The 7 Most Common Frauds When Buying Original Tiffany Lamps on Chairish

Fake Designer Attribution: Be wary of lamps advertised as 'Original Tiffany' that lack verifiable signatures, proper "Tiffany Studios New York" markings, or exhibit incorrect glass coloration (e.g., pale gold, green tint, or silver sheen instead of amber). Reproductions often use painted glass that can be rubbed off with nail polish remover, unlike authentic lamps where the color is embedded. Scammers may also forge signature plates, as these are not difficult to replicate.

Vintage vs. Reproduction Bait: Scammers may list a genuine Tiffany lamp at an exorbitant price, only to substitute it with a lower-quality reproduction upon purchase. Always scrutinize the listed item's authenticity, checking for the characteristic opalescent glass, vibrant colors, and the absence of a rigid form in the lampshade, which can indicate a fake.

Stolen High-End Gallery Photos: Fraudsters often use high-quality images of authentic Tiffany lamps sourced from reputable galleries or auction houses to create convincing fake listings. Always cross-reference the images with other listings and be suspicious if the seller's profile lacks detailed history or other authentic items.

The 'Payment via Check' Trap: Legitimate high-value transactions on platforms like Chairish typically use secure payment gateways. Be extremely cautious of any seller who insists on payment via check or wire transfer outside the platform, as this bypasses buyer protection and is a common tactic in fraud.

Unreported Structural Damage: While minor imperfections can be expected with vintage items, significant structural damage (e.g., loose or rattling glass in the lampshade) might be concealed. Thoroughly examine all provided photos and, if possible, request additional images or a video of the lamp, especially of the base and connections.

White-Glove Shipping Surcharge: Some sellers may try to inflate shipping costs with exorbitant "white-glove" fees, sometimes for nonexistent or subpar shipping services. Chairish's shipping policies and fees should be clearly stated; investigate any unusually high charges or sellers who try to arrange shipping independently outside the platform's integrated system.

Account Takeover via Phish: Be vigilant about email and platform communications. Scammers may attempt to phish your account credentials to gain access to your information or impersonate you. Always verify communications directly through Chairish's official channels and never click on suspicious links or provide personal information via unsolicited emails.