7 Warning Signs of Scams When Buying a Hand-Painted Sevres Vase on Chairish

Fake Designer Attribution: Be cautious of listings that claim a vase is by a renowned maker like Sevres but lack definitive proof of authenticity (e.g., maker's marks, provenance, or certificates). Some sellers may misrepresent items as genuine Sevres when they are merely inspired by the style or are lower-quality reproductions. Always look for detailed descriptions and supporting documentation.

Stolen High-End Gallery Photos: Scammers sometimes use professional photographs of authentic vases, often taken from reputable gallery websites or auction listings, to create convincing fake listings. If a vase appears too perfect or the seller's other listings are suspiciously varied in quality and style, it could be a sign that they are using stolen imagery. Always try to verify the seller's other listings and their overall presence on the platform.

Vintage vs. Reproduction Bait: Be wary of listings that ambiguously describe a vase as 'vintage-inspired' or 'in the style of Sevres' without clearly stating it's a reproduction. Scammers may use these vague descriptions to sell imitation pieces at inflated prices, hoping buyers will assume they are acquiring an authentic antique. Ensure the description explicitly clarifies if the item is an original Sevres or a reproduction.

The 'Payment via Check' Trap: While Chairish facilitates secure payments, be extremely cautious if a seller suggests conducting the transaction 'off-platform' using a check, especially a 'cashier's check' or 'certified check'. These can be easily forged, and by the time the bank discovers the fraud, the scammer has your vase and you are left with a worthless piece of paper and potential financial loss.

Off-Platform 'Local Pickup' Fraud: If a seller insists on a 'local pickup' and asks you to communicate or pay outside of Chairish's secure system, this is a major red flag. This tactic is often used to bypass platform protections and can lead to non-delivery of the item or receiving a counterfeit product. Always keep all communication and payments within the Chairish platform.

Account Takeover via Phish: Be alert to phishing attempts that may mimic Chairish communications. Scammers might send fake emails or messages asking you to 'verify' your account details, reset your password, or click on suspicious links. Doing so could lead to your account being compromised, potentially resulting in unauthorized transactions or the theft of your personal information. Always verify the sender's email address and navigate directly to Chairish's website for account-related matters.

Unreported Structural Damage: High-value items like antique vases can sometimes have hidden structural issues (e.g., hairline cracks, previous repairs not disclosed). While not always a scam, it's a significant risk. Sellers might deliberately omit mentioning minor damage to expedite a sale. Thoroughly examine all provided photos, and if possible, request additional detailed images of the base, rim, and any intricate areas of the vase.