What are my options after discovering autographs were faked?

Full question:

I made a purchase of an autographed framed album-the man said the album was signed by the original band members--I had a professional from the antiques roadshow tell me That the autographs were faked. I paid w/ postal money orders--he shipped through FedEx. I contacted this person and said I would like to be compensated--and he refused. Am I out of options at this point??

Answer:

We cannot give legal advice, and this is not an attorney-client relationship. However, here are some options to consider:

You may still pursue a lawsuit against the seller. If the amount you lost is significant, you should be able to find a lawyer willing to take your case. If it’s a smaller amount, you might need to pay the lawyer upfront, which could exceed your losses.

In court, you would present evidence of the seller's claims about the autographs being authentic and have your expert testify that they are not. The jury would then decide in your favor if you can prove the seller knowingly misled you. This could lead to compensation for your losses, and possibly attorney fees and punitive damages, but proving intent can be challenging.

It’s advisable to consult with a local attorney to discuss your specific situation.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.