|
Rowling warns fans about fake HP merchandise 
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 at 3:36 PM
Posted by GERI
Source: JKRowling.com
JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, has updated
her web site with a warning to all her fans about the fraudulent number of autographed & unauthorised items that have appeared for sale on eBay.
From the update:
A recent perusal of the e-Bay stocks of 'signed' Harry Potter merchandise was quite alarming for the person who allegedly signed these stacks of books, posters and even, in one case, an unauthorised biography that I would never, and have never, put my signature to. As far as I could tell on the day I dropped in, only one of the signatures on offer appeared genuine. There seem to be a lot of people out there trying to con Harry Potter fans. The same is true in respect to the huge number of unauthorised Harry Potter e-Books and audio digital files that users of e-Bay have offered for sale to Harry Potter fans.
I would be delighted if the online community of Harry Potter fans canvassed e-Bay directly, asking that they be protected against this exploitation.
Reader Comments (239)
click to read...
Your Thoughts
click to write...
Copyright © 2002-2008 HPANA. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. 
HPANA is an unofficial fan site, in no way affiliated with J.K. Rowling,
Scholastic Books, Bloomsbury Publishing or Warner Bros. Entertainment. All
trademarks and copyrighted material are the property of their respective owners.
About HPANA | Movie 6 | Send a news tip | Contact us | Privacy policy
226-239
Student
Points: 292
Half Blood Prince's spy says:
Thats so out of order, i hate that, its not special unless you get it signed yourself, anyway.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 3:40 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 443
Terri6589 says:
Interesting very interesting.
<3 terri
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 3:40 PM EST
Student
Points: 216
siriusly? says:
Good on jk!
She should sort ebay out!
...no that i'd sell anything signed by her i had anything...i'd keep it for meeee!
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 3:42 PM EST
Auror
Points: 4040
Dan's no.1 fan 4ever says:
Well...I think JKR is completely right! They shouldn't be allowed to get away with it. It's unfair on us as fans, and also JK.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 3:42 PM EST
Hogwart's Ghost
Points: 2604
gemma_barnett1985 says:
Wow, you would think everyone knew by now that most jk signatures on ebay are fake, she tells us all the time, i can't believe people are buying them what a waste of money.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 3:44 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1359
SiriusFan says:
I think it's great Jo stays on top of these scams and doesn't let those tricksters go unnoticed. I think they should be called out and hopefully no one is buying that crap.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 3:55 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 435
Luna's Minion says:
What kind of person would be that low or that desperate?
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 3:56 PM EST
Prof. of Cultural Literacy
Points: 4241
PowerGranger says:
I say we all do what JKR has requested and call out the "vendors" who are hawking the fake merchandise. eBay can be convinced to shut these sales down if many of us who are registered users email in protest. eBay wants satisfied customers so I'm sure they'd be happy to know about these scams before buyers plunk down big bucks and start giving eBay trouble about it after they realize the stuff is fake. Let's help end it before anyone gets taken.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 3:57 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1401
Dobby`s Friend says:
I am glad she does! It is so stupid that they fake these things. I mean, it's not any cool if it is not signed by JK herself.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:01 PM EST
Witch
Points: 564
nevada pooh says:
People are stupid to think that they can get away with trying to pass off "signed" copies of JK's books.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:02 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1688
Woodfan says:
Well that sucks. You know, I've always wondered if an autographed something was actually autographed. There is no way of really knowing.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:03 PM EST
Squib
Points: 149
DiddyWeasley says:
it's good that she did that.you know,i almost bought one of these.I want it so bad that i don't even know how i stoped my self from bying it.
I don't know how people can go that low!
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:06 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1737
HermyG13 says:
I never look on ebay for anything. That's really pathetic of those people to do that!! What kind of people sell fake Harry Potter stuff??
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:07 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 300
DiamondDust718 says:
That sucks. Luckily I've never bought anything autographed by JK at ebay for that very reason. There are a lot of fakes out there and it's really difficult to identify. Those people should pay for ripping off fans and JK.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:08 PM EST
Keeper of Harry's Fate
Points: 8283
TheOneWhoMustBeNamed says:
It is so sad that people try to take advantage of others interests. I have purchased books over the year, and several were legitimate. However, several were fake and that was a disappointment. Only deal with reputable dealers with a long history in Harry Potter signed items.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:10 PM EST
Sorcerer's Apprentice
Points: 2554
WitchyMom says:
It just goes to show you how greedy people are. They think if something is autographed they will get more money. It's very sad but it's great that JK is taking notice and informing us to be careful.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:11 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1338
Toms_Girl13 says:
That's stupid. Why would you do that for money? Those signatures mean a lot to some people since they think they are from the real people. Those people must be so lame.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:12 PM EST
Hermione's Twin
Points: 5064
*Miss Hermione Granger* says:
Why would people do thay? but people should know by now because J.K sais that now she will only give autographs for charity purposes.What a waste of money if some bough one! and J.k should do something about it!
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:14 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 368
Prince of Slytherin says:
FAKE HP STUFF!!!!!! right on j.k! you rule! if it weren't for you,i would have gone to ebay and buy some stuff!!
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:17 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2212
Harry's Detour says:
These kinds of scams are to be expected I think. I mean, HP is so huge and there are always people that want to get rich off of others' likes. I think it is thoughtful of Jo to warn all of her fans about the schemes. We all just need to be careful and wary of con artists.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:21 PM EST
Mrs. Ronald Weasley
Points: 2575
hplover234 says:
I really hate it when people do that. It makes me so mad. Not only for me but for the people who actually buy these things. I would love to buy something that has been signed by J.K. Rowling but I would hate to find out that it was fake after I got it.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:33 PM EST
Overqualified Jester
Points: 2783
jurassicfatt says:
Human nature. Alas. Alas. Peop[le aren't smart enough to come up with their own work of art so they rip off the geniuses and their fans. People are poops.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:33 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 94
Your Shining Knight says:
I hate when people do that! i get so pissed!
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:47 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2327
Skitch says:
So, my autographed Harry Potter poster is a fraud? Just kidding. I agree its no good unless you get someone to sign it yourself.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:47 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1783
Veela~Girl says:
I agree it's unfortunate but unevitable with the wide popularity of Harry Potter. I'd have such a guilty conscience if I was one of those forgers though! And money can't fix that!
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:51 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2175
Andromeda Meliflua says:
How pathetic those people are. Who in the Dark Lord's name would want to waste their time on conning others like that. They must think we're dumb, but I for one would never buy anything signed from e-bay because I know that there is a 90% chance that the signature is fake.
Anyway, it's more special if you get it signed yourself instead of buying it from someone else. That was sweet of JKR to warn us of it I think we should do what she said and write to e-bay explaining what's happening. They must put a stop to it.
Posted Sep 7, 2005 at 4:53 PM EST
226-239
Back to top of page