I too was leary about buying anything from this company. But I took a chance, and bought two of the movie disc signed by Tom Hanks and the other one was signed by Michael Douglas. I got them, and they looked good. I took them to a collectible show and found a person who was selling autographs. I showed him the two items. He told me that in his opinion, the signitures were real. He even offered to by my copy of the american president. So now I can relax. I checked further into this company and found that there were a couple of ex employees who were fired and started to post false information about the company.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Anyone "leary (sic) about buying anything from this company" would not take a chance, especially after all of the bad press Autographs America and Brian Burkel have received on the internet. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that this review is a plant from Burkel or someone acting on his behalf. As far as the story goes about disgruntled employees posting false information to discredit the company, this is the excuse that they've given in the past and it's simply not true. BUYER BEWARE – you will not find one person who has bought anything from this site that can be authenticated. They simply are a scam and should be avoided at all cost.
Autographs America is a scam organization with nothing but fakes. Stay away!
Ladies and gentlemen, I can assure you that the above letter we are commenting about; "was mistaken" has been written by Brian Burkel himself. Burkel is the lowest form of life and he will suffer one day. You think we are stupid Burkel! Were you bashed regularly Burkel when you spent 8 years in jail? We know you were bullied as a child and had an unhappy childhood. You will experience pain soon Burkel and you will be lonely.
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.
Folow Up:
I just spoke with Mr. Burkel on the phone, and he is a low life ###. Threatening me, he is a low life piece of ###.
I found his attorneys name and number, everyone should call him and voice his complaints.
The secretary commented that he is in fact a client./
Aric Bomsztyk Atty
1422 Bellevue Avenue
Seattle WA 98122
Tel: [protected]
lol...This guy is such a loser. the things he said to me on the phone were absolutely vile and disgusting. Its no shock this man has served 8 years in prison. It was appaling tthe way he talks to customers. I have filed a police report, for just the way he treated me on the phone. Calling me a "###", and saying "you would really spend 20 grand just to take me to court for your measly 300 bucks?". he knows what he can do, and that he can victimize people. but believe me, he will pay, in some way shape or form.
I don't know about all of this. They've got pictures guys signing stuff for them!