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American Philatelic Society Warns Public of Fraudulent Online Store Updated 9/19

9/16/2024

9/19 Update: Fraudulent Website Shut Down

The APS is pleased to report that the fraudulent website www.superstampcenter.com has been shut down. Thank you to the many online sellers, especially the leadership and members of the Internet Philatelic Dealers Association, who lent their assistance to report the site and help remove it.

Please remain vigilant, as new, similar sites attempting to defraud collectors may appear in the future. If you encounter any site that appears to be cloning the listings of legitimate philatelic businesses, please contact the APS by emailing Kent Ball at kball@stamps.org.

The American Philatelic Society, a trusted name in the stamp collecting community, is issuing a warning to the public about a rogue online store, www.superstampcenter.com, that is engaging in fraudulent activities. This website has been found to be cloning the online stores and product descriptions of legitimate businesses, including the APS Stamp Store, other reputable sellers on HipStamp, and eBay.

Fraudulent Activities Identified

Cloning of Online Stores The rogue website has copied the layout, design, and content of legitimate online stamp stores.
Fake Product Listings They are posting products they do not possess, using descriptions and images from authentic sellers.
Discounted Prices These fraudulent items are often listed at significantly discounted prices to lure unsuspecting buyers.
Impact on Consumers Customers who purchase from this fraudulent site risk receiving counterfeit products or no products at all, leading to financial loss and disappointment. We urge the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of online stores before making any purchases.

Steps to Protect Yourself

Verify Website Authenticity Check the URL and ensure it matches the official website of the seller.
Inspect the Business Operators Check the business organization pages of the website to see if it seems a legitimate business. Such website pages might include the following: about, contact, customer service, returns, and shipping.
Look for Reviews Search for reviews and feedback from other customers.
Contact the Seller Reach out to the seller directly through verified contact information.
Report Suspicious Activity If you encounter a suspicious website, report it to the relevant authorities.

The American Philatelic Society is a leading authority in the stamp collecting community. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in the philatelic marketplace.