I had purchased a Beatles album autographed by all 4 members of the Beatles from Autographs America. After telling a friend about my purchase and the reasonable price I got it for, he told me that I was very fortunate because the Beatles rarely autographed anything and to find something with all 4 signatures on it for under $5000 was unheard of.
I got nervous and began researching Autographs America on the Internet. Everything I learned about them was negative and frightening. I called the company and expressed my concerns. I was informed that there is a disgruntled former employee spreading erroneous information about the company and the legitimacy of the signatures and that this employee is being sued. I was still apprehensive and requested that my order be cancelled and my money refunded. I was informed by the employee that I was not able to do this over the phone and that I would have to e-mail the company. I figured I was getting the run around and could kiss my hard earned money goodbye. I e-mailed the company requesting they cancel my order and refund me my money. Shortly after that, I received an e-mail that my album had been shipped. I contact my bank and they informed me that the withdrawal was pending right now and I could not stop payment. The only thing I could do was dispute the charge once it was billed to my account. To my surprise, two days later when I went to check my account, the charge had been removed! Maybe this company is reputable afterall? Maybe I just missed out on an amazing, once in a lifetime find! I'll never know now.
My story ends with the fact that Autographs America was very cooperative, accommodating, and the lady I spoke with on the phone was pleasant to deal with. I got my money back right away. I may have made a mistake cancelling my order.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
If your story is true you consider yourself lucky. This company has a terrible reputation, and I am certain that they have never sold an authentic autograph—ever. The owner of this site is Brian N. Burkel, a known felon and con artist. He's been doing it for years. He had to start his own site because he can no longer sell on Ebay. A Google search should uncover enough information on him and his web site to keep you entertained for hours.
You were Very Lucky, if you did indeed receive a Refund from AutographsAmerica! Have you ever seen a Website where they had 5 or 6 Signed Albums with Jim Morrison on them? Wait, how about 6 or 7 Led Zeppelin items Signed by John Bonham or Keith Moon, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Bon Scott, Brian Jones, Bob Marley, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jerry Garcia, The Beatles and the list goes on! This is NOT possible! And let's NOT forget about the Guitars, all the above named plus more! Use your HEAD, this can't be!
Your story is not true. This is written by someone from Autographs America. Yopu did not miss out on anything as they ALWAYS have a supply of signed Beatles albums. Karma will get you guys. Ripping people off is a lowlife act.
Another thing, have a close look at the photos on AA website of Brian N. Burkel with all the music stars. They are ALL bad photoshop add-ons and not authentic. I don't know if all those musicians have any right to sue. Ideas anyone?
What I wanna know is why these idiots running aa haven't been thrown in jail! I mean honestly, like anyone on earth is gonna be lucky enough to get one, let alone all the people in one place to sign this crap!The signatures are all the same style!plus, hows Jimi hendrix gona sign in silver sharpie when they didnt even have silver sharpies when he was alive?Id sure like to meet this [censor] face to face on the streets, cause id autograph his own signature on his forehead backwards so he could see how stupid he looks in the mirror.Hopefully something good will happen when they send this idiot back to prison, he can sit around and autograph Bubbas crappy undies!No wonder everythings 80% off.Hes got a wherehouse full of records and no record player to play them on!Get A LIFE!
Autographs America is full of [censor].
I bought seven items off them, four guitars and three signed albums.
After reading stuff off the net I got Roger Epperson to authenticate them.
In his expert opinion they were all fakes.
I think it is disrespectful toward the memory of these great musicians that there are pieces of [censor] out there hoping to benefit off them .
I learnt my lesson, and at least I can play the guitars.
But i'll never have anything to do with this company again.
After emailing Autographs America that the items were fake, they alerted me to the fact that I had agreed to some conditions of sale, namely that all the items were authenticated by a third party and if their items were deemed as being fake by another authenticator, that it didn't matter, as their authenticator had deemed them to be real.
Also if I did a credit back on my credit card, they would deduct $500 US from my refund to put each item back on the shelf . This hardly makes it worthwhile.
The people who run this sham are the [censor] of the earth.
I am not associated with any other authenticators, but i'll never have anything to do with Autographs America again.
If you go onto the website they are selling a signed album by Carole Bayer Sager
Nothing strange in that I hear you say but the advertisement says Carole Sager Bayer.
And if you see the autograph it even says Carol Sager Bayer
Even signed it incorrectly
I am really disgusted by this company. For Christmas this year I purchased 3 items.
1) A Depeche Mode "Black Celebration" Lp, signed, for my boyfriend
2) A Garbage signed 10 inch drumhead for myself
3) A Tori Amos sign guitar with artwork, which is absolutely gorgeous by the way.
ALL OF THESE ARE FAKE! I bought a Depeche Mode biography for my boyfriend for his birthday, which triggered my doubts. It was signed by the lead singer, and came with a SUPER COA. This thing was DNA tested, the whole nine yards. It looked nothing like what was purchased through Autographs America. So. I started comparing around, and have to believe the signed Lp is a total fake.
I noticed on the website, the Tori Amos guitar is back. A different guitar, but the same Artwork by Tori. Odd. How many performers would do the same thing twice...and the signature is different. The one on my guitar is a good version, but fake. I had it verified through 2 seperate auto dealers. It also doesnt look like the CD she signed for me outside of David Letterman.
The Garbage signed 10 inch drumhead was also back. Another duplicate. That one is fake as well. The only thing that matches are the "S" and the "M" for Shirley Manson. The rest of the signature is horrible.
I have called them, sent an email...as well as sending the email to my attorney. My next step is to contact the police station where they are located.
I just spoke with Mr. Burkel on the phone, and he is a low life [censor]. Threatening me, calling me a [censor]. I have filled out a police report for fraud and harrassment.
I found his attorneys name and number, everyone who posts on this site should call his lawyer and voice there opinions.
The secretary commented that he is in fact a client.
Aric Bomsztyk Atty
1422 Bellevue Avenue
Seattle WA 98122
Tel: [protected]
I just spoke with Mr. Burkel on the phone, and he is a low life [censor]. Threatening me, he is a low life piece of [censor]...calling me a "[censor]".
I found his attorneys name and number, everyone who posts on this board should call and voice their complaints.
The secretary commented that he in fact a client.
Aric Bomsztyk Atty
1422 Bellevue Avenue
Seattle WA 98122
Tel: [protected]
I got a great Adolph Hitler signed LP. I don't think it's fake.
OMG i just ordered somthing from them, how can i get my money back? devastated and feel like an idiot. Can anyone help?