The antique market is a complex and often deceptive world, where many new collectors find themselves easily tricked. It's not always about fakes—sometimes the items are genuine, but their value is exaggerated or misrepresented. The unspoken rules of this trade give swindlers an excuse to justify their actions, while also giving them confidence, as the old saying goes: "Where there is greed, there is a liar’s rice bowl."
Deception One: Playing the Role of the Innocent. This is a common street-level scam. The scammer pretends to be clueless about the item they're selling. For example, they might claim they’ve had a family porcelain for years but don’t know its worth. They wait for you to step in and take the bait. In a market full of thousands of items, only a few are real, and those few can be sold at high prices. Many buyers, dazzled by the mystery, end up paying more than they should.
Deception Two: Human Tricks – Direct Transfer. In online transactions, some buyers and sellers rely on trust and personal credit instead of secure payment methods. Scammers exploit this by first offering small, low-risk deals that seem beneficial. Once trust is built, they move to larger transactions, and after receiving payment, they vanish without a trace. This is the classic “raising pigs, then killing pigs†strategy.
Deception Three: Every Item Has a Story. A good con artist knows how to tell a compelling story. Whether it's about an ancestral heirloom, a discovery during a renovation, or a rare find from a dig, every piece comes with a tale designed to tug at your heartstrings. The reason for selling isn't always financial—it could be a family decision, or simply a desire to pass it on to someone who truly appreciates it. And if you're curious, they’ll be more than happy to talk for hours.
Deception Four: Sea Tactics – Fake Reviews. This is a popular tactic among online scammers. They flood forums with high-quality imitations, then use multiple accounts to post positive reviews. These fake testimonials create an illusion of legitimacy. Buyers, lured by the praise, end up purchasing something that doesn’t match the description. It’s all about creating a false sense of trust.
Deception Five: Hanging a Sheep’s Head to Sell Dog Meat. This deception is especially common online. Scammers may mislead buyers by either selling low-quality imitations or using stolen images from other sources. Some even post pictures of valuable items but have nothing to deliver. Others mix real and fake items, relying on the buyer’s ability to distinguish between the two. It’s a game of eyesight and trust, and often, the buyer loses.
In short, the world of antiques is full of hidden dangers. Whether you're buying in person or online, always do your research, ask questions, and never rush into a deal. Stay alert, stay informed, and protect yourself from the tricks of the trade.
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