8 Scams to Avoid When Buying NFL Collectibles at Online Auctions

Are you scouring the Earth for NFL sports memorabilia? If so, then you have many sources from which to choose. These include several offline and online resources, such as nfl stores. Another option is the online auction. Such sites are increasing in popularity. They provide you with the ability to secure used items at reasonable prices. Nevertheless, as with any type of purchase, you must be aware of various types of scams. Here are some examples:

1. Bid Shielding: In this situation, the seller is a victim of this scam. Buyer A places a low bid. Then Buyer B places an extremely high bid. At the last possible time, Buyer B withdraws his bid, thus allowing Buyer A to buy the item at the rock-bottom price.

2. False/deceptive descriptions

Watch out for information that is wrong, and information that is missing. The description should be clear and detailed. Be wary if the seller provides no description at all! Compare the description with the picture.

3. Incorrect feedback

Be wary of sellers with flawless feedback. While this could mean that the seller is completely honest, it could also reveal that the seller is posting phony feedback. As a general rule, average feedback is realistic; you cannot please all of the people all of the time.

4. Phony photos

Perform many checks to verify that a picture is genuine. Verify that no areas seem unclear or hazy. Also, verify that the picture matches up with the description. Save the picture and print it out, for future reference.

5. Shilling: This is the most recurrent type of scam. The seller and his or her cronies bid at higher prices, so when you "win," you actually lose. That is because you purchase the NFL collectible at a higher price than you normally would have.

6. Stolen or pirated items

If you suspect that an NFL sports memorabilia item that you received is pirated or stolen, contact the seller. Ask where and how they bought the item. Confirm this information with the original supplier.

7. Switch and return

Be wary of a buyer who swaps the original item you sent him, with an item that is copied, older, or broken; and then requests for a refund. Before sending any items, take photographs of them and record their serial or model numbers. If you catch a buyer using the "switch and return" scam, inform him that he must send payment for re-shipping, before you will return the item.

8. Undelivered products

If you have paid for your item, yet have not received it, take certain actions. Contact the seller. The next step is to contact the auction site, and be ready to supply them with any official documents about the transaction. In the U.S., failure to deliver products is classified as mail fraud.

When buying NFL collectibles via online auctions, be wary. It can certainly be a convenient way to secure sports memorabilia for your collecttion. However, falling for a scam can make you a loser in an online transaction.

Read some useful information to make a succesful NFL online auctions purchase.