7 Warning Signs of Scams When Buying a Victorian Era Secretary Desk on Chairish

Unreported Structural Damage: Scammers may omit or downplay significant structural issues, such as wood rot, insect damage, or instability. Victorian desks, with their intricate construction, are particularly susceptible to hidden damage. Always scrutinize detailed photos and request additional close-ups of joints, veneers, and any areas prone to wear.

Vintage vs. Reproduction Bait: Be wary of sellers misrepresenting reproductions as authentic antiques. Scammers might use deceptive descriptions or historical-sounding jargon to pass off newer pieces as genuine Victorian items. Research common characteristics of Victorian-era craftsmanship, such as hand-cut dovetails and specific wood types (like mahogany or walnut), to differentiate true antiques from imitations.

Stolen High-End Gallery Photos: Some fraudulent listings use high-quality images stolen from reputable dealers or galleries to make a desk appear more valuable or authentic than it is. If a seller's profile is new, has few reviews, or their photos seem overly professional and inconsistent with other listings, it could be a red flag. Cross-reference images if possible.

Off-Platform 'Local Pickup' Fraud: While Chairish facilitates shipping, scammers might push for an off-platform 'local pickup' to bypass buyer protection. This often involves requests for payment outside of Chairish's secure system. Always keep transactions within the platform to ensure your purchase is covered.

The 'Payment via Check' Trap: Be extremely cautious of sellers who insist on payment via check or wire transfer, especially if they claim it bypasses fees or speeds up the process. These methods offer little recourse if the item is not as described or never arrives. Chairish's platform payment system is designed for security.

White-Glove Shipping Surcharge: While Chairish offers various shipping options, be alert to sellers who impose excessive or unjustified 'white-glove' shipping surcharges, especially if the desk's listed value doesn't warrant such a premium. Understand Chairish's shipping policies and clarify all costs upfront.

Fake Restoration Certificate: Some sellers might provide fraudulent certificates of restoration to inflate the desk's value or hide past damage. Always verify the authenticity of any such documents, and prioritize detailed condition reports and provenance information from the seller.