The eBay Conspiracy or a Simple Gallery of Bogus Junk

Low catalog value stamps purchased by eBay user "chickfrdstk" were altered then sold as high catalog value rarities by eBay powerseller "schuylerac"

I don't really like the word conspiracy in this case. When people hear the C-word, they think of the X-files or some political cover-up. Purposeful deception and fraud for monetary gain is probably the best description in this case. Purchases by "chickfrdstk" were run through a special "enhancer-ator" and offered by "schuylerac" on eBay only weeks later.

Since January 2002 to the end of March 2002, "schuylerac" has grossed close to $24,000 in sales on eBay. That is more money than most collectors spend on the hobby in their lifetime. Every item he sells "AS-IS" is never what he states it is.

Compare these examples below and remember the key phrase on eBay is "Caveat Emptor". (Did I spell that right? Let the buyer beware!)

The Top of the Fakes Pages
Another Bogus Scott 519 - New November 2002
The Fake Scott 346 Private Perf - New October 2002
The Most Impressive Fake Scott 62B
The Secret Life of an Altered Scott 72
The Secret Life of a Chemically Altered Scott 78
The Secret Life of an Altered RW5 Duck Stamp
A Fake Scott #320 with Schermack Type III Perforations
Fake Scott #743a
Detecting a Flat Plate Press Vertical Coil, Fake Scott 441
Fake Reperfed 514a
Fake Reperfed 508c
Fake Reperfed 546
Fake Scott 143 w / Bogus Grill
Fake Scott 137 w / Same Bogus Grill as Fake 143
Fake Scott 139 w / Same Bogus Grill as Fake 137 and 143
Fake Scott 315 - Revised June 2002
Fake Reperfed Scott 519 - Revised June 2002

A Gallery of Bogus Stuff Part 1
A Gallery of Bogus Stuff Part 2
A Gallery of Bogus Stuff Part 3
A Gallery of Bogus Stuff Part 4
A Gallery of Bogus Stuff Part 5

Credits, Inspiration and Links of Interest


New Rev5.1 Design, November 2007

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U.S. 65(5) (SCV$12.50+) XF, used

This lot of stamps, shown to the left, was purchased by "chickfrdstk" on 3/22/02 as eBay Item number 1339744356 from eBay seller "alohax" and was titled as "U.S. 65(5) (SCV$12.50+) XF, used. The original auction closed for $3.25. The original seller, unaware of the scam, honestly described the item as "Five used copies of U.S. 65, all extremely fine or better with attractive cancellations. Free of paper remnants, old hinges and defects".

25 days later, the 65's to the left show up again on eBay. This time the special "enhancer-ator" applied the "all-over grill". Also known as a "1867 Type A Grill". This is one of the most difficult grill varieties to locate.


Original Stamp Image
Altered Stamp Image
Fraudulent Description

79 USED CAT$1100
The all-over grills are one of the rarest stamps in US philately, yet also one of the most easily recognizable. What are the odds that any one seller would even have FOUR PERFECTLY CENTERED #79's in stock at one time, and then make the monumental error of putting ALL FOUR up for auction as #65's and selling them for $3.25?
79 USED CAT$1100
Item # 1346383245 closed on 4/17/2002

The seller "schuylerac" after making the ridiculous title claim goes on to describe the item in the ad thus:

"THERE IS AN ALL OVER GRILL OF LINEAR ROWS WITH GRILL POINTS IN STRAIGHT LINES. THE GRILL IS INTERRUPTED AT SPOTS AND LOOKS VERY REALISTIC. THE GRILL DOES NOT BREAK THE PAPER AS SCOTT SAYS IT OFTEN DOES. THIS IS SOLD AS IS WITHOUT IMPLICATION MADE OR INTENDED THAT IT IS INDEED GENUINE!!."

Since this is an educational website devoted to the exposure of philatelic fraud, the beginning collector should note that Scott 65's never had grills applied to them, as grilled issues didn't appear until 1867. Scott 65's were made from 1861-62

$46.50 hammer to "rrumsby1@yahoo.com" for a stamp with a Scott Catalog value of $2.10 in F-VF used condition.


79 USED CAT$1100
Assuming that "chickfrdstk" actually had been the recipient of such wondrous luck, why again would he feel the need to add to or darken the original perfectly acceptable cancels, thereby reducing their value?

79 USED CAT$1100
Item # 1347889768 closed on 4/24/2002

Once again, the seller "schuylerac" after making the ridiculous title claim, goes on to describe the items in the ad thus.

"THERE IS A FAINT ALL OVER GRILL OF LINEAR ROWS WITH GRILL POINTS IN STRAIGHT LINES. THE GRILL IS INTERRUPTED AT SPOTS AND LOOKS VERY REALISTIC. THE GRILL DOES NOT BREAK THE PAPER AS SCOTT SAYS IT OFTEN DOES. NO GUM. THIS IS SOLD AS IS WITHOUT IMPLICATION MADE OR INTENDED THAT IT IS INDEED GENUINE!!."

I guess we should point out again that Scott 65's never had grills applied to them as grilled issues didn't appear until 1867. The reader should also take note of the "enhanced cancel".

$21.03 hammer to "philofny1" for a $2.10 stamp

79 USED CAT$1100
Item # 1351983023 closed on 5/12/2002

For a third time, the seller "schuylerac" after making the ridiculous title claim, goes on to describe the items in the ad thus.

"THERE IS AN ALL OVER GRILL OF LINEAR ROWS WITH GRILL POINTS IN STRAIGHT LINES. THE GRILL IS INTERRUPTED AT SPOTS AND LOOKS VERY REALISTIC. THE GRILL DOES NOT BREAK THE PAPER AS SCOTT SAYS IT OFTEN DOES. NO GUM. THIS IS SOLD AS IS WITHOUT IMPLICATION MADE OR INTENDED THAT IT IS INDEED GENUINE!."

Did I point out that Scott 65's never had grills applied to them? The reader should also take note of the "enhanced cancel". This was probably appilied to hide some damage or other flaw. As far as US stamps go, condition and centering is everything when establishing value.

$20.58 hammer to "tjrawson@alltel.net" for a $2.10 stamp

79 USED CAT$1100
Item # 1350010912 closed on 5/3/2002

I am not even gonna mention the ridiculous title claim again. But the descriptions of the altered items still give me a chuckle.

A LIGHT CORNER CREASE--THERE IS AN ALL OVER GRILL OF LINEAR ROWS WITH GRILL POINTS IN STRAIGHT LINES. THE GRILL IS INTERRUPTED AT SPOTS AND LOOKS VERY REALISTIC. THE GRILL DOES NOT BREAK THE PAPER AS SCOTT SAYS
IT OFTEN DOES. NO GUM. THIS IS SOLD AS IS WITHOUT IMPLICATION MADE OR INTENDED THAT IT IS INDEED GENUINE!!."

The reader should really take note of this "enhanced cancel". This is what I call the obliteration bullseye cancel. $26 bucks. Ouch!

$26.00 hammer to "rocket383838" for a $2.10 stamp

Original Stamp Image Original Sellers Description
Altered Stamp Image
Fraudulent Description
Item Number 1345090503

Sold 4/15/2002 by "sheetguy" to "Stazy4" for $8.28

SCOTT #149 7c Stanton...used FVF cv$90.

This is a perfectly good 149 with fine centering. Note the few pulled and short perfs.

The stamp on the left was altered with a new cancel and resold. It has found a new life on the RIGHT.

Item Number 1346387378

Sold by "pcheltenham" 5/15/02 as:

ESTATE COLLECTION

The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:
This Says: secret mark small fault ...........Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether (sic) these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine. The front and back of the stamps are scanned in an aid to identification. No scans have been manipulated.

SOLD to ajmax37 for $4.25

Educational Part:
Cancels added - why? Also note that the Scott 149 does not have a secret mark. The secret mark on a 7 cent Large Banknote was not introduced until 1873 on a Scott 160.

Item Number 1346169954

Sold 4/20/2002 by "ibuystamps@aol.com" to "Stazy4" for $15.01

US #152 Great looking Cats $160.00 Fancy canc

This is a lovely example of ”US #152”. Condition is ”used and sound”. This is a great stamp/set and worthy of your consideration.

This is a perfectly good 152 with fine centering. Some pulled perfs at the top.

The stamp was reperfed and found itself with a new cancel then found a new life on the RIGHT.

Educational Part:
Note that the perfectly good bottom edge has been reperforated. Cancels added - why? Most likely to cover the reperforation of the bottom edge.
Item Number 1353142550

Sold by "pcheltenham" 5/19/02 as:

ESTATE COLLECTION

The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:

This says: crease at top.........Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether (sic) these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine.

SOLD to oddsnends3 for $42.00
Item Number 1338550669

Sold 4/17/2002 by "jylland" to "chickfrdstk" for $15.01

US SC#77 Tears 1866 15c. Val.$120

This is a nice 77 with fine centering. Some pulled perfs at the top. Very light cancel and a small tear at CR

The stamp was cleaned and found itself with a new cancel. It then found a new life on the RIGHT.

Educational Part:
Cancels added - why? Most likely to cover the tear on the center right side.
Item Number 1349947184

Sold by "pcheltenham" 5/05/2002 as:

ESTATE COLLECTION

The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:

THIS SAYS nothing.............................. Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine.

SOLD to sidellis for $10.06
Item Number 1346321733

Sold 4/17/2002 by "leifanderson" to "Stazy4" for $9.50 and described as:

USA #98 used - CV$300 Star cancel

This item has a few faults - some discoloration, a pinhole and a thin spot. The grill measures 9x13mm. Catalog values taken from the 2002 Scott Catalgoue.

The stamp was cleaned. It then found a new life on the RIGHT.

Educational Part:
I guess we should note that since the honest seller describes a 9 x 13 mm "F" grill, this would mark the first real grill that the alterations ring has sold that I can remember. Also note that the "F" grill isn't the biggest of the big grills, as the "A" grill and the "C" grill are. Looks like the stains have also been removed.
Item Number 1356489498

Sold by "pcheltenham" 6/02/2002 as:

ESTATE COLLECTION big grill

The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:

SEE MY OTHER LOTS ALL START AT $1 WITH NO RESERVE THIS SAYS::: unidentified grill unusual cancel tiny fault ......Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine.

SOLD to "cfsltd" for $203.53
Item Number 1346876265

Sold 4/23/2002 by "philatelic@bigpond.com" to "Stazy4" for $36.00 and described as:

USA Scott#91 Fine Used

The stamp was cleaned and reperforated. The perf tips have even been trimmed to look clean and tidy. It then found a new life on the RIGHT.

Educational Part:
This is what we call in the biz as a major 3 side reperf job. Too bad, as the original stamp was more impressive than one that is to small, due to the reperfing.
Item Number 1358015125

Sold by "pcheltenham" 6/09/2002 as:

ESTATE COLLECTION big grill

The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:

SEE MY OTHER LOTS.. ALL START AT $1 WITH NO RESERVE THIS SAYS::: the "E" grill .......... Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine which stamp/stamps this is and its' condition.

SOLD to "cruella1126" for $91.00
Item Number 1344131932

Sold 4/14/2002 by " cpstamp@hotmail.com" to "Stazy4" for $9.99 and described as:

# 165 Used 1873 30c Hamilton

This is Scott # 165 in used condition. Shipping is $1.00. Shipping on additional lots is $.50

The stamp got cleaned and reperforated. It then found a new life on the RIGHT.


Educational Part:
This is what we call in the biz as a reperf job (lower edge). Too bad, as the original stamp would of been called a JUMBO and might of fetched more money.
Item Number 1354661555

Sold by "pcheltenham" 5/26/2002 as:

ESTATE COLLECTION

The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:

THIS SAYS::: secret mark color??? tiny internal puncture ......Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether (sic) these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine.

SOLD to " rdwoolley@aol.com" for $34.51
Item Number 1356029884

Sold 5/26/2002 by "mytwocents5" to "chickfrdstk" for $7.09 and described as:

# 68 Used

A #68, with hand cancel. A bit faded in color, but a clean image. Two very nice margins.

Educational Part:
The top red arrow points to an inclusion. The lower 2 arrows show a stain. The yellow arrows show long unique perforation tips.

The stamp got cleaned and then found a new life on the RIGHT.

Item Number 1362188596

Sold by "pcheltenham" 6/30/2002 as:

ESTATE COLLECTION

The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:

SEE MY OTHER LOTS..ALL START AT $1 AND NO RESERVE...THIS SAYS::: nothing ........Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection
(editors note: what a lie.) comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine which stamp/stamps this is and its' condition

SOLD to "dowagrup" for $32.57
Item Number 1351324103

Sold 5/11/2002 by "stampstreet" to "Stazy4" for $17.50 and described as:

US #94 unused, 3c Washington with Grill

A sound unused, but ungummed, example of the grilled 9 by 13 US three cents red George Washington stamp of 1867. A colorful stamp with average centering.

Educational Part:
This wonderful unused grill specimen got reperfed and became the narrow stamp on the right.


Item Number 1358016980

Sold by "pcheltenham" 6/9/2002 as:

ESTATE COLLECTION "f" grill

The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:

Reperfed at right, nice profit SEE MY OTHER LOTS.. ALL START AT $1 WITH NO RESERVE THIS SAYS::: very thin paper variety unusual shade no gum "F" grill .......... Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine which stamp/stamps this is and its' condition. The front and back of the stamps are scanned in an aid to identification.


Sold to "drugalcohol-testing@cox.net" for $430.50 hammer.

OUCH! Thats gotta hurt a little!

Item Number 1346443596

Sold 4/21/2002 by "mytwocents5" to "chickfrdstk" for $5.50 and described as:

#77 Excellent Condition

Good color, nice centering for this issue. Light cancel.

Educational Part:
This used #77 specimen got reperfed, cleaned and polished and then became the narrow stamp on the right.

Item Number 1351571633

Sold by "pcheltenham" 5/12/2002 as:

ESTATE COLLECTION

The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:

This says: nothing.................Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether (sic) these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine.

SOLD to "psalimited" for $25.00

Item Number 1357312293

Sold 6/8/2002 by: "davesweb" to "Stazy4" for $27.99 and described by the honest seller as:

89 - EXCELLENT COLOR!!! - SCV $300 - E Grill

“Nice stamp with tiny pen cancel and 'E' grill. You should be able to see the grill in the scan.”

The stamp got cleaned and reperforated along it's left edge. It then found a new life on the RIGHT.


Educational Part:
When one looks at the original stamp on the left and the image above, it becomes painfully clear that the stamp is seriously narrow for the issue. This is called a reperf job with the intent to make the stamp have more "eye appeal". Also note that the cool pen cancel has been most likely bleached away. The intent here is to make the stamp appear "unused".
Item Number 1362095924

Sold by "pcheltenham" 6/30/2002 as:

ESTATE COLLECTION

The seller "pcheltenham" describes the lot as:

SEE MY OTHER LOTS...ALL START AT $1 AND NO RESERVE...THIS SAYS::: unidentified grill no gum .......... Take a look at the scan. What you see is what you get. This is a handed down collection comprising of over 20 boxes. Whenever there are notations on the envelopes they will be given. Some stamps have notations on the back. Wether (sic) these notations are correct or not is your obligation to determine which stamp/stamps this is and its' condition.

SOLD to "dowagrup" for $256.51

Yup!...256 clams, Ouch!


Knowledge . . . .
. . . continues to be the collector's best ally. It is also what has separated the true collector from the casual accumulator. The more you know, the better your puchasing and collecting decisions become.

Don't get burned!

Get real... Get educated .... Get smart.
Knowledge really is Power. Updated 9/13/2003
Updated 9/13/2003
In the next few weeks and months, I will be adding more images and words for a whole bunch of fakes I and others have purchased on eBay. I can be reached at:
nerdman@ix.netcom.com
DISCLAIMER:
Thanks for visiting this site. I hope you learn something new as I am having fun doing this and stirring up the "doodoo" so to speak. You, the visitor, have my permission to copy my pages and images for the purpose of showing others how to look for fakes and forgeries. You also have my permission to link to my pages and to share the link paths to others. I only ask in return for you to send me an email if I have made a mistake or have done some other technical blunder that in my rush to put these pages up would cause the visitor confusion. Please also visit my other website www.slingshotvenus.com and support the live music arts.