Bill Mastro and SCD Hobby Predictions

[perezfan]

Yes, he shilled his auctions, and yes, he hand-cut the Wagner. I acquired some of my best pieces from Mastro and Mastro-West, and spent lots of money with them. My name was on the "shilled list" when it came out many years ago, and I was not happy about it (to say the least).

Mastro was aptly punished via our legal system and served his time. Law Enforcement successfully went after the "top dog". Mastro was undisputedly the biggest in the hobby at the time. They made an example of him, and rightfully so.

But I know for a fact that other dealers, auction houses, etc. did the same exact things as Mastro (some to a greater extent; some lesser) with no negative ramifications at all. Outside of LOTG, I have never felt comfortable enough to leave ceiling bids with any of these "Titans" of the hobby". There has always been a sleaze factor, and it seems there always will be.

With time and experience you can limit the number of times you get played, but you can never completely expect to escape it. Just something you need to factor in if you collect this stuff.