Essential
Autograph Scams — How to Avoid Fakes & Fraud
The autograph market is unfortunately full of scams, forgeries, and fraudulent sellers. Here's how to protect yourself and your wallet from the most common schemes.
Common Scams
- •Fake COAs from unknown or made-up authentication companies
- •Pre-prints sold as hand-signed autographs
- •Secretarial signatures passed off as authentic
- •Counterfeit hologram stickers mimicking PSA/JSA/Beckett
- •Bait-and-switch: showing authenticated item but shipping a fake
Red Flags
- •"Comes with COA" from an unknown company — worthless
- •"Guaranteed authentic" with no third-party verification
- •Prices too good to be true (a $50 "signed Mike Trout baseball")
- •Seller won't provide close-up photos of the signature
- •Bulk listings of high-value autographs at low prices
How to Protect Yourself
- •Only buy from sellers with strong reputations and reviews
- •Require PSA, JSA, or Beckett authentication for items over $100
- •Verify hologram numbers in the authenticator's online database
- •Use platforms with buyer protection (eBay Money Back Guarantee)
- •Compare the signature to known exemplars before purchasing
Where Scams Are Most Common
- •Facebook Marketplace and Facebook groups
- •Instagram direct sales from "autograph dealers"
- •Flea markets and swap meets
- •eBay listings with generic COAs
- •Tourist shops near stadiums and arenas
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
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101 Pre-Screen is AI-assisted guidance, not professional authentication or an appraisal. Opening a tool does not save a piece, spend a scan or change your plan.
101 Pre-Screen is an AI-assisted opinion, not authentication or an appraisal.