on youtube and expose as fakes. In your videos which I am sure will get thousands of views, you can solicit more money to rip/ reveal more bogus packs. Gets u out of your predicament, helps the hobby and all is documented for the FBI report : )

I like your suggestion, but you do need to put your name on your posts in this thread. Nothing personal...it's your first post and you probably didn't know that was a rule here in threads like this. Thanks!

HRBAKER 01-25-2013 05:14 PM

Just Another Day
 
Makes me glad I collect autographs rather than graded cell packs with stars on top, .....oh, wait

Makes me glad I collect high-end graded cards rather than cello packs with stars on top, .....oh, wait

HasselhoffsCheeseburger 01-25-2013 05:40 PM

I believe the Schmidt thread was brought up because Jose used that cello as his impetus to begin manufacturing his own. My take was that the Schmidt cello infuriated him and he set out on a quest to prove to the hobby just how easy it was to fake unopened cello packs (aka, making straight cash homie!)

pepis 01-25-2013 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HasselhoffsCheeseburger (Post 1078470)
I believe the Schmidt thread was brought up because Jose used that cello as his impetus to begin manufacturing his own. My take was that the Schmidt cello infuriated him and he set out on a quest to prove to the hobby just how easy it was to fake unopened cello packs (aka, making straight cash homie!)

I didn't get infuriated, but it did botter me specially when he did trow Paul
under the bus sort of speak Paul wasn't a close friend but he was sombody
that many times came over to compare notes when he saw me set-up
at some shows, however it was what i saw in the net that didn't look right,
all my friends told me to just look the other way, that i couldn't win
against a big company, most people don't have any idea how big this is.

Peter_Spaeth 01-25-2013 06:49 PM

Jose -- since obviously you are willing to talk about this, could you just take it from the top and explain what's going on? It's very hard to follow.

RGold 01-25-2013 06:59 PM

Peter, I like your new avatar. Rope-a-dope for you is quite afropos. :D:D:D

tsalem 01-25-2013 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth (Post 1078505)
Jose -- since obviously you are willing to talk about this, could you just take it from the top and explain what's going on? It's very hard to follow.

+1

WhenItWasAHobby 01-25-2013 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth (Post 1078505)
Jose -- since obviously you are willing to talk about this, could you just take it from the top and explain what's going on? It's very hard to follow.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

dzolot 01-25-2013 09:49 PM

Didn't know the rule. I am dzolot - im on the cu boards and over 100k views on youtube for my vintage cards under dzolot - look me up and enjoy the videos!!!

egbeachley 01-25-2013 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dzolot (Post 1078577)
Didn't know the rule. I am dzolot - im on the cu boards and over 100k views on youtube for my vintage cards under dzolot - look me up and enjoy the videos!!!

That's a cool name. Unfortunately my parents gave me a first, middle, and last name. I'm such a loser.

whitehse 01-25-2013 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dzolot (Post 1078577)
Didn't know the rule. I am dzolot - im on the cu boards and over 100k views on youtube for my vintage cards under dzolot - look me up and enjoy the videos!!!

That is great.....100K views!! Wow thats pretty good. Now please post your name as the rules indicate like the rest of us have to do.

Thank you.

pepis 01-26-2013 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth (Post 1078505)
Jose -- since obviously you are willing to talk about this, could you just take it from the top and explain what's going on? It's very hard to follow.

The story is long, 2 years in the making and an additional few more years in reasearch with plenty of graphic evidence i can only post here with Leon's ok.

I know how Erin Brockovich felt as I am now the Star Pack Environmental Activist.

Pepe

mcadams 01-26-2013 07:22 PM

Awful how you keep referring to yourself as a hero. Unless there was a con artist who faked sports memorabilia items somewhere in the Erin Brokovich movie.

Leon 01-26-2013 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pepis (Post 1078793)
The story is long, 2 years in the making and an additional few more years in reasearch with plenty of graphic evidence i can only post here with Leon's ok.

I know how Erin Brockovich felt as I am now the Star Pack Environmental Activist.

Pepe

It is, and always has been, the policy of this board to allow almost anything to be said, per the rules, as long as your name is by your post. As long as that is your real name, fire away. It's worth repeating that whatever anyone says in this forum they are legally liable for. That being said as long as you speak the truth, and are not breaking the law, you should never have anything to worry about. Of if you are breaking the law, and want to fess up, well, that is your right too. Someone called me on the phone a few hours ago asking about posting a thread talking about the biggest fraudsters in the hobby. I said I recommend against it, but as long as everyone has their full name in each post (mandatory) then so be it. I did recommend against it as I think it would be ugly, but I didn't say "no".

Matthew H 01-26-2013 10:49 PM

A "biggest fraudsters" thread would be great. Sure it would get ugly, but if someone in the hobby is ripping people off they deserve to be bashed in any and every way possible, IMO.

Wymers Auction 01-27-2013 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pepis (Post 1077946)
The packs that i was involved directly in altering that graded
are still in my posetion,, i call them proof and think only 12 people will see'm

Why is he still on this forum?

T206DK 01-27-2013 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew H (Post 1079120)
A "biggest fraudsters" thread would be great. Sure it would get ugly, but if someone in the hobby is ripping people off they deserve to be bashed in any and every way possible, IMO.

If you are talking about "Fraudsters" in the sportscard hobby industry, I highly doubt many on this board would go there....LOL. some of the people that would be "outed" are members of this board I dare say, and many on this board buy from these people and actually let themselves be ripped of time and time again 'cause "they just have to get that card". Meanwhile crooked dealer laughs as he transfers a small % of cash to his shill accounts PAYPAL addresses, and then deposits the rest in his bank account. Card collecting is a dying hobby and dealers such as the ones discussed lately are killing it faster. In 1997 there were 8 baseball card related shops in my smallish town. In 2007 there were none. Today there are none...
If you don't think there is MASSIVE fraud on Ebay you are in denial. I harken back to a post about flea marketers and cards that am pretty sure I made on this board in 2007 . I personally witnessed a SHILL MILL in operation in Warren County Ohio back then. 10 people 30 ebay accounts , all bidding on their employers and friends of their employers auctions around the country. back then it wasn't just sportscards they were shilling either, it was jewelry, antiques, cars, boats, game systems, etc.... you name it they will sell it.


- end of line

mcadams 01-27-2013 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T206DK (Post 1079187)
Card collecting is a dying hobby and dealers such as the ones discussed lately are killing it faster.

If you want to see the next generation of card buyers in action, go to blowoutcards.com and spend a week or two there. There are tons of kids, and I do mean kids, doing B/S/T on modern. None of those kids post here because they don't have interests in Tobacco-era now, but as those mostly teenage and 20-something collectors advance, some will develop interests in vintage as well. The avenues of trade have changed for sure, but collecting is not dying.

WhenItWasAHobby 01-27-2013 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wymers Auction (Post 1079144)
Why is he still on this forum?

Why do you ask? You may be right, but it's not clear to me so far. Please explain.

slidekellyslide 01-27-2013 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wymers Auction (Post 1079144)
Why is he still on this forum?

Because he puts his name on his posts, and we are not judge and jury. Do you have information that we should have?

Goodsport40 01-27-2013 02:46 PM

So has Jose ever explained this whole thing as requested?

If so I missed the explanation.

MBMiller25 01-27-2013 03:11 PM

Maybe it is, Maybe it isn't, but........
 
Quote:

f you want to see the next generation of card buyers in action, go to blowoutcards.com and spend a week or two there. There are tons of kids, and I do mean kids, doing B/S/T on modern. None of those kids post here because they don't have interests in Tobacco-era now, but as those mostly teenage and 20-something collectors advance, some will develop interests in vintage as well. The avenues of trade have changed for sure, but collecting is not dying.
Maybe it isn't, but I can only speak for myself when I say, I have sold almost $100,000 in collectibles since October of last year, due the fraud and corruptness in this hobby and outside of ripping my own wax packs and maybe buying Mint 80's rookies that brought me joy as a kid (who would Dr. $10 cards?) I am done with this hobby. No more week long National trips, no more going to card shows, no more of my money being circulated within the industry. I was never a heavy weight, and don't want to come off as being some high roller, but I did contribute a lot of money annually into this hobby. I used to own some difficult high graded post war cards, and that's all over. So say what you want about collecting not dying, but the hobby is nowhere near healthy enough to absorb collectors leaving the hobby, due to the corruptness that exists everywhere. There are some great people in this hobby, but there is also a bunch of scum (my word), that operate as Promotors, 3rd party graders, Auction Houses, Dealers, EBAY Consignors, etc, that allow their greed to potentially jeopardize a long standing hobby, and great memories for many of us. For that I say KARMA is a Bitch!

Jose, As someone that purchased 5 or so graded packs from you, I find no humor in what you did, nor do I view you a hero, irregardless whether I bought fake packs or not.

bubblebathgirl 01-27-2013 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBMiller25 (Post 1079457)
Maybe it isn't, but I can only speak for myself when I say, I have sold almost $100,000 in collectibles since October of last year, due the fraud and corruptness in this hobby and outside of ripping my own wax packs and maybe buying PSA 9 80's rookies that brought me joy as a kid (who would Dr. $10 cards?) I am done with this hobby. No more week long National trips, no more going to card shows, no more of my money being circulated within the industry. I was never a heavy weight, and don't want to come off as being some high roller, but I did contribute a lot of money annually into this hobby. I used to own some difficult high graded post war cards, and that's all over. So say what you want about collecting not dying, but the hobby is nowhere near healthy enough to absorb collectors leaving the hobby, due to the corruptness that exists everywhere. There are some great people in this hobby, but there is also a bunch of scum (my word), that operate as Promotors, 3rd party graders, Auction Houses, Dealers, EBAY Consignors, etc, that allow their greed to potentially jeopardize a long standing hobby, and great memories for many of us. For that I say KARMA is a Bitch!

Jose, As someone that purchased 5 or so graded packs from you, I find no humor in what you did, nor do I view you a hero, irregardless whether I bought fake packs or not.

Corruption is just a fact of life, as is greed and fraud. That's why it's important for the people who are a credit to the hobby to stand their ground and fight back.

People will fall on both sides of the conflict, and it's sad to see Matt go.

Maybe Matt, and others, will find inspiration to come back when they see those who do bad be held accountable for their actions.

HRBAKER 01-27-2013 03:58 PM

Corruption is a fact of life, but IMO this hobby seems to attract a disproportionate amount of people who are allergic to an honest day's work.

Wymers Auction 01-27-2013 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhenItWasAHobby (Post 1079231)
Why do you ask? You may be right, but it's not clear to me so far. Please explain.

Dan I was asking because he has admitted to faking packs. I really do not buy the Robin Hood story of trying to uncover the crooked PSA authenticator. I think he wanted to know if his packs could get past PSA and they did. I believe he sent them not to help the hobby, but to make more money in a crooked business. How would I know how to fake packs and get them past PSA if I were not in a crooked business. I do not think faking packs is a normal hobby for an honest hobbyist.

Wymers Auction 01-27-2013 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide (Post 1079263)
Because he puts his name on his posts, and we are not judge and jury. Do you have information that we should have?

No Dan just asking a question and you answered it to my satisfaction thanks.

CharleyBrown 01-27-2013 05:53 PM

Corruption has been a part of this hobby for a very long time... in different forms, no doubt, but it has always been here - just as it’s been a part of sports.

It seems as if its a disproportionate because the hobby is a strong focus of our lives. Many of has have a lot vested in it in terms of $, time, and passion, so naturally everything seems greater than it is.

As a teacher, I can tell you that the education system is equally corrupt..

I’m sure other hobbies deal with the same.

If corruption is driving u out, maybe u were in too deep with the hobby to begin with...

Spend time with family, and do other things that don’t involve the hobby.

Matt, to be honest - I think this hobby still means something to you, as you’re still here posting after having sold off much of your collection.

WhenItWasAHobby 01-27-2013 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBMiller25 (Post 1079457)
Maybe it isn't, but I can only speak for myself when I say, I have sold almost $100,000 in collectibles since October of last year, due the fraud and corruptness in this hobby and outside of ripping my own wax packs and maybe buying Mint 80's rookies that brought me joy as a kid (who would Dr. $10 cards?) I am done with this hobby. No more week long National trips, no more going to card shows, no more of my money being circulated within the industry. I was never a heavy weight, and don't want to come off as being some high roller, but I did contribute a lot of money annually into this hobby. I used to own some difficult high graded post war cards, and that's all over. So say what you want about collecting not dying, but the hobby is nowhere near healthy enough to absorb collectors leaving the hobby, due to the corruptness that exists everywhere. There are some great people in this hobby, but there is also a bunch of scum (my word), that operate as Promotors, 3rd party graders, Auction Houses, Dealers, EBAY Consignors, etc, that allow their greed to potentially jeopardize a long standing hobby, and great memories for many of us. For that I say KARMA is a Bitch!

Jose, As someone that purchased 5 or so graded packs from you, I find no humor in what you did, nor do I view you a hero, irregardless whether I bought fake packs or not.

Ditto for me. I'm not completely out of the hobby, but I'm spending about 3% of what I did when I was extremely active in the PSA registry. The pervasive corruption in this hobby is staggering.

I have nothing good or bad to say about Jose since there isn't clear, concise understanding about what has happened.

WhenItWasAHobby 01-27-2013 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wymers Auction (Post 1079542)
Dan I was asking because he has admitted to faking packs. I really do not buy the Robin Hood story of trying to uncover the crooked PSA authenticator. I think he wanted to know if his packs could get past PSA and they did. I believe he sent them not to help the hobby, but to make more money in a crooked business. How would I know how to fake packs and get them past PSA if I were not in a crooked business. I do not think faking packs is a normal hobby for an honest hobbyist.

Well besides admitting faking packs if you read post #57, Jose wrote:

The packs that i was involved directly in altering that graded
are still in my posetion,, i call them proof and think only 12 people will see'm


So far there's no clear proof he sold fake packs.

Rich Klein 01-27-2013 07:28 PM

A few examples of hobby problems
 
All were publicized at the time.

And this is from a recent article I wrote for Sports Collectors Daily

http://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com...ck-a-long-way/

Rich

Wymers Auction 01-27-2013 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhenItWasAHobby (Post 1079588)
Well besides admitting faking packs if you read post #57, Jose wrote:

The packs that i was involved directly in altering that graded
are still in my posetion,, i call them proof and think only 12 people will see'm


So far there's no clear proof he sold fake packs.

No problem Dan I would just agree to disagree.

pepis 01-27-2013 08:15 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by WhenItWasAHobby (Post 1079588)
Well besides admitting faking packs if you read post #57, Jose wrote:

The packs that i was involved directly in altering that graded
are still in my posetion,, i call them proof and think only 12 people will see'm


So far there's no clear proof he sold fake packs.

Dan, here is one of the samples, this packs top (Willie) card has a nasty
gum stain on back, and a tear that only okurs when the pack is opened,
Matt Miller and others at the CU were persistant with their offers traying
to buy it, but i couldn't sell it is an important part of my venture.
Jose

Sean1125 01-27-2013 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pepis (Post 1079659)
Dan, here is one of the samples, this packs top (Willie) card has a nasty
gum stain and a tear that only okurs when the pack is opened,
Matt Miller and others at the CU were persistant with their offers traying
to buy it, but i couldn't sell it is an important part of my venture.
Jose

So is that just a bad/resealed pack that got graded, or is the pack altered?

brob28 01-27-2013 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth (Post 1078505)
Jose -- since obviously you are willing to talk about this, could you just take it from the top and explain what's going on? It's very hard to follow.


Can you take a few minutes to explain, so we can be 100% certain of the story on this subject? I'm pretty sure we're all following along somewhat, but I'd appreciate hearing the whole story in your words.

TNP777 01-27-2013 08:54 PM

I've been trying to wrap my mind around this. Correct me if I'm wrong - Jose, are you saying you created bogus packs for the purpose of getting them past the graders at PSA (specifically Steve Hart) as an experiment to expose fraud... and are willing to risk incarceration as a result of said experiment? Am I understanding correctly?

I have to have missed something.

Leon 01-27-2013 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNP777 (Post 1079681)
I've been trying to wrap my mind around this. Correct me if I'm wrong - Jose, are you saying you created bogus packs for the purpose of getting them past the graders at PSA (specifically Steve Hart) as an experiment to expose fraud... and are willing to risk incarceration as a result of said experiment? Am I understanding correctly?

I have to have missed something.

You didn't miss anything. I think you hit the Nail on the head.

TNP777 01-27-2013 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leon (Post 1079685)
You didn't miss anything. I think you hit the Nail on the head.

Wow. In that case Jose's level of commitment makes CardCop look like a rank amateur.

Still shaking my head.

Wow.

brob28 01-27-2013 09:11 PM

What I can't figure out is if Jose sold any of the packs. When reading the OP, it seems to me David is saying several of these packs were sold?

Jose can you clear that up for me?

jonincleve 01-27-2013 09:13 PM

open the packs, have PSA grade them for free with their own flip 'real cards opened from fake packs'

drmondobueno 01-27-2013 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean1125 (Post 1079661)
So is that just a bad/resealed pack that got graded, or is the pack altered?

Sample of what? A pack you bought, or a pack you created and had graded? A pack you 'got' from someone? If so, who?

Jose, your dancing around questions is evasive. Your wording of your answers, and I am ASSuming, appears intentionally spun to tell your story the way you want to tell it. Or is it because you are not quite sure how to say it, I don't know. This whole thing is just wrong.

I asked several pages back about your statement of sharing info with 12 people. If this is a thinly veiled reference to a jury, good luck. If this is a reference to a Grand Jury, what are you doing here? Either way, tell it straight or do us all a favor and take a week or so off...

drmondobueno 01-27-2013 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drmondobueno (Post 1079696)
Sample of what? A pack you bought, or a pack you created and had graded? A pack you 'got' from someone? If so, who?

Jose, your dancing around questions is evasive. Your wording of your answers, and I am ASSuming, appears intentionally spun to tell your story the way you want to tell it. Or is it because you are not quite sure how to say it, I don't know. This whole thing is just wrong.

I asked several pages back about your statement of sharing info with 12 people. If this is a thinly veiled reference to a jury, good luck. If this is a reference to a Grand Jury, what are you doing here? Either way, tell it straight or do us all a favor and take a week or so off...

Sorry, Leon. My name is Keith Temple and I cannot spell worth a d$;n on an ipad

Griffins 01-27-2013 09:32 PM

Did you not sell a large number of packs to Muggyman and others?

TNP777 01-27-2013 09:36 PM

I was wondering about Muggyman the other day. What happened to that dude?

slidekellyslide 01-27-2013 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wymers Auction (Post 1079625)
No problem Dan I would just agree to disagree.

I honestly don't know Jose from Shinola, but there was a former poster on this board who successfully altered cards and got them graded by PSA as an experiment. I won't pass any judgement here until we see all the facts laid out.

1980scollector 01-27-2013 09:56 PM

I bought four or five PSA graded packs from Jose when I was in my pack collecting phase.


He would be the only one that could tell you whether they were "josemade" packs or authentic.

Never doubted their authenticity because they were in PSA holders.


My packs are long gone because I jump around on my collecting and sold my entire pack collection around a year ago.

However, here is two links that might be worth a look.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1972-TOPPS-C...p2047675.l2557


http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedi...pack-309001126

D. Bergin 01-27-2013 10:39 PM

This is certainly a fascinating thread.

After reading the whole thread my take on the translation of events is as follows.

Pepis was a wax/cello pack dealer and expert. He allegedly knows the ins and outs and possibilities based on sequences and such.

Pepis submitted a number of his own packs over the years to PSA for resale purposes.

Throughout the course of time Pepis became disillusioned when he saw, what he thought were bad packs, in PSA holders.

In order to test the system himself, he rigged up a bunch of bad packs on his own. They passed at PSA. He went public with PSA's authentication short-comings, based on evidence he planted himself into the system.

Pepis kept those altered packs in his collection as evidence.

In response, PSA placed an alert on ALL packs Pepis had submitted to them over the years.........leaving collectors he had sold to, holding the bag.

I hope this is the case, and he hasn't actually sold any of his altered packs.

pepis 01-27-2013 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNP777 (Post 1079681)
I've been trying to wrap my mind around this. Correct me if I'm wrong - Jose, are you saying you created bogus packs for the purpose of getting them past the graders at PSA (specifically Steve Hart) as an experiment to expose fraud... and are willing to risk incarceration as a result of said experiment? Am I understanding correctly?

I have to have missed something.

My original intention was to write a story about the unopened packs
corruption and that included everything the GAI/Shaqfu grocery pack thing
the x-mas racks the B.Kennert wax pack reconstracting and then the cello
pack thing showed up, here is my 1st note, i did talk to some people
about it, and then one or 2 of them alerted PSA and they called the FBI
on me about 8 months ago they told me i'm to small of a fish to fry so
i'm left trying to show the media it is a huge story.

Sean1125 01-28-2013 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drmondobueno (Post 1079696)
Sample of what? A pack you bought, or a pack you created and had graded? A pack you 'got' from someone? If so, who?

Jose, your dancing around questions is evasive. Your wording of your answers, and I am ASSuming, appears intentionally spun to tell your story the way you want to tell it. Or is it because you are not quite sure how to say it, I don't know. This whole thing is just wrong.

I asked several pages back about your statement of sharing info with 12 people. If this is a thinly veiled reference to a jury, good luck. If this is a reference to a Grand Jury, what are you doing here? Either way, tell it straight or do us all a favor and take a week or so off...

I have to agree at this point. From other info I've received it seems Jose isn't the angel he makes himself out to be.

S3AN.B4SS1K

glynparson 01-28-2013 03:20 AM

Kevin
 
Did not just get altered cards through psa but through all the grading companies including sgc and he posted proof on here with before and after pics.

WhenItWasAHobby 01-28-2013 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D. Bergin (Post 1079730)
This is certainly a fascinating thread.

After reading the whole thread my take on the translation of events is as follows.

Pepis was a wax/cello pack dealer and expert. He allegedly knows the ins and outs and possibilities based on sequences and such.

Pepis submitted a number of his own packs over the years to PSA for resale purposes.

Throughout the course of time Pepis became disillusioned when he saw, what he thought were bad packs, in PSA holders.

In order to test the system himself, he rigged up a bunch of bad packs on his own. They passed at PSA. He went public with PSA's authentication short-comings, based on evidence he planted himself into the system.

Pepis kept those altered packs in his collection as evidence.

In response, PSA placed an alert on ALL packs Pepis had submitted to them over the years.........leaving collectors he had sold to, holding the bag.

I hope this is the case, and he hasn't actually sold any of his altered packs.

Excellent synopsis! Thank you for posting that.

WhenItWasAHobby 01-28-2013 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glynparson (Post 1079764)
Did not just get altered cards through psa but through all the grading companies including sgc and he posted proof on here with before and after pics.

I was thinking about that also.

The problem is nobody ever grades the graders and when some finally does and exposes problems, the motives are typically framed with an evil intent.

Bpm0014 01-28-2013 08:25 AM

One simple question that may help clear up a lot of things...black or white....yes or no: Did Pepis ever sell an altered pack??

drmondobueno 01-28-2013 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bpm0014 (Post 1079816)
One simple question that may help clear up a lot of things...black or white....yes or no: Did Pepis ever sell an altered pack??

+1

Goodsport40 01-28-2013 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bpm0014 (Post 1079816)
One simple question that may help clear up a lot of things...black or white....yes or no: Did Pepis ever sell an altered pack??



If he responds and claims he did not sell altered packs will anyone believe it?

Runscott 01-28-2013 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goodsport40 (Post 1079831)
If he responds and claims he did not sell altered packs will anyone believe it?


Robert

It's post-war PSA stuff - probably most here won't care. There is plenty of pre-war card drama to keep most of us going, but call us if someone starts forging T206-era packs.

Matthew H 01-28-2013 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Runscott (Post 1079844)
It's post-war PSA stuff - probably most here won't care. There is plenty of pre-war card drama to keep most of us going, but call us if someone starts forging T206-era packs.

+1

The most shocking thing I've learned in this thread is that there's a market for 70's-80's cello packs. :D

tiger8mush 01-28-2013 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pepis (Post 1079734)
My oroginal intention was to write a story about the unopened packs
corruption ...

An honest request Jose: please hire fellow board member Barry Sloate to help with grammar before publishing the story. You will get a LOT more readers.

slidekellyslide 01-28-2013 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew H (Post 1079852)
+1

The most shocking thing I've learned in this thread is that there's a market for 70's-80's cello packs. :D

Put it in a plastic tomb, throw a number on it and encourage collectors to compete for the best number and it's instant gold.


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