py Art fraud

ART FRAUD

Many consumers buy what they think is valuable art only to find out that they have purchased a counterfeit print or art work worth fifty dollars. The most frequently counterfeited prints are those purportedly done by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, and Joan Miro. Before purchasing expensive art, you should consider the following:

TIPS FOR CONSUMERS

How the Scam Works.: Often consumers receive a post card in the mail telling them that they won a "free" original, valuable piece of art. Next, the consumer, after returning the post card, will get a call from a salesperson trying to sell them an important, valuable piece of art. Telemarketer will try to convince you about what a great investment opportunity they are presenting to you. Often they will tell you that the artist is close to death. The death of an artist will increase the value of his or her work. The final selling point is the "certificate of authenticity" which you will receive upon purchase. Often the "certificate of authenticity " is worth nothing more than the value of the paper its printed on. Some art galleries and auctions also sell counterfeit or worthless art.
Get Professional Advice.: Only an art expert can tell the difference between a valuable piece of art and a fake, worthless object of art. Before purchasing original expensive art, have an independent art appraiser or a museum curator appraise the art. Obtain as much specific information about the art as possible. Ask for the following information: edition size, print medium, year of publication, and the printer or publisher. Do not buy the art until you have it appraised.

Be Wary of Too-Good-To-Be-True Claims.: Be wary of unrealistic investment returns and high pressure sales tactics. A legitimate business will not push you into a purchase until you have had an opportunity to have an independent appraisal.

Research the Company.: Find out how long the company has been in business and research its past successes and failures. Call your local Better Business Bureau and government agencies like the Office of the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to determine whether any complaints or lawsuits are pending. For an out-of-state company, you may wish to call the appropriate agencies and authorities in the state where the company maintains its headquarters.