In today’s digital age, buying antiques and art online has never been easier. With just a few clicks, you can browse thousands of items from around the world—whether it’s a vintage Rolex watch, a mid-century modern chair, or an original painting by a renowned artist. But with this convenience comes risk: the online marketplace is rife with scams, fakes, and fraudulent sellers.
If you’re not careful, you could end up spending thousands on a counterfeit item or worse, losing your money entirely. To help you navigate this tricky landscape, we’ve put together a guide on how to spot a scam when buying antiques or art online. By knowing the red flags, you can protect yourself and make smarter purchases.
1. Too Good to Be True? It Probably Is
One of the most common red flags is an item priced significantly below market value. For example, if you see an “original Picasso” listed for $500, it’s almost certainly a fake. Scammers often use low prices to lure in unsuspecting buyers.
What to Do:
- Research the item’s typical market value using trusted resources like auction house records or appraisal websites.
- If the price seems too good to be true, proceed with extreme caution—or walk away.
2. Blurry or Stock Photos
High-quality photos are essential when buying antiques or art online. If the listing only features blurry, low-resolution images, or worse, stock photos, it’s a major red flag. Scammers often use stolen images or generic photos to hide the true condition (or existence) of an item.
What to Do:
- Ask the seller for additional photos, including close-ups of any markings, signatures, or damage.
- Reverse-image search the photos using tools like Google Images to see if they’ve been used elsewhere.
3. Vague or Nonexistent Descriptions
A legitimate seller will provide a detailed description of the item, including its history, condition, and provenance. If the listing has a vague description—or no description at all—it’s a sign that the seller may be hiding something.
What to Do:
- Look for listings that include specifics like dimensions, materials, and any known history of the item.
- Be wary of sellers who can’t answer basic questions about the piece.
4. No Provenance or Documentation
Provenance—the documented history of an item—is crucial when buying antiques or art. If the seller can’t provide any documentation, such as certificates of authenticity, appraisals, or previous ownership records, it’s a red flag.
What to Do:
- Always ask for provenance and verify it independently if possible.
- For high-value items, consider hiring a professional appraiser to authenticate the piece before purchasing.
5. Pressure to Act Fast
Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure buyers into making impulsive decisions. They might claim that the item is in high demand or that the price will increase soon. Don’t fall for it.
What to Do:
- Take your time to research the item and the seller.
- If the seller pressures you to act immediately, it’s best to walk away.
6. Unsecure Payment Methods
Legitimate sellers will offer secure payment options, such as credit cards or PayPal, which provide buyer protection. If the seller insists on unconventional payment methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, it’s a major red flag.
What to Do:
- Always use secure payment methods that offer fraud protection.
- Avoid sellers who refuse to use these methods.
7. Negative Reviews or No Reviews at All
Before buying from an online seller, check their reviews and ratings. If the seller has a history of negative reviews—or no reviews at all—proceed with caution.
What to Do:
- Look for sellers with a proven track record of positive feedback.
- Be wary of new accounts or sellers with limited transaction history.
8. The Item Is ‘Inherited’ or ‘From an Estate’
While many legitimate items come from estates, scammers often use this as a cover story to explain why they don’t have documentation or knowledge about the piece.
What to Do:
- Ask for details about the estate or inheritance.
- Verify the story if possible, and be skeptical of sellers who can’t provide specifics.
9. The Seller Avoids In-Person Meetings
If you’re buying a high-value item locally, the seller should be willing to meet in person to show you the piece. If they refuse or make excuses, it’s a red flag.
What to Do:
- Insist on seeing the item in person before making a purchase.
- If the seller refuses, consider it a sign to walk away.
10. Trust Your Gut
Finally, trust your instincts. If something feels off about the listing or the seller, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Scammers often rely on buyers ignoring their gut feelings in the excitement of a “great deal.”
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, act quickly:
- Contact the platform where the transaction took place and report the seller.
- Dispute the charge with your payment provider.
- Consider reaching out to a professional appraiser to verify the item’s authenticity.
Protect Yourself with a Professional Appraisal
The best way to avoid scams is to get a professional appraisal before making a purchase. At InstAppraisal, our team of experts can help you verify the authenticity and value of antiques, art, and collectibles. Whether you’re buying online or in person, an appraisal gives you peace of mind and ensures you’re making a smart investment.
👉 Think you’ve found a valuable piece? Get it appraised by experts at InstAppraisal.com today!
