Two men from Washington State, Anthony Curcio and Iosif Bondarchuk, found themselves in hot water after being charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charges allege that between 2022 and May 2024, the duo engaged in a money-making scheme that revolved around selling fraudulently graded sports and Pokémon cards.
Their sneaky tactics involved swapping lower-grade cards into cases that deceptively portrayed them as higher-grade PSA 10 specimens, thereby inflating their market values. Among the items they sold was a 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, which they claimed to be in gem mint condition, managing to sell it for a whopping $171,000 through an online marketplace in Manhattan. It was later discovered that the card was a fake, thanks to the platform MySlabs, which promptly reported the matter to PSA and law enforcement.
The deceptive practices extended beyond just sports cards, as Pokémon cards were also part of their con. For instance, a 1999 first-edition Venusaur card was sold to an undercover officer in Manhattan for $10,500, falsely labeled as a PSA 10. This underhanded behavior not only defrauded collectors but also tarnished the reputation of the trading card market.
Curcio and Bondarchuk peddled their fake wares at various venues, including card shops, shows, and online auctions. When buyers raised concerns about the authenticity of their purchases, Bondarchuk went as far as providing false contact information, attributing it to individuals not involved in the scam.
These fraudulent activities have serious legal consequences, with both men facing potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Their downfall came as a result of collaboration between the FBI and PSA’s Brand Protection division, highlighting the joint efforts to safeguard collectors and preserve the integrity of the trading card industry.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in the collectibles market. It warns those tempted to partake in similar deceitful practices that the consequences can be severe. The arrest of Curcio and Bondarchuk sends a clear message that fraudsters will be caught and held accountable for their actions, ultimately working to protect both the market and those who invest in it.
