Anthony's Llc Dismal PF Report Card = Follow Up To 10/23/17 Discussion

I understand that the opinions carry a certain weight. I have expertized hundreds of revenues for the PF over the last 10 years. However this dealer can also say he has spent 50 years in the business, and has seen millions of stamps. It's not simply "an expert vs an average or even above average collector" situation.

Rev - I respect your position. However, Anthony's cannot say that they have ever actually certified a stamp. The PF obviously does that as their sole occupation. A journeyman ironworker may have constructed hundreds of bridges. The stuctural engineer will be the one people turn to when it comes to the topic of whether or not a bridge is safe to travel over.

"I respect your position. However, Anthony's cannot say that they have ever actually certified a stamp."

I would even take it one further...Anthony's would have a problem saying that they ever sold a "rare" Philatelic variety that actually would certify.

You guys are arguing for no reason. You're (we're) all on the same side here.

Revcollector's point is simple - and accurate:

To prosecute a criminal case, you need proof - that stands up to legal scrutiny. He's not talking about a 'stamp' dispute - he's talking about the burden of convicting this guy in a court in NJ.

His point is that the guy can offer enough excuses to make it convoluted enough to ward off conviction. That the 'hurdles' to convict him are steep - and well beyond what we could consider 'proof' from a philatelic perspective.

The burden of proof in court is much higher. You would have to prove that he is negligently & willfully attempting to defraud customers.

And while I know he is, I would have a hard time putting forth proof to prove it.

(revcollector - please correct me if I am mischaracterizing what you're saying?)

It sounds to me like our original YoP has the most tangible proof of anyone thus far. I have nothing to offer - because I have not been burned by this guy. Those who have would have to be willing to come forward - and spend the time & effort (and potentially $$) to make their case....

Somehow we are now in Court. How about we start with concentrating on getting him on ebay's radar screen in a way that is tough to ignore. Focus the effort on the problem at hand that started this thread. Anthonys + ebay = Problem

If Anthony's has previously sold stamps and the listings used certs to promote them, I would think they would then have a hard time to then turn 180 degrees and question the validity of the opinions from the same source.
Don

mdroth-Yes, except you said it better then I did. I seriously doubt there is anything anyone can do to make ebay sit up and take notice. The 800 lb gorilla does not notice when he steps on a peanut shell.

The trash notwithstanding, Anthony's has certainly sold stamps that would get a good cert.

If Anthony's sold 100% garbage, they would not survive. Instead they sell a mixture:

Some stamps are fake.
Some stamps have hidden damage.
and some stamps are exactly what they are presented to be and fault free.

The problem is that most of the stamps are presented as the third category. I've seen Anthoy's sell stamps as Scott #315 that could not possibly be genuine. No doubt Anthony's knows what they are doing.

Fraud will always be with us. Close down Anthony's, and someone else will fill the void. Probably the best we can do is help educate people so they can tell what stamps are good and what are damaged/altered; what stamps are misidentified.

It isn't as much about shutting down Anthony's as it is shutting down Anthony's on ebay. Without ebay his damage would be far less.

MG's cover story is he has a behind the screen third person "describes" the write up his ebay listings. (true)

These "expert describers" disagree with the cert. findings he is containing. That way he pretends he did not make the mistake first hand and tries to avoid any culpability legally or morally.

This cover story is not likely true.

Let's face it three highly trained experts beat one conman 18 out of 19 times. PF got it right!

This case is cut and dry 95% FAKE. Commercially unreasonable period.

MG's story is complete BS. Stating the obvious here. His continuing communication with you would seem to indicate that he is worried and not taking getting caught this time lightly. And he probably is following this thread.

Good, I got his attention if he sees this thread.

I'm man enough to say I made a mistake falling for his BS and TRUSTING eBay/ASDA had my back on my learn-as-you-go hobby style. My mistake but not unethical or morally wrong in any way. And my wife is having a field day with this story! (priceless)

Where are you getting the idea that the same stamp would sell for $100 in both an auction and in a retail setting???

This is indeed a big part of the problem.




Even if there were an occasional bargain (which I question), they are feeding the beast. On the other side of the extreme, I hear from people who pay Bill Langs outrageous prices because "he has the material" as if it were the only item missing from their collections. There are better places to spend your money.