From high-end antiques to Dinky Toys and Star Wars figures, fraudsters have devised numerous ways to make you believe an item is genuine. Kayleigh Davies, an antiques and collectibles specialist at Auctionet, warns that internet sales have given scammers a much wider audience.
Davies recalls a vase supposedly from French luxury glass-maker Lalique. The seller had paid someone to engrave 'Lalique' on the bottom, thinking it would add value. 'It was a perfectly nice vase we would have sold if he hadn’t had it engraved, but we had to turn that away,' she says.
Common tricks include restoring cracks in vases to hide damage, repainting old Dinky Toys cars to rare colours, and placing cheap Star Wars figures into replica original packaging. Buyers should examine items closely: antique glass, for instance, will have scuffs on the bottom from use.
Davies advises: 'If something doesn’t look right, ask a question. If it’s a fake, the seller will probably double down and won’t want to give you any more information.' Be wary of electrical items with faulty wiring, and autographs without clear provenance—preferably a video of the person signing.
Online platforms like eBay prohibit counterfeit sales and offer money-back guarantees. Citizens Advice notes you have a legal right to a refund for fakes. If the seller refuses, you can initiate a chargeback via your bank for debit card payments or items under £100 on credit cards, or make a Section 75 claim for credit card purchases over £100. Report suspicious sellers to Report Fraud or Trading Standards through Citizens Advice.
