So, what is the norm now?

[x2drich2000]

I think B or C are appropriate, but I would say it also depends on discussions with the consignor. With new information, the consignor may not want to go though with the sale as that could result in them suffering a loss. Instead they may want to pursue something with the TPG. Conversely, the consignor may still want to go through with the auction and then the AH must disclose the evidence of the alteration. Not disclosing the alteration is completely wrong and banning the consignor just doesn't make sense cause they could have bought the card in good faith based on the TPG grade and have nothing to do with creating the alteration.

Originally Posted by swarmee

Just returning the cards to the consignor to be resold a different way as unaltered doesn't cut it.

John, while I like this idea in theory, I can't see any AH opening themselves up to potential liability by doing so. The AH is not the owner of the card so if they aren't returning it in the same condition they received it, I could see someone making an argument that the AH damaged (lowered the value) of the card by removing it out of the TPG case without the owners permission.

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by x2drich2000

John, while I like this idea in theory, I can't see any AH opening themselves up to potential liability by doing so. The AH is not the owner of the card so if they aren't returning it in the same condition they received it, I could see someone making an argument that the AH damaged (lowered the value) of the card by removing it out of the TPG case without the owners permission.

The fact that the card is altered is what brings down the "value", not the slab with the fake number attached. Just continuing to play HOT POTATO with this crap is even more ridiculous.

[Johnny630]

It seems like if people think they can make money off said card it doesn’t matter either way altered or not.

Nothing has changed one bit over the years.....it’s always up to the person buying or biding...What I’ve observed over the years is that Nobody else can be held responsible or accountable other then yourself....

[Fred]

Crap, I just read the blowout forums thread that is linked in this thread. I feel like that kid that said "say it ain't so, Joe".

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by Fred

Crap, I just read the blowout forums thread that is linked in this thread. I feel like that kid that said "say it ain't so, Joe".

You should read a lot more blowout threads then...

[Casey2296]

Man, those blowout guys have the best graphics.

Seriously, option "B" at the very least. I would respect an auction house that in light of new information takes action and maintains transparency. Then everybody can make their own informed decision after that.
If the new information is in question, then pull the lot until it is not in question. As an auction house your reputation is all you have.

[Jetsfan]

Ethically, I don’t think you leave the auction running knowing that it was altered, and kept in the current slab, even if you disclose the alteration in the description. That leaves way too much potential for carrying the fraud forward. I think you have to pull the card.

[Rhotchkiss]

While I think B is certainly acceptable, if it were my shop, I would want nothing to do with the sale of a graded, but likely altered card. So I would pull the card. Thus....

C

[Natswin2019]

B or C would be the most appropriate responses IMO.