'Operation Bullpent' agent's tips on buying autographed memorabilia

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Once again, for what it is worth, here are some tips from Tim Fitzsimmons, who was the FBI agent in charge of the “Operation Bullpen” crackdown on sports forgeries a several years ago.
1. If the price is too good to be true, it is probably a fake.
2. Certificates of authenticity are not guarantees of authenticity.
3. Authenticators could be in on the scam or simply fooled by a high-grade fake.
4. A photograph of an athlete or celebrity signing an autograph is no guarantee the item is authentic.
5. An individual or company having a paid signing session with an athlete or celebrity is no guarantee of authenticity. The FBI found crooks mixing phony items with real items.
6. The method of selling the memorabilia should not affect skepticism about the items. Forgers often sell items through charity auctions to lend credibility to a phony item.
7. Before purchasing autographed memorabilia, especially vintage or deceased athlete/celebrity memorabilia, ask questions about the history and circumstances relating go the autograph.
8. If an individual is seeking an autograph of a current player, send a request for an autograph directly to the athlete's team. (This one only helps if you write to the team asking for the name of the company that has the athlete's exclusive rights.)

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