Government Auction Sold items not sold as described; Showed my bids accepted then sold items to onsite bidders. When I complained, they disconnected me from auction. Tehachapi, California
1) Purchased an item represented as Golf Grand Slam Champions:
Engraved signature of Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen, custom framed and matted 24x36
This is framed in a garbage frame with plexi-glass not even real glass. We deal in sports collectibles; I am a certified appraiser. "Custom framed" is MISLEADING. Should be noted as "not glass and plastic-wood". Purchased one of these items. It arrived all scratched up. Poorly packaged. Photo attached shows sample of many scratches all over the place. We returned it for a replacement and complained about the lack of descriptive information posted for this item. It took over a month to replace it and the complaint went unheard as they are still auctioning additional units of this exact piece with no further detail. Also there was no Certificate of Authenticity that is USUALLY presented with such "collectibles", leading us to believe that even the plate signatures are fraudulent.
2) Today we attempted to participate in another of their auctions. We placed bids in the LIVE auction and were indicated as bids accepted. In example, we bid on a "collectible artwork"; the computer responded bid accepted at $100. In the next second the sale closed and was awarded to an "onsite" bidder for $100. We complained about this action; received a response that said "you have not bid on any auctions today".
3) We attempted to bid on another such "collectible artwork" and the same thing happened. We again complained and received no response to our complaint. We indicated that we wqould file a complaint with "Proxibid" the online server who the auction is operating through "Internet" wise; and to the California Auctioneer Association. We are immediately rejected and disconnected from the auction as noted: "The auctioneer has disconnected your bidding application. Please contact the auction company or a Proxibid representative for further instructions."
We immediately contacted Proxibid customer service. Their response is that they have no control over the auction. So Proxibid refuses interaction with complaints about who they represent. Tried to call the auction company, no answer, just a loop recording when trying to initiate contact with anyone there.
There is no indication or disclaimer on their website of them not being connected with the "government". Therefore we will be contacting our state attorney general's office to file a complaint, as well as making our Colorado Legislature aware of these scammers. We will also follow through with complaints to the AG in CA and the CA State Auctioneers Association.
In conclusion, GovernmentAuctions.com sells bogus merchandise; if audited, we guarantee that items sold by this company are favored sale to "onsite" customers, by either not accepting the Internet bids or ending the auction with onsite bids and ignoring online bids. Better known as "Favoritism" or "Fraudulent Business Practices".
Having over 25 years of professional auction experience, both in presentation and participation, I can affirm that this company is misrepresenting their merchandise; and conducting their service in an unethical and fraudulent manner.