The 7 Most Common Frauds to Avoid When Buying an Antique French Ormolu Clock on Chairish

Vintage vs. Reproduction Bait: Be wary of sellers misrepresenting reproductions as genuine antiques. Genuine ormolu clocks will often show signs of age, wear, and craftsmanship indicative of their era. Reproductions might appear too perfect or use materials inconsistent with the period. Always scrutinize descriptions and request detailed, unedited photos from various angles.

Stolen High-End Gallery Photos: Scammers may use professional photographs of genuine ormolu clocks from reputable galleries or auction houses to create convincing but fake listings. Always perform a reverse image search to see if the photos appear elsewhere online, and be skeptical if a seller refuses to provide original, in-situ photos.

Unreported Structural Damage: Ormolu clocks, especially older ones, can suffer from hidden damage such as internal mechanism issues, cracks in porcelain elements, or weakened gilt. Sellers might fail to disclose these issues. Carefully examine all provided images and ask direct questions about the clock's condition and functionality. Chairish's Buyer Guarantee covers items that are 'materially different than described,' but proactive questioning is key.

The 'Payment via Check' Trap: While less common on platforms like Chairish which typically facilitate secure online payments, be extremely cautious if a seller requests payment via check or money order, especially if they claim it's for a 'shipping discount' or to avoid platform fees. This is a common tactic to bypass buyer protection. Always use the platform's integrated payment system.

Off-Platform 'Local Pickup' Fraud: If a seller insists on meeting for a 'local pickup' outside of Chairish's secure transaction process, be extremely cautious. They might try to pressure you into an immediate cash transaction or present a different item than advertised. Always complete transactions through the official Chairish platform, especially for higher-value items.

Fake Restoration Certificate: Some sellers may present fraudulent certificates of authenticity or restoration. These documents can be easily forged and offer no real guarantee. Rely on the seller's reputation, detailed provenance, and the platform's buyer protection policies rather than relying solely on such certificates.

Account Takeover via Phish: Be vigilant against phishing attempts that aim to steal your Chairish account credentials. Scammers might send fake emails or messages impersonating Chairish support, urging you to 'verify' your account or 'update' payment details. Always log in directly through the official Chairish website or app and never click suspicious links in emails.