trust and safety

April 3, 2010 By Jason DeBord

Editorial: Reaction To “What’s Hot In Hollywood Collectibles” Article By The Seattle Times

The Seattle Times published an article this week about collecting original movie props and costumes, presented as a Q&A interview with Antiques Roadshow appraiser Philip Weiss of Philip Weiss Auctions. As is typical with mainstream media coverage of the hobby, much of it is preoccupied with discussion of high prices realized at auction. However, there is also a focus on questions about authenticity and fraud (which I applaud), though some of the responses – particularly those about eBay – have prompted me to share some of my own personal opinions and reactions. [Read more…]

September 22, 2009 By Jason DeBord

Latest High Profile eBay Fraud Story in the Media – Millions Lost in Fake Golf Goods Scam

eBay’s reputation as a marketplace for fraud continues to worsen, with high profile mainstream media stories about lawsuits over the sale of fake, counterfeit, and copyright-infringing goods. The latest example comes from a court case in the UK, regarding a “global network of criminals [that] duped eBay customers into buying millions of pounds worth of fake golf clubs“. [Read more…]

January 14, 2009 By Jason DeBord

Anthony Shkutnick’s stoneark eBay Account NARU (Not A Registered User) Suspended Status

Today, Anthony Shkutnick’s *stoneark* eBay account (AKA stonark, AKA Corner Collectibles, AKA Cornner Collectibles) was changed to a suspended or “NARU” status (Not A Registered User – or – No Longer A Registered User). This dealer has been the focus of an ongoing investigation into the provenance of items offered for sale to the public that were “guaranteed authentic” wardrobe and other personal items attributed to various classic Hollywood stars and other celebrities. [Read more…]

January 6, 2009 By Jason DeBord

Charge of “FRAUD” Over Letter of Authenticity From eBay’s stoneark

Today, professional wrestler Lanny Poffo has declared that a Letter of Authenticity bearing his (misspelled) name and signature, included as proof of authenticity in a recent *stoneark* auction, is fraudulent.

[Read more…]

January 3, 2009 By Jason DeBord

eBay’s stoneark: “Buyer/Bidder Network” Analysis – Part 2

An article published earlier this week (see eBay’s *stoneark*: “Buyer/Bidder Network” Analysis, Part 1) included analysis of a select set of eBay accounts and their bidding activities with eBay seller *stoneark* (AKA stonark, AKA Corner Collectibles, AKA Cornner Collectibles). Anthony Shkutnick, partnered with eBay, offers for public sale “guaranteed authentic” wardrobe attributed to various classic Hollywood stars.

[Read more…]

December 31, 2008 By Jason DeBord

eBay’s stoneark: “Buyer/Bidder Network” Analysis – Part 1

30 days ago, I began performing an analysis of eBay seller *stoneark* (AKA stonark, AKA Corner Collectibles, AKA Cornner Collectibles) and bid participation patterns on his listings of “guaranteed authentic” wardrobe attributed to various classic Hollywood stars. As a result, I identified 8 accounts that share not only some remarkable coincidences, but nearly each one has transacted with all of the rest, in addition to buying from *stoneark*.

[Read more…]

December 27, 2008 By Jason DeBord

eBay’s stonark / stoneark: More On “Doumont Auction – World of Hollywood” Provenance

As has been noted in past features (see Market Watch | “stonark” / “*stoneark*” (Corner Collectibles / Cornner Collectibles)), eBay seller *stoneark* (recently changed from stonark) has paired Letters of Authenticity and Certificates of Authenticity from auction houses and a variety of other sources. I have been unable to verify the existence of most of these firms and individuals, which has raised a number of questions as to provenance. [Read more…]

December 8, 2008 By Jason DeBord

eBay’s stoneark: Another Name Change & Duplicate Listings With Different Attributions

As a short update to the *stoneark* (AKA stonark, AKA Corner Collectibles) articles, a reader pointed out to me today that there are two active and concurrent eBay listings depicting the same dress, but with two different attributions – to both Myrna Loy and June Harver. Additionally, eBay’s *stoneark* (formerly stonark, sans “e” and asterisks) have changed their company name from Corner Collectibles to Cornner Collectibles (now with two “n’s”). [Read more…]