Posted By:
Aaron M.Thanks for the input leon. I know since Mastro is an advertiser on N54 and you are close with many of their employees, you (and many others) are hoping that the investigation doesn't uncover any wrongdoing.
Personally, I'm extremly suspicious. Rumors of Mastro shilling have been around for years, yes, we all know that. But Mastro seemingly willingly left itself open to those peristent ruomrs by continuing to allow Mastro employees to bid on Mastro lots (which may have been the least of what they were doing).
But there is some mighty suspicious circumstancial evidence building. First, when the FBI asked for Mastro's past bidding records and Mastro was unable to provide them (which in itself was a violation of the US Code). Now as the Feds have turned up the heat, Mastro's auction totals fall off a cliff.
I think if the above doesn't raise your suspicions, then you either have your blinders on or you aren't a responsible and educated collector.
In any case, I'm anxious to see what happens. I certainly don't think Mastro is alone in this practice (if they are guilty of shilling, card doctoring, or any other number of fraudulent and/or criminal activities), but since Mastro seems to be the center of the FBI's investigation (at least publicly), its outcome is going to have a profound effect to our hobby (sports cards, sports memoribilia, and non-sports cards will all feel it).
Whatever the outcome, I am extremly happy that at the least our hobby is finally getting a thorough look though by the federal government. If there's any wrong-doing, I'm sure they will uncover it. If not, then we can all move forward and bid with confidence.