Hoping your New Year started well and with the thrill of securing that terrific January Sale item we felt it only fair to warn you of a prolific scam, unfortunately on the increase. As the UK's leading designer authentication and appraisal specialists, we enjoy a bargain as much as anyone else.
Due to the alarming rise in enquiries to Delortae Agency, we have noticed there is a new fraudulent activity that is on the increase, we have dubbed it 'Scam In A Box'.
When Royal Mail and other postal services recently imposed heavy penalties for their services being used by counterfeiters for transporting their 'wares' they have implemented a new scam.
Scammers will post pictures of the item they have for 'sale' and advise buyers due to the value of the item they will send by mail with signed delivery to ensure safe receipt. Some may also add they have been a victim of buyers who have falsely claimed they have not received items before and this will protect both parties.
The buyer then pays for the item and awaits delivery of their new 'purchase'. After considerable delay the buyer will indeed receive their parcel, which they will duly sign for, only to discover once opened that there is something completely different in the box of considerably lower value, most times nothing at all!
Once the buyer signs for the item it is then their word against the seller's that they have not received the item they had paid for as the seller can show that the item was signed for and will of course insist they sent the correct item and the buyer is the liar.
Disputes that run like this usually means the auction site will no longer wish to be involved and advise the buyer that the dispute will have to be settled in small claims court and will remove themselves from the situation and responsibility.
Please be very cautious as steps are taken to tighten up on counterfeit activity the 'thieves' will come up with even more elaborate schemes to separate us from our hard earned cash!
If you have an item that you would like to buy, our Auction Online Photo Opinion Service will help to establish if the item is authentic. What it cannot do of course, is tell you if the item is indeed in the seller's possession, often stock pictures are posted or if they even intend to send it! (Many of the advertised items are posted several times, same pictures, same seller)
If you need further help or advice please contact authentication@delortaeagency.co.uk. We have an Auction Online Photo opinion service and provide written statements for refunds on counterfeit purchases. Delortae Agency have written guides on safe buying on auction sites that may prove helpful and one is available for download below.
Safe and Happy Bidding!
Delortae Agency Authentication Team
What To Do If You Have Won A Counterfeit Item FREE DOWNLOAD
www.delortaeagency.co.uk
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