How to Spot Fake Stamps on eBay and Online Auctions

Online marketplaces have revolutionized stamp collecting, offering access to stamps from around the world. However, they've also created opportunities for fraudsters selling counterfeit, altered, or misrepresented stamps. This guide will help you navigate online stamp purchases safely.

The Scale of the Problem

Fake stamps are more common than many collectors realize:

Estimates suggest 5-10% of valuable stamps offered online are problematic
Some popular stamps have forgery rates exceeding 50%
Many fakes are sophisticated enough to fool casual buyers
The problem increases with stamp value

Types of Online Stamp Fraud

Complete Forgeries

Stamps that never went through any postal system:

Printed to deceive collectors
Range from crude to highly sophisticated
Most common with valuable classic stamps
May have fake cancellations added

Altered Stamps

Genuine stamps modified to appear more valuable:

Added overprints
Removed cancellations
Repaired damage hidden
Colors chemically altered
Perforations added or trimmed

Misrepresented Stamps

Genuine stamps described incorrectly:

Wrong catalog numbers
Overstated condition
Common varieties sold as rare
Reprints sold as originals

Regummed Stamps

Stamps with gum removed and reapplied:

Sold as "original gum" or "never hinged"
Very difficult to detect
Significantly overvalued

Red Flags in Online Listings

Price Red Flags

Too Good to Be True

Valuable stamps at fraction of catalog value
"Found in grandmother's attic" stories
Estate sale claims for rare items

Pricing Inconsistencies

Seller has multiple rare stamps at low prices
No explanation for below-market pricing
Shipping costs higher than stamp price (scam indicator)

Image Red Flags

Poor or Limited Images

Only front shown, no back image
Low resolution hiding details
Angled shots preventing examination
Stock photos instead of actual stamp

Suspicious Image Quality

Images too perfect (possibly digital alterations)
Different lighting in front/back photos
Scan quality inconsistent with claimed condition

Seller Red Flags

New or Unestablished Sellers

Recently created accounts
No feedback history
Private feedback profiles

Feedback Patterns

All feedback from same buyers (fake feedback)
Recent negative feedback about authenticity
Feedback only on low-value items

Communication Issues

Won't answer specific questions
Refuses additional images
Pressures quick purchase
Poor English in listings for "US estate"

Description Red Flags

Vague or Missing Information

No catalog numbers provided
Condition not clearly stated
Important details omitted
Generic descriptions for rare stamps

Disclaimer Language

"Sold as-is"
"No returns for any reason"
"I'm not an expert"
"Buyer responsible for authentication"

Research Before Buying

Verify the Stamp Exists

Before bidding on expensive stamps:

**Check catalog listings** - Confirm the stamp exists as described
**Compare images** - Find authenticated examples online
**Note key features** - Colors, perforations, watermarks, etc.
**Research forgery history** - Some stamps have well-documented fakes

Know Common Forgeries

Certain stamps are frequently forged:

Penny Black and other British classics
Inverted Jenny and US rarities
Confederate States stamps
Chinese Cultural Revolution stamps
Rare overprints from any country

Use Online Resources

**StampSnap app** - Quick identification checks
**Stamp forums** - Ask experienced collectors
**Expertizing service websites** - Check their forgery alerts
**Auction archives** - Compare to verified sales

Verification Techniques

Image Analysis

Request Better Images

Ask for high-resolution scans (600 DPI minimum)
Request specific angles showing key features
Want both front and back images
Ask for watermark images if applicable

What to Look For

Printing quality under magnification
Paper texture and color
Perforation consistency
Gum appearance (for mint stamps)
Cancel characteristics (for used)

Compare to Known Authentic Examples

Gather reference images from:

Major auction house archives
Expertizing service databases
Collector society publications
Your own authenticated stamps

Look for:

Design element positioning
Color matching
Font styles in inscriptions
Perforation patterns

Ask the Right Questions

Questions legitimate sellers should answer:

"Can you provide additional close-up images?"
"What is the provenance of this stamp?"
"Has it been expertized?"
"What is your return policy if not authentic?"
"Can you describe any flaws not visible in photos?"

Safe Buying Practices

Use Buyer Protection

eBay

Pay through eBay checkout
Document everything in messages
File claims within time limits
Use "Request Total from Seller" for combined shipping

PayPal/Credit Cards

Never pay via Friends & Family
Credit cards offer chargeback rights
Document all transactions

Start with Lower-Value Purchases

Test sellers before buying expensive stamps:

Buy inexpensive stamps first
Evaluate actual condition vs. description
Assess communication and shipping quality
Build relationship before major purchases

Get Expensive Stamps Expertized

For purchases over $200-500:

Make purchase contingent on authentication
Use established expertizing services
Factor certificate cost into your maximum bid
Return fakes promptly within seller's window

Document Everything

Keep records of:

All listing images and descriptions
Message conversations with seller
Payment confirmations
Condition on arrival (photograph immediately)
Any authentication results

What to Do If You Buy a Fake

Immediate Steps

**Don't panic** - You likely have protections available
**Document the problem** - Photograph evidence
**Don't alter the stamp** - Keep it exactly as received
**Contact seller first** - Give chance to resolve
**Keep all communications in writing**

If Seller Won't Cooperate

eBay Resolution

Open "Item Not as Described" case
Upload evidence (photos, expert opinion)
Request full refund including shipping
Ship back with tracking if required
Escalate to eBay if seller unresponsive

Payment Provider Claims

PayPal: 180-day protection window
Credit card: Chargeback rights (varies by issuer)
Document everything for claims

Report Fraudulent Sellers

Help protect other collectors:

Leave accurate feedback
Report to platform (eBay, etc.)
Report to postal inspectors if mail fraud
Share experience on collector forums

Trusted Buying Alternatives

Established Auction Houses

Major philatelic auction houses offer:

Expert authentication
Accurate descriptions
Return privileges for misattributed items
Buyer protections

Examples:

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries
Daniel F. Kelleher Auctions
Spink
David Feldman

Reputable Dealers

Look for dealers who are:

Members of professional organizations (APS, ASDA)
Long-established businesses
Offer return policies
Provide certificates for valuable stamps

Collector Societies

Society trading among members offers:

Peer accountability
Established reputations
Dispute resolution mechanisms
Shared knowledge

Using Technology for Protection

StampSnap for Verification

Use our app to:

Quickly identify stamp issues
Compare to database images
Get approximate values
Flag potential concerns

Image Search Tools

Reverse image search listings
Find if images are stolen from auction archives
Compare to authenticated examples

Conclusion

Buying stamps online can be safe and rewarding with proper precautions. The key principles are:

**Research before buying** - Know what you're looking for
**Verify sellers** - Establish trust before major purchases
**Document everything** - Protect yourself with records
**Use buyer protections** - Pay through protected channels
**Get authentication** - Expertize valuable purchases
**Trust your instincts** - If it seems too good, it probably is

With these practices, you can confidently expand your collection through online sources while minimizing risk. Happy collecting!