Arrest at the National?

[Eric]

Does anyone know anything about this???

According to Darren Rovell on Twitter...

darrenrovell (http://twitter.com/darrenrovell)

US Postal Inspectors Service agents arrested Steven Jensen, Vintage Sports Authentics CEO, at National today for selling fake MLB items

darrenrovell (http://twitter.com/darrenrovell)

Man who US Postal Inspectors caught was selling jerseys he falsely said were worn by McGwire, A-Rod & Pujols

[frikativ54]

If this is true, I'm sure glad to see some guys with some balls. There are so many dealers of fakes out there that I'm glad to see one busted. Hopefully, that will be a lesson to the rest of the crooks.

[kprst6]

What angers me is the majority of the fake items at these shows are never seen in public because they are in private areas for the athlete's to sign. I'm sure they are thousands of fake borntrade.com jerseys in the private dealer area that are being signed by some of the biggest names is sports history. They won't get busted because Postal Inspectors don't have direct access to these area's and the items technically are not for sale yet.

[Eric]

This was just posted on twitter...

http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1389599783/scan0004_normal.jpg (http://twitter.com/140authentics) 140authentics (http://twitter.com/140authentics)

Big commotion at the Vintage Authentics booth. US Postal Inspector is arresting someone. At least 12 police here. #nssc (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23nssc)

[frikativ54]

This was just posted on twitter...

http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1389599783/scan0004_normal.jpg (http://twitter.com/140authentics) 140authentics (http://twitter.com/140authentics)

Big commotion at the Vintage Authentics booth. US Postal Inspector is arresting someone. At least 12 police here. #nssc (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23nssc)

Thanks for the update here. 12 policemen - quite a sight to behold.

[CampWest]

Those jerks at the US Postal Inspectors should have read this thread before going all egomaniacal on Vintage Authentics...


http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=45120

“everything I Own Is Real, All Of Your Stuff Is Fake” (http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=45120)


:rolleyes: ;)

[nickacs]

Yup, it's official.. their website has been down today too..

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/6880560-419/man-arrested-at-rosemont-sports-collectible-show-with-fake-jerseys.html

[gingi79]

Looking up their website, it comes up with a listing of several choices through a search engine, since the site is down. Look what is listed just below the site listing on Google as a description of the site:
"Click to verify BBB accreditation and to see a BBB report."

BBB if you don't know, is the Better Business Bureau.....:rolleyes:

[mmonte4]

Aren't the currently running an auction? What does this mean for their future?

[Eric]

AP Newsbreak: Minn. man nabbed for fake jerseys


Posted: wnRenderDate('Thursday, August 4, 2011 1:45 PM EST', '', true); Aug 04, 2011 1:45 PM EDT Updated: wnRenderDate('Thursday, August 4, 2011 1:45 PM EST', '', true); Aug 04, 2011 1:45 PM EDT

if (PLATFORM.EventMan) PLATFORM.EventMan.triggerEvent('WNStoryRelatedBoxd one');By AMY FORLITI
Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The head of a sports memorabilia company in Minnesota has been arrested at a convention in the Chicago area for allegedly selling fake jerseys that his company says were worn by athletes during games.
Authorities say the jerseys were not authentic.
Forty-year-old Steven Jensen of Osseo was arrested Thursday by U.S. postal inspectors. He was arrested at his booth at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Rosemont, Ill.
Jensen is head of Minnesota-based Vintage Sports Authentics.
Postal inspectors are also searching the company's warehouse in Plymouth, Minn., looking for other merchandise that could be phony. They allege the scheme has been going on for about four or five years.
Messages left with Vintage Sports were not immediately returned Thursday.

[kprst6]

It's funny how the BBB gives them an A+ rating!!!
http://www.bbb.org/minnesota/business-reviews/baseball-cards-and-sports-memorabilia/vintage-authentics-in-plymouth-mn-96011535

[russyurk]

Thanks for the update, I saw the police "escorting" someone out this morning. Good for them.

[ironmanfan]

I'm sure that Joel or Dave M. will give us a detailed report as well!

[CampWest]

It's funny how the BBB gives them an A+ rating!!!
http://www.bbb.org/minnesota/business-reviews/baseball-cards-and-sports-memorabilia/vintage-authentics-in-plymouth-mn-96011535

Why is that funny that they got an A+?

The BBB only deals with customer complaints and that sort of thing...
BBB Accreditation

A BBB Accredited Business since 06/23/2009
BBB has determined that Vintage Authentics, LLC meets BBB accreditation standards (http://minnesota.bbb.org/bbb-accreditation-standards), which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.
BBB accreditation does not mean that the business' products or services have been evaluated or endorsed by BBB, or that BBB has made a determination as to the business' product quality or competency in performing services.

[CampWest]

BBB accreditation does not mean that the business' products or services have been evaluated or endorsed by BBB, or that BBB has made a determination as to the business' product quality or competency in performing services.

Also, they have received no complaints in the last three years. What do you think the BBB does?

Customer Complaints Summary

0 complaints closed with BBB in last 3 years | 0 closed in last 12 months

Complaint TypeTotal Closed ComplaintsAdvertising / Sales Issues0Billing / Collection Issues0Problems with Product / Service0Delivery Issues0Guarantee / Warranty Issues0Total Closed Complaints0

[trsent]

I'm sure that Joel or Dave M. will give us a detailed report as well!

I was called and told about the events today, but today I didn't attend the show as I had only gotten 4 hours of sleep the previous two night and I really needed to sleep in today. I had not seen Dave at the show Tuesday or Wednesday, but I could have missed him also.

From what I have heard, no on really knows any details about it. I'm sure there will be more information made available soon.

Though I don't know any details of the events today, I am hoping maybe these events that are happening will alert others to start to respect the Game Used Universe Forum's impact on the hobby and on the industry. Though we are not always 100% perfect, usually when questions arise on this forum and issues are found with items, we as a group have helped educate the collectors and dealers alike with useful information. Too many auction houses and public auction sellers have ignored information provided by users of this forum for too long and there isn't a much better group of knowledgeable people around than those you can find on here.

[Eric]

http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/image/id/48979/headline/Sports%20jersey%20retailer%20arrested/

[kprst6]

Also, they have received no complaints in the last three years. What do you think the BBB does?

Customer Complaints Summary

0 complaints closed with BBB in last 3 years | 0 closed in last 12 months

Complaint TypeTotal Closed ComplaintsAdvertising / Sales Issues0Billing / Collection Issues0Problems with Product / Service0Delivery Issues0Guarantee / Warranty Issues0Total Closed Complaints0
Ever wonder that maybe I was making fun at the BBB being completely meaningless.

[ironmanfan]

Does anyone recall if Jensen/Vintage used Lampson for their authentication?

[ziggy]

Was this guy a retail dealer or an auction house?

[CampWest]

Ever wonder that maybe I was making fun at the BBB being completely meaningless.


I don't do drugs. So I will pass on the chill pill suggestion. :rolleyes:

I'm sorry, that you are offended that I explained that the BBB is meaningless and they do not review products and services. I sincerely apologize for my inability to infer your comment was satirical in nature.

Yes, the BBB is largely meaningless. That was precisely my point as well, so I am glad to see we are in agreement.

[MSpecht]

There have been a few interesting threads over the years that have highlighted VA, S Jensen in particular, and the primary VA authenticator... In the words of the late Malcolm X, it looks like another "case of the chickens coming home to roost."

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/search.php?searchid=904897


Thanks for the kind words above Joel (post 16)... GUU has made a major impact in the memorabilia hobby / business in customer protection and consumer fraud. Think back 5 or 6 years ago, then decide whether the landscape is better now or not.

Unfortunately, however, there are still people out there whose sole object is to make as much money as they can, at no matter whose expense. If one's business model is "for each item that gets questioned and exposed, I will still sell 20 other bad items that will never come to light," they will probably make some money, at least until the chickens come home to roost.

Mike Jackitout7@aol.com

[Eric]

Was anyone there today? Any first-hand accounts?

[Eric]

Sports Collectors Daily has the first full story on the arrest...
http://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/dealer-arrested-facing-mail-fraud-charges/

[DeacDoug]

Steve's arrest amazes me. Somebody really had a hard on for VA to do this at the National. The Postal Inspectors will now have to prove that Steve's items were not authentic and that Steve knew it. Perhaps Steve told somebody this information and that person reported it to the PIs. It is not that easy to prove items are bad, as opposed to merely doubtful; let alone that VA's knowledge. Will the case involve Lou Lampson who, as the authenticator, either knew the items were bad or was merely as bad at his job as many have claimed here.

I have bought many items from VA auctions. They had some great items and prices were relatively reasonable. Even Howard Wolfe vouched for VA's credibility at one point. I am not so naive as to believe that all the items I've purchased are real. Action houses and authenticators make mistakes as we know.

Yet, it is hard for me to believe that Steve was doing this deliberately. Both Steven and Mark, his partner, have always been straight shooters with me and, I think, on this site when posting. Most questions about authenticity have been resolved quickly and amicably. It is possible that VA's philosophy was to put the bad item out there and pull it if there were complaints. I certainly hope this was not the case. :(

[ironmanfan]

Steve's arrest amazes me. Somebody really had a hard on for VA to do this at the National. The Postal Inspectors will now have to prove that Steve's items were not authentic and that Steve knew it. Perhaps Steve told somebody this information and that person reported it to the PIs. It is not that easy to prove items are bad, as opposed to merely doubtful; let alone that VA's knowledge. Will the case involve Lou Lampson who, as the authenticator, either knew the items were bad or was merely as bad at his job as many have claimed here.

Yet, it is hard for me to believe that Steve was doing this deliberately. Both Steven and Mark, his partner, have always been straight shooters with me and, I think, on this site when posting. Most questions about authenticity have been resolved quickly and amicably. It is possible that VA's philosophy was to put the bad item out there and pull it if there were complaints. I certainly hope this was not the case. :(

If you read the article that Eric posted, you'll note that Jensen knew he was selling bad items....

Another thing that was amazing was how the prices have dropped since that collector originally bought the '95 A-Rod jersey back in 2007...When did this Forum start?

Any LL sightings in Chi town?

[sylbry]

Sports Collectors Daily has the first full story on the arrest...
http://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/dealer-arrested-facing-mail-fraud-charges/


It will be interesting to see how far this investigation reaches. There are a few Twins jerseys where if I was the consignor I can't say I would sleep to comfortable.

I exchanged a few emails with Steve this week regarding my posting questionable items in the latest auction. He was correct to call me out for not notifying him first and for that I apologied for my lack of tact. One comment he made to me was "I don't claim to be the know it all authenticator myself but I do pay a ton of money in authentication fees to try to make sure everything is genuine and authentic." Steve, you may want to get a refund. Looks like your authenticator really let you down.

[cubbs1232]

its amazing that auction houses that continue to offer 1000s of fake items each month (ie myccsa.com) continue to be able to fly under the radar with no problems. hopefully this is just the start of the crack down by the government on these criminals who lie, steal, and cheat the people in this hobby!

[DeacDoug]

As a lawyer, I am doubtful they have enough evidence to convict. VA can argue that our man Lou Lampson said items were authentic and that's good enough for us. It will probably cause VA to go out of business to defend if PIs are pushing really hard. It seems to me Arod buyer had serious case of buyer's remorse once it was known that Arod was a juicer.

I'm guessing that items may be bad, but players' credibility on game used jerseys is shaky best. Not sure how knowledgeable the equipment managers are either; however, would take their word over players and Lou. Are these the same guys who were doing it during the relevant year?

As an aside, I have the identical (year and venue) Arod, Pujois, and McGwire jerseys that I purchased in VA auctions. I have to admit that this must be more than pure coincidence. Yet, I saw about five or six Greg Dobbs Blue alternate jerseys when visiting the Mariners team store in '05. I won the '02 road Pujois jersey in the February VA auction. It stunned me a bit to see another one in this auction. Cards experts please let me know if you recall the Feb. one as being a fake. I recall Cards fans informing us that you could buy them in the team store. Pujois is full of shit saying that he has all of them.

[cohibasmoker]

As a lawyer, I am doubtful they have enough evidence to convict. VA can argue that our man Lou Lampson said items were authentic and that's good enough for us. It will probably cause VA to go out of business to defend if PIs are pushing really hard. It seems to me Arod buyer had serious case of buyer's remorse once it was known that Arod was a juicer.

I'm guessing that items may be bad, but players' credibility on game used jerseys is shaky best. Not sure how knowledgeable the equipment managers are either; however, would take their word over players and Lou. Are these the same guys who were doing it during the relevant year?

As an aside, I have the identical (year and venue) Arod, Pujois, and McGwire jerseys that I purchased in VA auctions. I have to admit that this must be more than pure coincidence. Yet, I saw about five or six Greg Dobbs Blue alternate jerseys when visiting the Mariners team store in '05. I won the '02 road Pujois jersey in the February VA auction. It stunned me a bit to see another one in this auction. Cards experts please let me know if you recall the Feb. one as being a fake. I recall Cards fans informing us that you could buy them in the team store. Pujois is full of shit saying that he has all of them.

VA can argue that our man Lou Lampson said items were authentic and that's good enough for us. That could be a defense but I wonder how many people on a jury would accept such a defense - especially if a jury member was a member of this forum. If this case makes it to court, Lou Lampson will certainly be on someone's witness list. When Lou gets to the witness stand, I wonder how will he be treated? A "expert witness"?

Jim

flaa1a@comcast.net

[Eric]

Updated AP story, with quote from Chris Cavalier...

Man charged for selling fake jerseys
EmailPrintComments
4
Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS -- The head of a Minnesota sports memorabilia company was charged Thursday with orchestrating a scheme to sell fraudulent sports merchandise online, including fake baseball jerseys he claimed were worn during games by Alex Rodriguez, Mark McGwire and Albert Pujols.

U.S. postal inspectors arrested Steven Jensen, chief executive of Plymouth-based Vintage Sports Authentics, during a sports collectors' convention in Rosemont, Ill. He is charged in federal court in New York City with one count of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud.

Jensen, 40, of Osseo, and his company are accused of knowingly auctioning off jerseys between July 2007 and last month that were purportedly "game used," worn by prominent baseball players, but were not authentic.

If customers independently learned the jerseys were fake and returned them, Jensen allegedly re-auctioned them, authorities said. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service did not immediately put a dollar figure for the alleged scheme.

Messages left at Vintage Sports Authentics were not returned Thursday. A message seeking comment was also left at a telephone listing for Steven Jensen in Osseo.

Thomas Boyle, an assistant inspector-in-charge with the postal inspection service, said no merchandise was seized from Jensen's booth at the National Sports Collectors Convention on Thursday. Authorities also searched his company warehouse in Plymouth.

Vintage Sports Authentics auctions sports memorabilia "purported to be authentic and genuine," according to the criminal complaint filed in New York.

In July 2007, the complaint said, one customer in the Bronx paid more than $3,000 for a home Seattle Mariners jersey the company said was worn by Rodriguez during the 1995 season. The customer brought the jersey to a sports memorabilia show in New Rochelle, N.Y., in January 2010 for Rodriguez to sign.

An authenticator at the show determined the jersey was fake because the name plate fabric was different from the rest of the jersey, the complaint said.

The complaint said Jensen stood by the jersey's authenticity when approached by the customer, who eventually returned the jersey after a former Mariners equipment manager examined it and also concluded it wasn't genuine.

Vintage Sports Authentics re-auctioned the jersey online last February, falsely stating it was the real thing, the complaint said.

In another online auction, an undercover postal inspector paid $477 to buy an away Oakland Athletics jersey advertised as being worn by McGwire in 1997. The agent spoke with several people to determine the jersey was fake, including McGwire, according to the complaint.

The postal inspector showed McGwire a list of other memorabilia offered by Vintage Sports Authentics, including a Home Run Derby jersey purportedly worn by McGwire during the 1999 All-Star Game. McGwire told the agent he still has his Home Run Derby jersey, the complaint said.

The agent told Jensen the jersey was fake and returned it, and his company offered it online again as genuine, the complaint said.

Vintage Sports Authentics also offered an away St. Louis Cardinals jersey in February said to be worn by Pujols in 2002. But Pujols told officials he still possesses the only two away Cardinals jerseys issued to him for the 2002 season.

Christopher Cavalier, chief executive officer of Game Used Universe, which hosts online auctions and collector forums, said sports memorabilia collectors must educate themselves and examine jersey stitching, lettering, manufacturer's tags and other details to determine an item's authenticity.

"It's an unregulated industry," Cavalier said. "There is a lot of money to be made and if people aren't educated, the collector is the one who is going to lose out."

[sox83cubs84]

Joel and others:

I have been at the National every day and will be there for upcoming days (I'm writing this Thursday night); however, for health reasons, I am only attending for 4 hours per day, as the ride on public transportation to get there takes about 1.5 hours each way. I also have been sticking pretty close to the booth I am assisting at. I didn't see the Vintage commotion, but that could have been because I had not arrived yet or had already left, or I was not in the vicinity when the confrontation went down.

Dave Miedema

[corsairs25]

VA can argue that our man Lou Lampson said items were authentic and that's good enough for us. That could be a defense but I wonder how many people on a jury would accept such a defense - especially if a jury member was a member of this forum. If this case makes it to court, Lou Lampson will certainly be on someone's witness list. When Lou gets to the witness stand, I wonder how will he be treated? A "expert witness"?

Jim

flaa1a@comcast.net

Unindicted co-conspirator?

[David]

I don't know the facts or who knew what and when and don't pretend or claim to here, but if a McGwire jersey was returned to the seller because McGwire said he owned the only real one (one article says that's what McGwire said), how could it could it then be sold without knowledge that it wasn't real?

[David]

I don't think the specific issue is that a fake jersey was sold the firs time, but that it was returned with evidence it was fake then turn around and sold again as real.

[David]

So a major issue is what evidence was given that an item was fake to the seller when it was returned. If proof or majorly compelling evidence of fakery was given as reason for return, the reseller may be in majorly compelling tough spot.

But I don't know the who what where when.

[jppopma]

David hit the nail on the head. When the jersey was sold the 1st time, Steve could hide behind the consignor and a Lampson LOA. Once it was proved to be fake and returned, the burden would fall onto Steve to prove otherwise.

From the sounds of it, it seems like he just kept trying over and over to sell it. This would fall directly onto him. If Lampson, reapproved the jersey or told Steve "it's good, I know more than anyone who says it's fake"....then he would be culpable too.

As an auction house, I just wonder why Steve would not have returned the jersey to the consignor and seek legal remedy for the auction price? Maybe it was owned by him or someone within his company.

I'd love to hear the opinion of other auction houses and their concerns over this type of liability.

[gingi79]

I have no dog in this fight other than the truth. For all I know, Steve is a criminal and will be found a thief and punished. A few things to pnder however, just to tie in another ongoing thread here at GUU:

VA sells an item. The buyer claims it isn't real or the "so called experts who claim everyone elses stuff is fake and only their stuff is real" convinces him it's fake. Steve thinks the so called expert is wrong and the customer has buyers remorse. Rather than deal with the drama and feeling he can resell possibly for more anyway, he does what we expect all dealers and auction houses to do. He stands by his item, gave the buyer his money and takes the jersey back no questions asked.

VA would feel the same way everyone in that thread claims to feel. He knows the item is real, his authenticator tells him he is right. To the best of his knowledge, it is.

The main difference is, as a collector who didn't do the homework and due dilligence we feel bad for you. When it is an auction house or dealer, then they are out to screw us. While it appears that Steve is not innocent, perhaps it illustrates how quick we are to have that double standard.

[David]

If you read the article, the agent returned the 1999 All-Star Game McGwire jersey as fake after McGwire himself said it had to be fake because he owned the real one. So there wasn't much gray area there about its authenticity and why it was being returned in that instance.

[David]

However, I do agree that honest sellers will sometimes accept a return from an incorrect buyer and resell it, rather than get into a useless fight over the issue. I accepted a return once, then the buyer emailed me to admit he made the error not me. I knew I was right all along, but wasn't interested in a hassle.

[DeacDoug]

I think Steve did what most of us would do and that doesn't make it right. After more than 2 years, the buyer comes back with a Arod jersey he claims was not authentic. The buyer overpaid to begin with and then the "juicing" info came out on Arod. Steve had long since paid the consignor. Assuming that Steve ever agreed that the jersey was not good, he could have simply taken back the jersey and eaten the loss or taken it out of Lou's future pay. Instead, he tried to mitigate his losses by reselling the jersey. My concern is whether there was an orchestrated conspiracy to defraud between Steve and one or more consignors.

Again, I request any info to definitely establish that my 2002 road Pujois is not good. I'm guessing that, infortunately, I outbid the inspector who went to bed before I did. I know the PIs would like me to cooperate, but not sure that is in my best interest at this point. I doubt Albert had only two road jerseys for the 2002 season. He has his charity and wants the proceeds of all jerseys, helmets, or bats bearing his name going to that worthy cause.

[DeacDoug]

VA's site is back up. Looks like bidding as usual on current auction for time being.

[rj_lucas]

Again, I request any info to definitely establish that my 2002 road Pujois is not good.

I think most forum members would agree that Jeff Scott (birdbats.com) is one of the most credible and respected experts in the hobby in regards to Cardinals equipment. Coincidentally, in his August 1 blog entry Jeff commented on the 2002 Pujols jersey in the current VA auction, and noted that he has seen more bad road 2002 Pujols jerseys than any other style.

If I were in your position, I would seek out a credible resource like Jeff Scott or Dave Grob i.e. someone who will perform an actual forensic analysis, and have them take a look.

Rick

[DeacDoug]

Thank you, RJ.

[Bondsgloves]

I think Steve did what most of us would do and that doesn't make it right. After more than 2 years, the buyer comes back with a Arod jersey he claims was not authentic. The buyer overpaid to begin with and then the "juicing" info came out on Arod. Steve had long since paid the consignor. Assuming that Steve ever agreed that the jersey was not good, he could have simply taken back the jersey and eaten the loss or taken it out of Lou's future pay. Instead, he tried to mitigate his losses by reselling the jersey. My concern is whether there was an orchestrated conspiracy to defraud between Steve and one or more consignors.

Again, I request any info to definitely establish that my 2002 road Pujois is not good. I'm guessing that, infortunately, I outbid the inspector who went to bed before I did. I know the PIs would like me to cooperate, but not sure that is in my best interest at this point. I doubt Albert had only two road jerseys for the 2002 season. He has his charity and wants the proceeds of all jerseys, helmets, or bats bearing his name going to that worthy cause.


Don't we pay a 20% buyers premium to the auction houses. If an auction house is going to take 20% from the bidder, the risk should be on the auction house if the item turns out to be bad. I do not feel bad for the auction houses at all, they make a killing on fees, yet they complain when you come back and question an items authenticity.

[mickeymbz]

Unindicted co-conspirator?


why is anyone even using and paying lampson for his tarnished BS LOA's at the present???? do people actually still hold value to his LOA's?

[ziggy]

why is anyone even using and paying lampson for his tarnished BS LOA's at the present???? do people actually still hold value to his LOA's?

No, probably devalues the item

[nickacs]

No, probably devalues the item

Exactly.... ANY auction/Ebay/personal collection item I see for sale with one, it's bye bye sale! LMAO.. Run and stay far, far away my friends :D

[MSpecht]

"If customers independently learned the jerseys were fake and returned them, Jensen allegedly re-auctioned them, authorities said."


The MO above seems to be at the heart of the matter. Over the years, various collectors have complained that, when overwhelming evidence was presented that an item either purchased or won at auction from Vintage Authentics was non-authentic, Jensen would initially offer to put it in an upcoming VA auction and assist (hope) the original purchaser would get their money (or some part of it) back. Of course, the second time around, there would be no mention of any "issues" with the "authenticated" item. On occasion, when under pressure, the original buyer would get a refund, the non-authentic item would again show up in a future auction, again with no discussion of "issues." It looks like they went to the well one too many times (or took on the wrong collector who decided to not let the matter drop. Depending on the amount of additional resources the U.S. Postal Inspectors Service decides to devote to this prosecution, we may be seeing just the tip of the iceberg. It will also be interesting to see how the "We trusted our authenticator" defense plays out.

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/search.php?searchid=904906 (http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/search.php?searchid=904906)

Mike jackitout7@aol.com (jackitout7@aol.com)

[frikativ54]

Interesting article from the NY Daily News; check out the picture of Jensen being escorted away.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/iteam/2011/08/04/2011-08-04_steve_jensen_arrested_for_selling_fake_memorabi lia_phony_jerseys_of_alex_rodrigu.html

Only thing is that I couldn't access the court papers. Is the link to them working for anybody else?

Here (http://www.google.com/search?q=steve+jensen+arrest&hl=en&prmd=ivnsuo&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.&biw=1440&bih=811&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi) are also some arrest photos; I can't wait to hear more firsthand testimony from people at the National.

[ivo610]

Things like this are very very good for the Hobby.

Just wonder if those auction catalogs are going to be half size from now on...

[RJB44]

So what happens when a collector pays thousands of dollars for an original game used jersey (authenticated), only to have the player claim it wasn't one of his jerseys - or in the case of Albert Pujols, makes a claim that they themselves have the only jerseys issued (for a given year).

[gingi79]

So what happens when a collector pays thousands of dollars for an original game used jersey (authenticated), only to have the player claim it wasn't one of his jerseys - or in the case of Albert Pujols, makes a claim that they themselves have the only jerseys issued (for a given year).

Am I alone in thinking that purchasing or owning a Pujols jersey, specifically 2002, now comes with an almost irreversible doubt cloud? I have always wanted one but barring it has multiple photomatchs, MLB certification, a DNA swab of hair and matching blood stain with corresponding CSI documents and was taken off Albert's back and handed to you personally, I'll pass thanks.

[David]

I should note that most to all consignment auction houses won't accept a return, particularly much later, unless they agree there is a major problem in authenticity, condition and/or lot description. They aren't going to accept a return if there is nothing wrong with the item and/or auction description. If they feel there is nothing wrong with the item, they won't take it back.

[sammy]

....hence, no credit cards accepted.

[sox83cubs84]

why is anyone even using and paying lampson for his tarnished BS LOA's at the present???? do people actually still hold value to his LOA's?

Not certain, but working cheaply and giving a thumbs up to just about anything he's shown are two possibilities.

Dave Miedema

[Birdbats]

Am I alone in thinking that purchasing or owning a Pujols jersey, specifically 2002, now comes with an almost irreversible doubt cloud? I have always wanted one but barring it has multiple photomatchs, MLB certification, a DNA swab of hair and matching blood stain with corresponding CSI documents and was taken off Albert's back and handed to you personally, I'll pass thanks.

I've been telling collectors for years to be careful when considering Pujols jerseys because, while I've never been in Albert's closet, I know someone who has. He's seen the stack of gamers Albert has. Albert keeps most of his jerseys. Thus, the supply and demand issues. But, in the past month, I've seen four legit Pujols jerseys on the market. Hunt had two (2003 road and 2005 home) in its ASG auction. There was a 2011 home jersey sold on eBay that originated from a Koman Foundation raffle. And there was a 2006 spring training home shirt on eBay. Legit jerseys can be had. They're few and far between, but they're out there. So, don't give up. You may not find a hammered, regular-season gamer. But one-game-use jerseys, spring training shirts and other charity-auctioned jerseys do pop up. Just do your homework and make sure the provenance is rock solid.

[scottanservitz]

Hello fellow members. I just got back from the National and I just happened to watch this whole thing go down. I was innocently strolling the floors when I saw the postal police come in and walking in a fast and determined pace. As the interested person that I am I had to follow. The inspectors got to Jensen's booth and since there were about 8-10 of them he knew he was in some trouble. They patted him down, went through his wallet and cuffed him. At this point it became obvious to me why my wife and I never miss an episode of Cops! Well they read Jensen his Miranda Rights and escorted off. Now at this time there was a buzz in the room and people were asking what the heck was going on. The dealer that was next to VA's booth told me that apparently he sold and mailed fraudulent merchandise. I assume he heard the Postals telling Jensen the reason. All I can say is that it was a very surreal and kind of disheartening ordeal to me. I've sold to Steve before back at the Atlantic City show some years back and he was very cordial and interesting to me back then. Believe me, I don't know the specifics of this situation, but if he is proven guilty and is in fact guilty, I just can't feel sorry for him. If he isn't proven guilty, I think that this will somewhat tarnish his reputation. In the end though, I am glad that there are people trying to clean up our hobby and make it a better place for us as collectors! I truly enjoy this hobby and deep down kind of doubt that this is not the last time something like this is going to happen. Hope this doesn't get too long winded but thought you guys wanted a first hand perspective on what went down.

Scott

On a positive note, this was the best National I've attended in terms of game used that I've attended! And I picked up a gem that I will share in another thread. Also stopped by GUU's booth and had a nice chat with a gentleman there! Props to them!

[Birdbats]

Again, I request any info to definitely establish that my 2002 road Pujois is not good.

The first things I examine on a 2002 Cardinals jersey are the memorial patches. You can tell the ones that were sewn on by the pros at Liebe Athletic Lettering and the ones that were attached by amateurs. Compare the patches on your jersey to these photos and determine if yours is closer to the high-quality, tightly stitched patches or the lesser-quality, looser-stitched patches. Note the differences in how the letters are embroidered. Also note that the patches on real jerseys are ironed on before they're sewn, resulting in the letters appearing almost 3D inside the sleeve.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w232/birdbats/2002Patches.jpg

Could be a minor point, but the set/year flags on every legit 2002 Cards jersey I've seen is sewn flush right with the Majestic tag.

[Birdbats]

Here's a thread about my one encounter with VA. They didn't agree with me at first, but they eventually pulled the jersey.

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=34901&highlight=1996+ozzie

[DeacDoug]

I would to thank Jeff for educating me and the forum on the Cards' 2002 patches. I know he went to some trouble to do this. After reviewing my "Pujois" jersey, the patches clearly fall into the retail or suspect category. There is no 3D effect and the stitching is not the professional kind done on real jerseys. It is highly doubtful that the jersey is a real one.

If the FBI and Postal Inspectors are really interested in these alleged crimes, I think they need to follow the trail of consignors to uncover where the bogus jerseys really originated. It is one or few folks doing this or are there a bunch of crooks doing this nationwide? They are the real evil folks in this mess, and some are pretty good at creating a professional jersey likeness.

It would help if the auction houses cared more about the long-term health of the business and if Lou would spend more time authenticating each jersey. He probably sees more jerseys than anybody so he should have gained some expertise in this area. As a practical matter, however, nobody can be an expert on every sports team.

[DoctorLoomis]

I know with 1000000% CERTAINTY that Jensen and VA have sold bad jerseys. I told him it was bad...and presented ROCK SOLID PROOF it was bad...he auctioned it anyway. Further, as the Tom Brady game used lid thread from a couple weeks ago shows, VA has and continues to try and sell items that are questionable....at best. I have no sympathy for him....I hope he goes down.

[both-teams-played-hard]

This situation just proves the value of this forum and its members.

[gnishiyama]

If you read the article, the agent returned the 1999 All-Star Game McGwire jersey as fake after McGwire himself said it had to be fake because he owned the real one. So there wasn't much gray area there about its authenticity and why it was being returned in that instance.I do and always will have a problem with the above quote because
we have all seen time and time again players not really knowing
what they are talking about. Much of what they say has to be
taken with a grain of salt. It's just too bad McGwire's word
in itself will probably hold up in the court of law NO MATTER WHAT..
does anyone else see the irony? ;)

It leads me back to reading how Barry Halper would have players
"authenticate" items that were later found to be fake. Also
all those bad ASI and Elite game used jerseys with completely inaccurate
game-used inscriptions.

I would take Jeff Scott's information about authenticating real Pujols
gamers over Pujols' word any day. A player can say whatever
he wants.

I'm not saying McGwire is lying but with what we know now about
players and the hobby, their word by itself should be not be good enough.

Goh Nishiyama

[cjw]

Certainly not trying to defend the man charged or his actions, but if this updated story is quoting correctly, (regarding the Gov't's case surrounding details of the Arod jersey) then a false conclusion has been made.

http://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/vintage-authentics-investigation-continuing/

"The conclusion was reached for a number of reasons, including that (a) the Mariners kept all of the home jerseys issued to players in 1995,"

There are 1995 M's home jersey in the market and more are getting out each day thanks to the recent team store find/sale.

Just saying.....