Hey! Welcome to the launch of a brand new feature! It's the Scam of the Month section of the site now. Every month we're going to try to highlight an unscrupulous scammer who demonstrates their lack of integrity and morals through acts they undertake.
This week, we're highlighting the Online Appraisal services and one in particular. Anybody who goes to the website of this hard-working (BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA that always makes me laught), dedicated (to parting you from your money) and professional (my ribs're killing me laughing) woman who has no personal agenda (Don't look at her bizarre "Articles" which are little more than the painfully boring writing of a narcissist with a persecution complex. And so we uncover the facts about Online Appraisal services.
Now, you all know how I feel about online bullshit right? People will say ANYTHING to get your money. They might say they have years and years of experience. They might say they work for companies that they don't actually "work" for. They might, on the surface, look so busy and cluttered that it might not occur to you that the busy, disjointed blathering could well be machinations of a very sick mind. Of course, what follows is my opinion only.
THE INTERNET ONLINE APPRAISER - FORGET THE PHOTO, SEND YOUR WALLET
To me, there is none more vile and reprehensible than one who preys on the elderly or disabled. No one. Yet, that segment of the population is the most heavily targeted by scammers, frauds and cons around. Sickening.
Take, for example, the newest online fad - the Online Appraiser. And who is the most likely candidate for this service? The elderly and disabled. As fixed incomes shrink against growing prices, folks look for ways to supplement their incomes. No longer able to pass on cherished heirlooms, some will turn to these services for help.
Did you know that you can get help with your items FOR FREE? And I'm going to point you in the right direction but first, some advice for people who may be targeted by Online Appraisers who talk a good game but have no show for the go when it comes to putting up or shutting up.
First: If you come across an Online Appraiser who will appraise your item with just a photograph? Click BACK. An Appraisal must be conducted in person and legitimate appraisers are expensive. In most cases they have been certified by a group that holds these people to extremely high standards (no, not a group that this online appraiser established themselves, a group you can actually check out). Make sure your appraiser is experienced by asking them questions such as:
1. What is your area of expertise (i.e., furniture, pottery, jewelry, dolls, etc.) Nobody can specialize in everything. And that's important. Find the appraiser who specializes in what you have or use a service that employs several appraisers who can help. Anybody who can appraise everything is worth nothing.
2. How long have you been an appraiser and who can I call to verify this information? Preferably, the appraiser you are considering can provide valid references from some of the larger antique or auction houses.
3. Where were you educated, and are you, yourself, a dealer? Watch out on this one, if your appraiser is also a dealer, click BACK. Lowballing folks and coming from another angle to buy is a pretty common tactic. Try to find the Appraiser who appraises for a living.
4. They say the fees they charge go to charity. Really? Ever go to those appraisal fairs at malls and such? Ask them to prove the "donations" go to charity. Every Nonprofit (504 Corporation) has to have paperwork to tell you exactly who they are. No appraiser worth their salt is going to accept a paltry few dollars for an appraisal for another charity. Watch for fairs that "Benefit" certain groups. If the goal of an event is to benefit seniors - for example - they shouldn't be charging seniors for appraisals. If they are accepting "donations" for animal welfare services, the donation should match the service. A low-cost spay/neuter clinic - for example - charges seniors about $20 for their service. The donation should match that service.
5. Check it out! With the internet comes a wealth of free information. Would you be surprised to know that some of the greatest experts on various types of antiques and collectibles are available for free? See the links below for assistance. You need a digital camera or scanner and a place to load your images. See below for that information.
Finally, check the appraiser themselves. Check their website. Is it professional? Is it crowded with an overwhelming amount of disorganized information that causes you confusion? Does it have cryptic links to non-relevant articles which seem personal? Do they sell on eBay? STEER CLEAR of Online Appraisers who's websites seem to serve some alternate purpose that you don't understand. Like as in the case of Kathleen J. Johnson, an Appraiser who will charge you $19.95 to ask somebody for free what your item is. Check her website for the psychotic text and prolific articles that seem to have absolutely NOTHING to do with her services. And then click BACK.
Nothing wrong with selling on eBay, I do it myself. CHECK OUT THEIR FEEDBACK! In fact, don't just look at the numbers, look at the comments. If there is negative feedback is it due to the manner in which a dispute was handled? How did the seller respond? Was it professional? Was it vicious?
Online Appraisals are services designed to part you from your money and provide you with a 'possible' bit of useful information. I personally know one Online Appraiser charges about $20 for her appraisals and she goes to the below FREE sources to get that information. Yup, you're paying her to ask others what your item is and what it's worth.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHAT IS AT YOUR DISPOSAL. YOU CAN GET HELP AT NO COST!
Scam of the month is a new feature which we hope will provide the reader with useful information about how to stay safe on the internet. We welcome submissions and your ideas.
Folks, please avail yourselves of the following FREE services. You must be an eBay member to post to the discussion form, but you can view any of the posts at any time.
For Antiques such as Furniture, Clocks, etc., CLICK HERE TO ACCESS FORUM
For Arts & Artists including Watercolors, Oils, Prints, Etc., CLICK HERE TO ACCESS FORUM
For Jewelry CLICK HERE TO ACCESS For Photography CLICK HERE TO ACCESS
For all others, please visit this page and select the subject you are seeking to identify. Enter that Discussion forum and post your pictures. And again - IT IS FREE FOR YOU TO DO SO.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ALL OF EBAY'S DISCUSSION FORMS FOR IDENTIFICATION.