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Daniel Martini, James Serenko, Jason Lenzi, Shawn Pelo $2 million Ebay sports autograph fraud uncovered in the Valley YOUNGSTOWN Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -
Four Valley residents have pleaded guilty to their roles in what investigators say is the biggest case of domestic fraud in the history of the online auction site Ebay.
Assistant Mahoning County Prosecutor Martin Desmond tells 21 News that the four men convicted are only small players in an alleged enterprise involving phony autographs on sports memorabilia that cheated 25,000 people out of more than $2-million.
Daniel Martini, 29, of Girard, who operates the Martini Burger Bar, pleaded guilty in Mahoning County Common Pleas court to money laundering.
James Serenko, 33, of Youngstown, Jason Lenzi, 31, of Columbiana, and Shawn Pelo, 26, of Warren, all pleaded guilty to engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.
Desmond says the four will be placed on probation and are cooperating with the investigation.
Those involved in the alleged scheme would obtain footballs, posters, sports cards and other sports memorabilia that had been forged with the names of professional athletes.
Investigators say that certificates of authenticity were also forged to accompany the memorabilia, which would be sold on ebay.
The money made from the sales was allegedly laundered through bank accounts belonging to other people.
Desmond says he expects three or four others to be convicted in the coming weeks, and followed by an indictment of the alleged mastermind behind the scheme, as well as his mother.
The assistant prosecutor says the others, who are all Valley residents, could face prison time.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Tim Mitchell
New York,New York,
USA
Guidelines to follow to protect yourself from buying a forgery on eBay
#3Consumer Suggestion
Tue, September 20, 2016
Public Awareness
Perhaps the most important objective of this investigation is to increase public awareness regarding the substantial memorabilia fraud problem that may account for upwards of $500,000,000 in losses annually. While there are legitimate and reputable companies selling authentic memorabilia, the industry has been plagued with high-quality forgeries making it difficult for legitimate companies to compete. It also defrauds thousands of unsuspecting consumers each year.
While the only way to absolutely guarantee that the autographed memorabilia is authentic is to personally witness the autograph, there are several ways to avoid becoming a memorabilia fraud victim. These recommendations include:
Wayne B
San Marcos,California,
USA
Top 3 forgers on ebay
#3Consumer Comment
Wed, September 14, 2016
1. outlaw_hobbies
2. cardboardlegendsonline
3. acc.collectiblezllc