Top 10 +/- Clues That A Listing Is A SCAM

storm888 · June 19, 2006 3:24PM

Auction Language:

1. "My father died recently, and he never told me much about this card,
but I am pretty sure it is worth something to a collector."

2. "I wouldn't sell this card, but we are having a new baby and we need the
money."

3. "I wouldn't sell this card, but our new baby just died and we need the money."

4. "My grandfather used to own this card and he never let anybody see it so
I know it is a good card."

5. "My husband is away in the war and he told me to sell this card for him."

6. "I am a very religious person, so you don't need to be afraid to bid."

7. "I know the picture is not too good, but with my husband being paralyzed now, he
couldn't show me how to work the Nikon Digital camera."

8. "Those numbers on the plastic case are kind of blurry in the picture, but they are
123456789."

9. "Please don't ask for any more pictures because the card is in the bank safe-deposit
box and I will get it out of there before I mail it to you."

10. "I know this card is real because it is old."

11. "My neighbor thinks this card is very valuable and he offered to buy it for more than
I'm asking for it now, but I didn't sell it because I thought he might be trying to cheat me."

12. "Don't worry if the card is delayed in the mail because it will be sent as soon as possible."

13. "I'm not too sure how much this card is worth, but if you bid on it you will know."

14. "I can't take PayPal anymore because they ripped me off before." (This may only be a 50/50 scam-indicator.)

storm

rmoss · June 19, 2006 4:53PM

11. "My neighbor thinks this card is very valuable and he offered to buy it for more than
I'm asking for it now, but I didn't sell it because I thought he might be trying to cheat me."

BigRedMachine · June 19, 2006 7:52PM

Storm, good one.

Recently, my list of scam lines would have to include this one, very popular these days and a sure sign of a scam..........

"I am listing this card as a reprint/fake due to ebay policy, but it really is real"

shawn

Wizardsguildcards · June 19, 2006 8:32PM

14. "I can't take PayPal anymore because they ripped me off before."

Actually taking Paypal is usually a sign it could be a scam, if other things point to it. Paypal provides a quick out and the scammer can hide behind a fake name and address. and be long gone before Paypal catches up to them.

onlyanumber · June 19, 2006 8:54PM

15. "I took this card to three card dealers and all three said it was the real thing and offered me money for it, but I figured since they are rip off artists, I would put it on Ebay and let its' true value be determined"

TrailerParkBoy · June 19, 2006 9:13PM

"These are my ex-husbands (ex-boyfriends) cards but they are mine now"

"Im breaking up my collection worth 5 million dollars into 25 card lots"

itzagoner · June 19, 2006 9:28PM

One of my All-Time Faves: "This card has been kept in a screw-down holder since I've owned it, so it's Mint!"

FavreFan1971 · June 19, 2006 10:54PM

Even better,

This card is real, It passes the SMELL Test.

bsavage · June 19, 2006 11:16PM

"This card doesn't say reprint anywhere"

Allen · June 20, 2006 12:36AM

16. "DO NOT ASK TO PICK UP THIS CARD IN PERSON, I WAS ROBBED TWICE DOING THIS."

17. "PLEASE NO BIDDERS FROM THIS STATE DUE TO SALES TAX, ONLY BIDDERS FAR FAR AWAY FROM ME"

Downtown1974 · June 20, 2006 12:40AM

18. "I found this card in my grandfathers attic."

Allen · June 20, 2006 12:57AM

19. "I found this card in my grandfather's pants."

Downtown1974 · June 20, 2006 1:04AM

20. " I found this card in my grandfather"

onlyanumber · June 20, 2006 1:05AM

Just reread this to get a laugh and I realized...

"My husband had a heart attack and I'm selling off his collection."

montanafan · June 20, 2006 1:07AM

21 - my scanner does not work and i have no camera, but this is a nice card!

itzagoner · June 20, 2006 1:19AM

had ta add: "This is a great card, I know because the eBayer I bought from said so, and he has a perfect Feedback score of 1.....Mine!"

cjb1977 · June 20, 2006 1:25AM

Basically any card that has a backstory. Especially a backstory with an out for having to answer questions of origin, how it came to be in your hands, or any thing collectors like to know about a card before buying

incugator · June 20, 2006 2:14AM

If I come up with the brilliant idea for 'a group purchase'

bsavage · June 20, 2006 2:42AM

<< <i>If I come up with the brilliant idea for 'a group purchase' >>

SoonerCowboy · June 20, 2006 5:02AM

My scanner is broken (of course mine actually is).
My husband had a heart attack (There is a seller that has been using this line for a couple of years)

RichG · June 20, 2006 5:06AM

22. My son had his cards in storage and they were stolen. Can I either low ball you on some of yours or better yet, will you send me some for free?
Rich

AUPT · June 20, 2006 5:55AM

23. God Bless

jmbkb4 · June 20, 2006 6:22AM

34. God Bless America!!!! (((picture of flag waving)))

digicat · June 20, 2006 6:49AM

24. pictures of some kids and a dog, not the card.

montanafan · June 20, 2006 8:08AM

25 - if michael jordan is involved in any way, shape or form.

ever notice that about half the mj rookie transactions end up like this? i have been hosed two good times on jordan stuff, once purchasing a fake autograph ball like a complete noobie dumbass, and another time buying a "mint" fleer sticker that was a psa 5 on a good day.

stumpachino auctions? what the F was i thinking! jdsbullpen? am i crazy??????

well, i live and i learn.

ChrisC · June 20, 2006 8:13AM

Monday June 19, 2006 9:01 PM (NEW!)

I have just about every big name players BEST rookie, and if not, i have something of theres valuable, i have tons of set's/wax boxes, i owned a store which recently closed, i have 2-3 cases of topps ddp nfl, elite nfl, ultra nfl, and many other hot products, these are just the newest, e-mail me wantlists, and i can fill them, have all the big names, lebron, moss, manning, mcnabb, brady, vick, etc.... all there best rookies, a few jordan rookies on hand, and tons of vintage, it all must go, the sooner the better, shops closed, and dont want to have to pay for storage/etc. boxes of commons also avail, 5,000 ct. for $20 dlvd. buy 100K + and save on shipping, over 10 million commons avail., all sorted by sport... !!! most older sets assembled, and am willing to break to fill needs !!!

-------------------------
HUGE LIQUADATION, CARD SHOP CLOSED.

ChrisC · June 20, 2006 8:18AM

Could be wrong but this one was weird to me! No pictures, prices, phone, email or name and a newer member than myself! This was posted on the buy sell trade forum

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · June 20, 2006 8:26AM

PSA 9.5 Seller insisted in auction it was a PSA 9.5 Talk about RARE

It was a BGS 9.5 stolen pic of a Gordon uncut card

SDavid · June 20, 2006 8:34AM

"my loss is your gain"

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · June 20, 2006 9:20AM

Its graded GEM 10 by one of the most respected leaders in grading !!!

montanafan · June 20, 2006 9:22AM

26 - you might not have ever heard of me, but my authentication is well respected in this industry and one day soon i'm going to be one of the big boys.

27 - COA included!

iamthegreatcornholio · June 20, 2006 9:57AM

What's ironic is that some of the most scam-like auctions were legit. Does anyone remember the raw '52 Mantle RC that was an alleged ex-psa card? Basically someone sold a '52 Mantle saying it had been graded, but for whatever reason, he removed it from the holder. It turned out to be real and PSA graded it the same grade that he claimed it once was.