Skip to main content

fake autographs

Memorabilia

Maryland Man Charged with Selling Counterfeits

By Tom Bartsch
This is an example of a COA used by Round Five from FBI files, a New Jersey company run by ex-heavyweight boxer Chuck Wepner. Round Five is among the memorabilia firms to appear on a comprehensive list released by the FBI of all organizations involved in its years-long Operation Bullpen investigation related to forged memorabilia.
Fraud Issues

Operation Bullpen: Authenticators and autograph sellers to watch for

By Kevin Nelson
The Mother Teresa baseball, perhaps the most famous autograph forgery ever done.
Baseball

Part 5: What's So Crazy About a Mother Teresa Baseball Anyhow?

By Tom Bartsch
A classic shot of the great Joe DiMaggio in action. The only thing that’s wrong is the signature is a fake.
Authentication

Forging the Big Three: DiMaggio, Mantle, Williams

By Tom Bartsch
The forged signatures of two of golf’s legendary names, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
Fraud Issues

The 1998 Home Run Chase: A Perfect Storm for Counterfeiters

By Tom Bartsch
Mickey Mantle with the No. 7 beneath his signature – the classic look.
Fraud Issues

How To Trick People and Get Away With It: The Art and Craft of the Forger

By Tom Bartsch
A fake Babe Ruth baseball, signed on the sweet spot.
Authentication

Operation Bullpen, and Why Forgers Don't Always Hit the Sweet Spot

By Tom Bartsch