Skip to main content

operation bullpen: the biggest forgery scam in american history

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 NelsonDec 5, 2019
The smiles are all genuine, but the signatures are not: a Beatles forgery produced by the Operation Bullpen ring.
Fraud Issues

How Forgers Make Cash from Fake Celebrity Photos and Movie Posters

By Tom BartschMay 14, 2013
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 BartschApr 30, 2013
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 BartschApr 22, 2013
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 BartschApr 9, 2013
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 BartschApr 2, 2013