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16 MAR 2001 -- Here is yet another example of the Misdescribed Stamp Scam. This stamp was recently purchased on E-Bay from a prominent E-Bay philatelic seller. Below is how the stamp appeared in the auction scan.

The total description consisted of the following "CSA #62x5 Used Dk Brown F-VF Cat $225.00." Also added to the description was the following which appears on virtually every CSA lot that this particular seller offers. "Beauty! NO RESERVE Will make an excellent addition to your collection." Starting Bid was $65.00 and the stamp sold for $66.00. I bought it so that I could get my hands on it to use as an illustration.

What is wrong with this stamp and this listing?

1. The stamp is misidentified. It is actually Scott CSA #62x3 with a Cat Value of $150.00 (significantly less than the $225.00 stated on the listing).
2. Calling the stamp F-VF is a bit of a stretch. The term F-VF used in reference to an imperf stamp implies that there are 4 clear margins. On this stamp, the margin at the upper right is not completely clear.
3. The stamp has serious defects. There are multiple small thins and a large scuff on the face of the stamp at the right center.
4. The starting bid of $65.00 is totally out of proportion to the true value of the stamp. The defective condition puts this stamp in the SPACEFILLER catagory which should sell for no more than 10% of the Cat Value (in this case $15.00 as the Cat Value is $150.00).

The problem is that none of these defects were mentioned anywhere in the abbreviated written description. However, the scuff can be seen on the scan if you know what to look for. I believe that it is definitely wrong not to include the defects in the written description. And to call every stamp offered as a beauty and an excellent addition to your collection has the actual effect of misleading the bidders (particularly the inexperienced bidders) whether the seller has this intention or not.

It is enormously difficult to protect yourself against this sort of a problem. Here are my suggestions --

1. Look carefully at the scans. If you see what looks like a defect on the scan which is not described, DO NOT BID.
2. If the condition of the stamp is not mentioned in the written description, be careful.
3. When you find a seller who uses what appears to be a formula type description in which nearly every stamp offered is called Superb, a Beauty, a Gem or something similar, my advice is to stay away as these are invariably inflated descriptions which do nothing more than mislead. If you really want to bid, then proceed with extreme caution and ask the seller questions about the condition before you bid. Be sure to check out the seller's other auctions to see if the descriptions all follow a similar pattern of calling all stamps Superb, etc and not detailing the condition. This is a real Red Flag which should not be ignored.

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