7 Warning Signs of Scammers Selling 19th Century Oil Paintings on Ruby Lane
Be vigilant when purchasing 19th Century Oil Paintings on Ruby Lane. Learn to spot common scam tactics, such as fake authenticity certificates and hidden damage, to ensure a safe transaction.
Protect Yourself: Red Flags When Buying 19th Century Oil Paintings on Ruby Lane
Ruby Lane is a trusted marketplace for unique and antique items, but like any online platform, it's essential to be aware of potential scams. When purchasing valuable 19th Century Oil Paintings, recognizing deceptive practices is crucial for a secure transaction.
Common Scams Targeting Art Buyers
Fake Certificate of Authenticity: Scammers may provide forged or invalid certificates to inflate the perceived value and authenticity of a painting. Always verify the issuing authority independently.
Restored-as-Original Deception: Paintings may be heavily restored without proper disclosure. Look for signs of over-painting, visible repairs, or inconsistencies in the artwork's condition.
Stolen Collector Photos: Sellers might use high-quality images of paintings they do not own, often sourced from other collectors' online posts or auction sites. Request additional, unique photos of the artwork from different angles, including close-ups of any signatures or unique details.
Fake Antique Provenance: False or misleading information about the painting's history, previous owners, or exhibition record can be used to deceive buyers. Independent research into the artist and the painting's known history is vital.
Hidden Damage Omission: Sellers may fail to disclose significant damages, such as tears, cracks, mold, or previous amateur repairs. Thoroughly examine all provided images and ask specific questions about the painting's condition.
Off-Platform Private Sale: Be wary of sellers who suggest moving the transaction off Ruby Lane to avoid fees. This bypasses buyer protection and significantly increases your risk of fraud.
Phishing 'Shop Owner' Alert: Scammers may impersonate Ruby Lane staff or shop owners to trick you into revealing personal or financial information. Always verify communications through official Ruby Lane channels.
Enhancing Your Security with Safe Trade Services
For high-value 19th Century Oil Paintings, consider using the Safe Trade Services Premium Plan for identity verification. This adds an extra layer of security by verifying the identity of both the buyer and seller, ensuring a more trustworthy transaction.
Ruby Lane requires sellers to provide a credit or debit card for identity validation and may request further proof of identity and address at any time [5, 12]. However, for added peace of mind, especially with significant investments, Safe Trade Services offers robust verification. For items valued above $500, the Premium Plan is recommended. For lower-value items, the Basic Plan provides essential identity verification.
Trading with a stranger?
Don't risk your money. Use our verification service to ensure they are who they say they are.
Start Verification Now