The market for sports memorabilia is booming, with millions of items like autographed photos, jerseys, balls, and pucks being sold online and in stores.
However, the popularity of these collectibles has also attracted fraud. From fake autographs to counterfeit certificates of authenticity, fans must be cautious when purchasing high-value memorabilia.
This guide outlines the risks and offers practical advice for identifying legitimate items.
Why Sports Memorabilia Is Targeted by Forgers
With nearly 5 million businesses dealing in sports collectibles, the demand is enormous.
Items can sell for thousands of dollars, making them attractive targets for counterfeiters.
One major crackdown—Operation Bullpen by the FBI—uncovered a professional forgery ring involving over $10 million in fake merchandise and dozens of arrests.
How Common Are Fakes?
According to Assistant US Attorney Phil Halpren, fraud in the memorabilia market is widespread.
He estimates that if you didn’t witness the autograph being signed, the chances of it being fake are higher than 50 percent.
Popular athletes like Mark McGwire are frequently targeted, with forgeries making up nearly all of their alleged signed items on the market.
Why Certificates of Authenticity Aren’t Always Reliable
Certificates can be forged just like the items they claim to verify.
Some sellers use fabricated or unverified authentication services, leaving buyers with little recourse.
Even holographic seals—intended to serve as tamper-proof identifiers—can be faked by skilled counterfeiters.
What Vendors Are Doing to Fight Back
Companies like Disney, through ESPN, have introduced anti-forgery measures.
They videotape signings, use encrypted holograms, and seal packaging to protect buyers.
These added layers of verification can reduce the risk of fraud but are not yet universal.
Tips to Avoid Buying Fake Sports Memorabilia
- Check the price: If a signed item seems too cheap—like a Babe Ruth autograph for $500—it’s probably not real.
- Know your history: Learn about pen and ball designs. For example, Sharpie pens didn’t exist in the 1920s; any memorabilia claiming such a signature is fake.
- Watch for mismatches: Authentic signatures should match the era’s materials. A Babe Ruth signature on a 1980s baseball is an obvious red flag.
Unless you’re an expert in authentication, avoid spending large sums on memorabilia purely as an investment.
Purchase items you personally enjoy and intend to keep. This way, you avoid regret—even if the item’s resale value doesn’t hold up.