7 Warning Signs of a Scammer Selling a Rare Art Nouveau Credenza on Chairish

7 Warning Signs of a Scammer Selling a Rare Art Nouveau Credenza on Chairish

1. Stolen High-End Gallery Photos

Scammers often use high-quality images stolen from legitimate gallery listings or professional photography websites. These images may show the credenza in a pristine, professional setting, making it appear more desirable. Always perform a reverse image search to see if the photos appear elsewhere online, especially on reputable dealer sites. Be wary if the seller cannot provide original, unedited photos of the actual item.

2. Vintage vs. Reproduction Bait

A common tactic is to misrepresent a reproduction as a genuine antique. Look for inconsistencies in materials, incorrect stamps or hallmarks, and poor craftsmanship. Genuine vintage items will show signs of age and wear that are consistent with their claimed era; overly perfect or artificially aged appearances can be red flags. For a rare Art Nouveau credenza, examine the joinery (hand-cut, rough joints versus machine-made precision), the type of wood used, and any maker's marks or labels, which can be faked but often show signs of age themselves if genuine.

3. Unreported Structural Damage

Scammers may omit crucial details about structural damage, such as warped wood, loose joints, or damage to veneers. A legitimate seller will provide a comprehensive condition report, including any defects. Always request detailed close-up photos of all structural elements, especially hidden areas like the underside, back, and interior of drawers.

4. Fake Restoration Certificate

For valuable antique pieces, sellers might present fake restoration certificates to bolster authenticity or justify a higher price. These certificates can appear legitimate but lack verifiable credentials. Research the purported restorer or workshop independently. Be skeptical if the certificate seems generic or if the seller cannot provide details about the restoration process or the craftspeople involved.

5. The 'Payment via Check' Trap

While Chairish facilitates secure payments, scammers may try to lure you off-platform with offers of payment via check or wire transfer. This bypasses buyer protection and makes it difficult to recover funds if the item is not as described or never arrives. Always use Chairish's integrated payment system for all transactions to ensure you are covered by their Buyer Guarantee.

6. Off-Platform 'Local Pickup' Fraud

Sellers might suggest arranging a 'local pickup' off-platform to avoid Chairish's fees and buyer protections. This is particularly risky as it removes any recourse if the item is damaged, not as described, or if the transaction is fraudulent. Chairish's policy states that for Local Pickup orders, all sales are final once the buyer takes possession. Insist on completing the transaction through Chairish, even for local pickups.

7. Account Takeover via Phish

Scammers may attempt to gain access to legitimate user accounts through phishing emails or malicious links. If an account is compromised, a scammer could list items or contact buyers impersonating the legitimate owner. Be cautious of unexpected emails asking for login credentials or directing you to external websites. Always verify communication directly through the Chairish platform.

Protecting Your Purchase with Safe Trade Services

For high-value items like a rare Art Nouveau credenza, we strongly recommend using Safe Trade Services. Our **Premium Plan** offers enhanced identity verification for both buyer and seller, providing an extra layer of security and trust in peer-to-peer transactions. This is ideal for ensuring the legitimacy of both parties involved in significant purchases.