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Our cover this month comes from the very talented Brett Schmidt. I've known Brett since he was in high school and recognized what a great talent he was way back then. He's been a regular at the CT for years, and periodically he sends me art to remind me that he hasn't forgotten.
A scam alert came to my attention a few days ago, and I am going to print here the text I received via email from publisher Steve Cyrkin, publisher of www.AutographMagazine.com
Robbery Scam Alert:
Life-Threatening Risk to All Owners of Collectibles
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2009
Greetings!
Please Beware: There is a potentially life-threatening scam to rob cash-strapped owners of collectibles, jewelry and other valuables. Emails are going out by the thousands or more offering to immediately buy your collectibles and other valuables. Recipients are asked to reply with lists of their collectibles -- and their name, home address and telephone number.
Do not respond -- even if the email apparently comes from someone that you know. Scammers can cloak their actual email address under the name and email of someone you may know and trust.
I'm Steve Cyrkin, publisher of Autograph magazine. We have received many of these emails, all from different email addresses, since yesterday, Friday February 20. This is an email version of a scam found in print and online classified ads that has lead to thousands of armed robberies, burglaries, and in many cases, the death or injury of the victims.
This is the text of the emails we received, but different versions are probably out there:
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Subject: Am interested in buying your collectibles
I Am interested in buying your collectibles listed above and i would like to know if its still available because i will like to make an instant purchase,so pls do respond back to me with the Amount of your collectibles so i can start making the arrangement to buy your collectibles I will also like you to know that i will be paying via Cashier check,and it will be over night payment due to the distance .Regarding the shipping,You do not have to bother yourself for the shipping as I'll instruct my Client to send down his shipper across
to you for the pick-up of the (collectibles) as soon as you receive the payment. And also be (NOTIFY)that my client shall be including an (Over Payment) in the check he will be sending to you in which you shall deduct the money for the(collectibles)and then send the rest to the shipper who will be coming across to you for the pick up of the (collectibles). So i will need you to provide me with the following information to facilitate the mailing of
the check . . .
1.Your full name 2.Your mailing address be it residential 3.Your phone number. 4, The amount of the Item Please Directly Contact me by [mark.s444@yahoo.com ] **Once again ,I will like you to know that you will not be responsible for shipping, i will have my mover come over as soon as you have your payment cashed
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Money is tight these days, so scams like these are sure to start spreading around the internet. No matter how tempting the email sounds, please do not respond. It could cost you more than your valuables -- it could cost your life or the life of your loved ones.
There are many safe and reputable dealers you can turn to if you need to sell, whether you have autographs, coins, sports items, jewelry or other collectibles or valuables. Good places to start looking for them are the websites of collector organizations, dealer organizations or magazines that serve that field. It doesn't replace being prudent, doing your research and checking dealer references and the Better Business Bureau, but it will greatly reduce your risk.
This same alert is also on our web site at www.AutographMagazine.com .
Be careful out there . . .
Steve Cyrkin
Publisher
Autograph Magazine
Sanders Autograph Price Guide
I'm quite grateful to Steve for passing the word around. I want my readers to be careful, too. I don't know if
you know this, but in the US, you can report internet fraud via email. This is the link to report scams:
http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
We have great stuff for you this month. Yes, our interview is pending as we upload tonight, but I expect it to float in shortly, so keep checking back. The Elements of Manga continues, which I am sure you are finding enjoyable. Mat Bredfeldt gives us a nice review of Star Wars the Clone Wars Campaign Guide for roleplaying games. After an absence of a few months, Stephane Morrell returns with <What I Care to See. This month he reviews the movie Coraline. We have an additional piece or two this month surrounding The League of Explorers, as well as Chapter 5. It's really good, you should take some time and read it. Plus, as usual, we have much, much more.
Speaking of movies, is anyone besides me about ready to DIE waiting for The Watchmen movie to come out? Just a few more days now!!!
As always, we are glad that you are here! Take some time and look around. I'm pretty sure you'll be glad that you did!
Sheryl Roberts
Editor, The Collector Times
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