Forging VGA Grading

[esteban]

Ok, this was posted in the "Gouging" thread and I felt I was better to start a new thread.

not much of a gouge since its bids...but still so f*cking gross
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=281784635861&alt=web

Serious question:

I know that I could easily forge VGA grading. Surely others, with less skill, have attempted this?

Have you folks heard/read about this?


I would never actually scam for real, but it is incredibly easy (I would actually have to invest in getting an item or two graded so I could match the materials, ink, etc. (the feel) and not simply the aesthetics (the look).



TANGENT: I have watched some videos demonstrating a different issue—tricking the VGA grader (for example, swapping out manual for a different one, sealing it, and claiming it shipped like that).

[Sparky]

Were you a vegan?

[Mathius]

This is surely a contender for a Top 3 Worst Part of Retro Gaming list. Seriously I have no more words.

[o.pwuaioc]

Check out Dangerboy's video on the matter:

[seieienbu]

I think it'd be hilarious if a whole bunch of fake VGA things were sold, opened, and then a scandal happened where nothing was what was graded and the whole damn practice just went away.

...if only.

[SignOfZeta]

Yeah. This can only be good for humanity.

[DragonmasterDan]

Ok, this was posted in the "Gouging" thread and I felt I was better to start a new thread.

not much of a gouge since its bids...but still so f*cking gross
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=281784635861&alt=web

Serious question:

I know that I could easily forge VGA grading. Surely others, with less skill, have attempted this?

Have you folks heard/read about this?


I would never actually scam for real, but it is incredibly easy (I would actually have to invest in getting an item or two graded so I could match the materials, ink, etc. (the feel) and not simply the aesthetics (the look).

TANGENT: I have watched some videos demonstrating a different issue—tricking the VGA grader (for example, swapping out manual for a different one, sealing it, and claiming it shipped like that).

I'm aware of someone who as a test send in a handful of games a few years ago, most were real sealed games but there were a pair of reseals with some noticeable but not overtly obvious signs of resealing. VGA had sent these back to him with a grade not realizing they were not legit.

[seieienbu]

I'm aware of someone who as a test send in a handful of games a few years ago, most were real sealed games but there were a pair of reseals with some noticeable but not overtly obvious signs of resealing. VGA had sent these back to him with a grade not realizing they were not legit.

Gee, that doesn't sound hard to pull a fast one at all.  Get a box to a rare NES game, use a copy of Top Gun and some manual for weight, reseal, then put it up as a real auction on ebay and that would guarantee a sale. 

I just don't trust these things an iota.  Where best to hide a secret than inside a box that will never be opened?

[DragonmasterDan]

Gee, that doesn't sound hard to pull a fast one at all.  Get a box to a rare NES game, use a copy of Top Gun and some manual for weight, reseal, then put it up as a real auction on ebay and that would guarantee a sale. 

I just don't trust these things an iota.  Where best to hide a secret than inside a box that will never be opened?

I BELIEVE VGA actually opens the boxes to inspect the contents (or so they claim) before they put the games in their tomb cases.

 In his case the two reseals were complete and in great condition. But the type of plastic used wasn't a perfect match for the original, the "H-seam" was also not quite matching the real ones.

[esteban]

Gee, that doesn't sound hard to pull a fast one at all.  Get a box to a rare NES game, use a copy of Top Gun and some manual for weight, reseal, then put it up as a real auction on ebay and that would guarantee a sale. 

I just don't trust these things an iota.  Where best to hide a secret than inside a box that will never be opened?

I BELIEVE VGA actually opens the boxes to inspect the contents (or so they claim) before they put the games in their tomb cases.

 In his case the two reseals were complete and in great condition. But the type of plastic used wasn't a perfect match for the original, the "H-seam" was also not quite matching the real ones.

The fact that the two fakes were in a group of legit seals helped make the entire batch, and the client, seem more trustworthy.

I'm not excusing VGA, but I think it helped create a situation where a the grader felt he/she was dealing with a a trustworthy individual.




We could easily create a competitor for VGA.

WE WILL CHARGE 5 times the price, and we reserve the right to reject clients. We will make it very exclusive.

[DragonmasterDan]

I'm not excusing VGA, but I think it helped create a situation where a the grader felt he/she was dealing with a a trustworthy individual.

Yes, but let's say the person just bought a bunch of supposedly sealed games from wherever and had no idea what was legit and what wasn't. This same kind of situation could occur by mistake as well, and VGA would still be grading reseals.

[esteban]

I'm not excusing VGA, but I think it helped create a situation where a the grader felt he/she was dealing with a a trustworthy individual.

Yes, but let's say the person just bought a bunch of supposedly sealed games from wherever and had no idea what was legit and what wasn't. This same kind of situation could occur by mistake as well, and VGA would still be grading reseals.

Oh, I totally agree.

Are there any competing services to VGA?

Clearly, VGA has earned some credibility and widespread brand recognition.

[DragonmasterDan]

Oh, I totally agree.

Are there any competing services to VGA?

Clearly, VGA has earned some credibility and widespread brand recognition.

I don't know about competitors but I'd imagine there are.

VGA was the first service to do this that I recall. And yes, they do have brand recognition. But their reputation, due to situations like I just described is dubious at best.

[wildfruit]

Oh my this is ultra rare out of millions
http://ebay.us/56ZonS
I offered £10 with a stipulation that the case be removed. Awaits response.
EDIT sorry slightly OT

[Necromancer]

I BELIEVE VGA actually opens the boxes to inspect the contents (or so they claim) before they put the games in their tomb cases.

So all VGA games are guaranteed to no longer be new?