Assumptions about TPG

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Throttlesteer

Peter, I didn't say it was new...just on the rise. We had a board member bid $6000 on a Mantle that a respected AH had for sale. It took PSA to review to sniff it out. That's a little different than my experience over the years. But, I could be less in tune than others to the trend.

IMO it's not on the rise, it's been a constant issue. There was a much higher profile bad Mantle in an auction a while back, Goodwin maybe. And people wanting a Mantle should educate themselves as to the basics of how to spot a fake. It isn't foolproof, but people don't seem to know even the basics about the two variations, the distinctive marks of a genuine one, missing pixels, alignment of the back text, etc.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

people don't seem to know even the basics about the two variations, the distinctive marks of a genuine one, missing pixels, alignment of the back text, etc.

Theoretically, in a respectable slab, they shouldn't need to.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by conor912

Theoretically, in a respectable slab, they shouldn't need to.

In a world where people are putting fakes into real looking slabs, and people are getting burned constantly, they do need to. Or buy blindly and hope it works out.

[swarmee]

This is just as much on the sellers as PSA. PSA has newer BGS style holders that are tougher to crack, and can no longer be peeled apart easily like SGC holders. (SGC is expected to roll out new holders next year?)

It's up to the sellers and auctionhouses to review their items before listing them, and using the PSA reholder service liberally if they think it's costing them any money. The card is obviously wrong and the image of the holder of the Mantle was obviously frosted at the top.

PSA is to blame for plenty, but scammers gonna scam. Maybe it's worthwhile to start a thread on commonly faked/resealed cards so there's at least a reference as to which cards should be double-checked for authenticity no matter which holder or flip it's in.

1952 Topps Mantle
1951 Bowman Mantle
1982 Topps Traded Ripken PSA 10
1933 Goudey Babe Ruths
1948 Leaf Babe Ruth
1959 Fleer Ted Williams "Ted Signs"
...

[Peter_Spaeth]

33 Gehrig. PSA 10 Montana I believe was a Mexican fave. Jordan of course.

[SetBuilder]

One idea is to put a high resolution image of the card (or auto) on the website to go with the cert # on the slab. That will stop 80% of the fraud, because the fraudster would have to reproduce the same exact creases, blemishes, stains, color, and corner wear, etc. A lot harder. Also more data storage cost for PSA.

Those slabbing machines are readily available. What's to stop an enterprising conman from buying a plane ticket to China or some other place and having an exact plastic mold made of the PSA slab? The Chinese don't care about America and will gladly steal as much IP as they can.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

In a world where people are putting fakes into real looking slabs, and people are getting burned constantly, they do need to. Or buy blindly and hope it works out.

Wasn't that part of the point of slabs to begin with? To bring buyers with limited knowledge into the hobby and give them piece of mind?

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by conor912

Wasn't that part of the point of slabs to begin with? To bring buyers with limited knowledge into the hobby and give them piece of mind?

And therefore what? On certain cards it hasn't worked out that way so what's better, take some time to educate yourself or moan that things should be otherwise?

[conor912]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

And therefore what? On certain cards it hasn't worked out that way so what's better, take some time to educate yourself or moan that things should be otherwise?

You sound like you need a hug.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by conor912

You sound like you need a hug.

Because I'm suggesting that people inform themselves? Sure, if you say so.

[Johnny630]

Education of the cards with boots on the ground knowledge is the best scam prevention I can think of. People who blindly trust the TPG are not doing themselves a favor. TPG have done one this for us all good bad or indifferent that’s commoditization if said card in slab. Follow the money that’s what it’s about when it comes to grading. Registry and Pop Report are two of the most brilliant marketing platforms ever when it comes to TPG. They know rich folks or even regular guys like me are competitive, registry drills that home. Investors chase pop report. This is all theoretical and most may think BS sorry I’ve gotten way off on this thread. Please be careful of fakes. If it looks to good to be true it probably is.