They Are At It Again.....

The problem with deception is that it is hard to prove. The fact that Anthony's is selling altered, worthless stamps that are misrepresented is not disputable. Whether they are just buying cheap stamps, and passing along their "bargains" to their customers vs altering and purposely deceiving is the million dollar question.

They are supplying what the ignorant or naive collectors demand, probably "by any means necessary".

I think that these are aimed at beginnning collectors. They're so appealing !
It's not a crime to be naive.

Deja vu!

There is so much material like this around at this point that it is very unlikely that they are producing it themselves. Almost any large lot or large collection has at least a few items like this either mixed in or as part of a reference collection. Some large lots are full of them.

I've tried a new way of getting dishonest sellers noticed by ebay. I write a note to the people bidding or who have bought, clear fakes that they know they are selling as fakes. The customers call ebay over being ripped off--works GREAT! I know, I have done it several times now for different reasons (not stamps), and once the buyers know, it's on and they take care of the rest. Ripped off people are very effective at getting action, they are pissed off and rightly so. Then ebay monitors the sellers account, if they are caught doing it again, shut down. If they pop up again under a new seller name, it won't be long before someone see's them again and busted.

I have been on the phone with ebay several times regarding issues, and so far, 100% resolution, including getting one seller busted and they are monitoring their account.
Just a thought for anyone who really wants to mess with these crooks. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Take 'em down! They are ripping off someone's parent, brother, sister, child, innocent people, most of them anyway. The crooks don't have to win if the village stands up and says no more. Think of the satisfaction you would get if just one of these slime balls were taken down, stamp board cocktail celebrating party! We can share our stamps with alcohol on them. Are there any, lol! Pick one and everyone go for it, why not?

How can i/we contact a bidder of stamps or anything else?

I am not an ebay seller. Just a buyer.

"How can i/we contact a bidder of stamps or anything else?

I am not an ebay seller. Just a buyer."

My mistake, I have contacted buyers that were bidding on my items, I see when it is someone else's item, you cannot contact them. Did this several times with buyers who screwed me then went on to screw over other sellers,. ebay insists on a phone call for fraud listings, which I have also done, and they are monitoring that seller's account. Another fraud attempt and they are suspended. Hit them in their pocket book, that sends a very strong message, we are watching you little crook.

Seems that is the only way. Think Sports, the best defense is a great offense. If they know you will go after them, watch them change FAST or get shut down. Do nothing, they get away with it and start trying to sell more and more at higher prices.

It's true most of the time, Together We Stand, Divided We Fall, or It Takes A Village. Imagine what would happen if a ton of people from this board started calling ebay and pointing out the same seller(s)? Especially if you know your stuff and sound extremely educated in the stamp world. They may not do anything with one call, but they will if they get several. I called on one person and was told they were aware and now have a monitor on them. Obviously, I was not the first caller, but my call got them busted.

Is it a pain in the ass? Yep. Is it worth it? YES! Do it for someone else who will be the next victim. I can't talk at the level most of you do on stamps as I was a child stamp collector with now my collection and my Uncle's monster one. I call on jewelry and the things I know well. If more people would do something, it will change. Most sit back and get mad but do nothing. Wasted energy, ruin these crooks day! It's very satisfying to know you made a difference.

Later, taters :

ebay masks the id of bidders/buyers, so how would I get their contact information?