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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Scammer: I Forged Author Signatures

'Autographed' first editions brought big bucks in eBay fraud

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(Newser) – A man who made more than $300,000 by selling "autographed" first editions of books that actually contained forged signatures pleaded guilty to fraud in a Philadelphia court today. Forrest Smith's offerings on eBay included books by Truman Capote, Norman Mailer, Anne Rice, Tom Wolfe, and Tom Clancy, the Los Angeles Times reports. The forgeries were excellent—Smith produced them using rubber stamps he had made from the authors' signatures on other items, the Philadelphia Inquirer adds.

A signed first edition of Anne Rice's
A signed first edition of Anne Rice's "Interview With the Vampire" bearing the author's forged signature sold for $500.   (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi,File)
A book signed by Jeffrey Archer ... or was it?
A book signed by Jeffrey Archer ... or was it?   (©sankarshan)
Forrest Smith III of Reading, Pa., pleaded guilty today in a scheme to sell first editions with forged autographs on eBay.
Forrest Smith III of Reading, Pa., pleaded guilty today in a scheme to sell first editions with forged autographs on eBay.   (AP Photo/Kyodo News)
Forrrest Smith III made $300,000 by selling books with forged author signatures on eBay, prosecutors said.
Forrrest Smith III made $300,000 by selling books with forged author signatures on eBay, prosecutors said.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
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drlarrymitchell
May 20, 09 3:14 PM CDT
I purchased an autographed 1st ed. of The Spooky Art by Norman Mailer in 2005. I wonder if this is the same guy... Reply
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scootersrockin
May 20, 09 3:45 PM CDT
dude you got duped! How does that feel?
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Doctor_Zaius
May 20, 09 6:29 PM CDT
Fake stuff off E-Bay! Say it ain't so! Reply
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tbooker
Nov 17, 09 4:20 PM CST
Ebay don't give a rat's azz about what people sell. Between them and Paypal they make about 10% or more on each sale. You really think are gonna kick big ticket items off. Only autographs I have are from people that were right there in front of me signing it. A COA certificate is just as easy to fake and in my mind is worthless. Anybody want to buy this bridge I have. Deed is certified by some guy named Jacque Meoff. Reply
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He stamped, sold 400 books
Philadelphia Inquirer

eBay has a forgery problem
Online Art Magazine


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Internet • fraud • crime • eBay • literature • Philadelphia • Norman Mailer • Anne Rice • forgery • Tom Wolfe • Tom Clancy • Forrest Smith III • Truman Capote

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