What percent of autographs are fake?

According to the FBI, a stunning 70 percent of all autographed sports memorabilia are fraudulent.

Is it illegal to forge an autograph?

Yes, it is illegal to forge the signature of someone not related to you.

What is the most forged autograph?

PSA/DNA has released their latest list of the most forged sports autographs and it’s filled with all-time greats and current stars. Leading the way, once again, is Babe Ruth. Authentic signatures from the influential slugger command huge money on the secondary market.

Is it illegal to sell fake memorabilia?

Selling “replica” products is illegal in the United States, or any other designer ripoff (or, really, any product that is a copy of a version already protected by someone’s patent/copyright). You’ll likely be reported and may have your account banned.

How can you tell if an autograph is real?

How to Detect a Real or Fake Autograph

1. Turn it upside down. The best way to compare a signature is to turn it upside down.
2. Beware stamped signatures. Fake autographs are often mechanically reproduced.
3. Look closely at the ink.
4. Look for “robotic” tell-tale signs.

How many autographs on eBay are fake?

“The percentage of fake autographs being sold on eBay is easily 50 percent or more,” said an expert on counterfeit goods sold online. The purported signature of Donald Trump on a Bible that sold recently on eBay for $325 is fake, three authenticators said Wednesday.

What was Operation Bullpen?

The goal of this undercover operation was to infiltrate the forged memorabilia market and obtain recorded statements from those individuals who were identified as forgers, authenticators, and distributors of fraudulent memorabilia.

Are autographed sports memorabilia worth anything?

Whenever you’re buying autographed sports memorabilia, it’s essential to take precautions to avoid getting fooled. Authentic autographs can be worth hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Fake autographs are worthless.

Why authenticate your sports memorabilia?

But if a trusted source authenticates your item, the signature’s value increases. There is a demand for authenticated sports memorabilia. A Michael Jordan autographed basketball authenticated by UDA is worth hundreds of dollars more than the same basketball signed by Jordan without authentication.

How big is the sports memorabilia business?

That sentiment fuels a $12 billion licensed sports merchandise business and a $1.5 billion autograph market, according to SportsMemorabilia.com. Baseball alone accounts for 26\% of all memorabilia sales, but still ranks a close second to the 34\% of revenue generated by National Football League items.

Is Babe Ruth the most forged sports autograph ever?

PSA/DNA has released their latest list of the most forged sports autographs and it’s filled with all-time greats and current stars. Leading the way, once again, is Babe Ruth.