Medium riskMarketplace

Memorabilia Forgery Scam

In this scam, a seller offers signed memorabilia, such as sports or music items, with forged autographs and fake certificates of authenticity, selling worthless items as genuine collectibles.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Forgery (collectibles)
Main red flag
Signed memorabilia 'with COA' priced low from an unverifiable seller.
What to do first
Verify authentication independently; a certificate alone is not proof.

How this scam works

In this scam, a seller offers signed memorabilia, such as sports or music items, with forged autographs and fake certificates of authenticity, selling worthless items as genuine collectibles.

Marketplace scams target both buyers and sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and classified listings. Fraudsters fake payments, send bogus "buyer protection" emails, push deals off-platform, or use overpayment tricks to make you ship goods or send money for nothing.

In short, the giveaway is usually simple: Signed memorabilia 'with COA' priced low from an unverifiable seller. Verify authentication independently; a certificate alone is not proof.

Scammers rotate tactics constantly, the same operation may also run the Trading Card Scam and the Counterfeit Designer Goods Scam. See the full Marketplace Scams guides hub, or test a suspicious message with the scam checker.

How to spot this scam

  • A forged-looking autograph or generic certificate
  • A certificate from an unrecognised or fake authenticator
  • Prices well below comparable authenticated items
  • Stock photos rather than the actual item
  • Pressure to buy quickly by irreversible payment

What the message looks like

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Hand-signed jersey with certificate of authenticity, huge discount today only. Pay by transfer and it's yours.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What gives it away: Signed memorabilia 'with COA' priced low from an unverifiable seller.

The scale of it

$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that started on social media in the US in 2023
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
Top category
online shopping is consistently among the most-reported fraud types to the FTC
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

How to protect yourself

  • Verify authentication through a reputable, independent authenticator
  • Treat a certificate alone as insufficient proof
  • Use platforms with buyer protection
  • Research the seller and ask for detailed photos

Already responded? Do this now

  • If the item is forged, open a dispute with your payment provider or platform
  • Keep the item, certificate, and messages as evidence
  • Report the seller's account
  • Seek an independent opinion on authenticity

Mistakes to avoid

  • Do not rely on a certificate of authenticity alone
  • Do not pay by irreversible methods
  • Do not assume a low price is a lucky find

Related scams to know

Medium risk Marketplace

Trading Card Scam

In this scam, a seller offers valuable trading cards or graded slabs at tempting prices, then sends counterfeits, resealed or altered cards, or nothing at all, often using stock photos and irreversible payment.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Marketplace

Counterfeit Designer Goods Scam

In this scam, a seller lists counterfeit designer items as authentic at tempting prices, often with stock photos, and ships a fake, a lower-quality copy, or nothing at all.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Marketplace

Appraisal Fee Scam

In this scam, a buyer or 'specialist' offers to purchase or sell your valuable item but first requires an upfront appraisal, certification, or listing fee, then takes the fee and disappears.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Common questions

Isn't a certificate of authenticity enough?
No. Certificates are easily faked. Verify the autograph through a reputable independent authenticator rather than relying on the seller's paperwork.
How do I check signed memorabilia?
Use a recognised authentication service, compare against verified examples, and buy through platforms with buyer protection.
I bought a forgery. What now?
Open a dispute with your payment provider or platform, keep your evidence, and report the seller.
Why is memorabilia a common target?
Emotional value and high prices, combined with easy-to-fake certificates, make signed items attractive to forgers.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.