MVP
01-19-2006, 09:33 AM
Anyone check out "REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL" this week on HBO?
Authentic Imitations
http://www.hbo.com/img/core_template/spacer.gif
Real Sports' investigative team examines a growing concern in the sports memorabilia business - the proliferation of "certificates of authenticity." Can consumers really count on these expert opinions when buying autographed memorabilia? The relative ease and anonymity of internet auctions is central to increased sales in the sports memorabilia industry. However, the burgeoning availability of paraphernalia has also brought more fraudulent goods into the market: The FBI conducted its own investigation into the proliferation of counterfeit paraphernalia and estimates that more than half of the most sought-after signatures are fake. REAL SPORTS correspondent Armen Keteyian takes a startling look at the peddling of faux memorabilia to determine whether collectors can truly claim a piece of sports history. Interviews include Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino, who goes on line to shop for memorabilia showcasing his autograph; and FBI special agent Tim Fitzsimmons, who headed a sizable bust of fraudulent sports items.
Authentic Imitations
http://www.hbo.com/img/core_template/spacer.gif
Real Sports' investigative team examines a growing concern in the sports memorabilia business - the proliferation of "certificates of authenticity." Can consumers really count on these expert opinions when buying autographed memorabilia? The relative ease and anonymity of internet auctions is central to increased sales in the sports memorabilia industry. However, the burgeoning availability of paraphernalia has also brought more fraudulent goods into the market: The FBI conducted its own investigation into the proliferation of counterfeit paraphernalia and estimates that more than half of the most sought-after signatures are fake. REAL SPORTS correspondent Armen Keteyian takes a startling look at the peddling of faux memorabilia to determine whether collectors can truly claim a piece of sports history. Interviews include Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino, who goes on line to shop for memorabilia showcasing his autograph; and FBI special agent Tim Fitzsimmons, who headed a sizable bust of fraudulent sports items.