How to get ripped off by SCP Auctions & Sotheby's

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Posted By: Corey R. Shanus

To be crystal clear on this point, I do NOT believe that if an auction house has done nothing illegal, then it has done nothing wrong (ethically). I do not believe I have said anything in my previous posts inconsistent with that statement. In fact from my previous posts on other threads, I would have thought it was clear how I feel about auction ethics. I have been a vocal proponent of the view that the failure of an auction house to disclose prior grading history constitutes fraud, and the failure to disclose that a statistically significant percentage of graded cards are altered is ethically wrong and very well might constitute fraud. I also have characterized the practice of auction houses to place house bids on behalf of consignors to be "legalized fraud" (i.e., it might be permitted by law but it is still reprehensible and done with intent to mislead).

I fully understand and sympathize with your frustration, and I truly hope the matter works out to your satisfaction. However, I don't think I or any other attorney would be doing you any favors by opining what a great case you have, inducing you to spend significant legal fees and then having you both lose the case and be out-of-pocket the legal fees.

EDITED for spelling