Honesty in auctions.

[COPO]

It's the same issue with all collectables and in some cases significantly more money involved. There is presently a disagreement amongst "experts" as to the provenance of a $450 MILLION painting.

The solution is always the same, conduct your own due diligence and hire an expert to minimize your chance of purchasing something that is not as represented and if you are not comfortable, don't purchase with your hard earned cash. If there is not sufficient time at an auction to investigate, then just don't buy at auctions.

[southernfriedcj]

If I saw someone buying a fake car I'd give them my OPINION on the car.

I do not have the knowledge that a lot of y'all here have, so that is no likely to happen.

I could point out a "caution fan" decal though.

[jeffschevelle]

Until it becomes a common outcome for someone who actually gets caught committing one of these frauds to get some real jail time, this situation is never going to change. The potential monetary rewards if they get away with it are so much bigger than the potential risk if they get caught (which is unfortunately close to nil in most states), there is no disincentive to keep doing it.

The truth of this is shown by how many times a car is "outed" on a forum like this, yet shows up again and again in auctions after that. And how often someone does get caught, gets sued and has to buy a car back, but simply goes to a different auction and sells it again with the exact same fraud story still attached.

If someone wants to help a foolish buyer out by sharing a belief that there may be a problem with a car, but not get themselves into the middle of the stink, a good way to do it would be to say:

"I'm no expert, but you might want to research whether or not ____". Or "I'm no expert, but you might want to verify ____".

That way you are not saying you declare it IS fake, or even that you believe it is fake. You are simply saying, hey, here's a particular item or fact that you might want to do your OWN due diligence on before you buy. Then if the buyer backs out, or proceeds, its all on him (just as it should be).

Using the Canadian LS6 story above as an example, you could say:

"I'm no expert, but you might want to research whether or not they actually built LS6 Chevelles at that particular plant in Canada". Or

"I'm no expert, but you might want to have someone who is an expert verify that deck stamp."

[Pro Stock John]

Once I found this site, I could not imagine buying something rare / special without checking you guys on here. I would assume some buyers loop in subject experts from this community.

[Teddy]

I'm more than ready to get back into a muscle car after selling my L78 Chevelle two years ago. But every time I read a thread like this I shake my head and say 'just go get yourself a C8 or a Hellcat Ted'. I'm often in disbelief what I see going on in the market. Shame.

[Lee Stewart]

I would recommend, if you are at the auction and see a fake - go to the auction company and tell them. DO NOT get inbetween a seller and buyer. You can incur legal jeopardy - even with your best intentions.

[dannystarr]

To answer the original posting heading.. Honesty in Auctions... Answer.. NO!!

[Pro Stock John]

I can see starting a thread on here with vin and info, and expressing a concern.

[chevelleheart]

Totally agree, hire an expect, money well spent !

[Mr70]

That,or they put on real authentic VIN & Trim tags from a donor car that was too far gone.
Canadian Docs do not verify a vehicle as a whole,only the VIN # assigned to an assembly.
No one checks the cars background or hidden VIN,because Hey,it's a Canadian documented car.