In 2011 a famous art gallery in New York had to close because of lawsuits by collectors accusing it of selling fakes. The owners claimed, and continue to claim, that they had no idea those works of art were fakes. Documents in the ongoing case were recently released, and show that in at least one painting, the experts at the gallery should have know right away that they were dealing with a forgery because the artist’s signature is misspelled. It probably shouldn’t require an expert to figure that one out. The painting, in the style of Jackson Pollock’s drip art, signed “Pollok,” (not “Pollock”) was sold in 2000 for $280,000! That’s a lot of money for fake!

Some fakes really are good enough to fool the experts, and when people buy expensive art, they usually take all the necessary steps to make sure it’s authentic. I know I could be mistaken, but let’s assume that most of us here are not collectors of famous and expensive art. Even so, there is still a lesson in this for everyone. We all need to be smart shoppers- always make sure that what you’re getting is what you think you’re getting. I mean, do your research and find out all that you can about any important purchase. Read customer reviews, do some price checking, go test it out if you can. I’m also taking about minor purchases where it’s still a good idea to check best before dates, look at quality, and check prices. Make sure you are okay with shipping costs.

Be informed about your rights as a consumer. Find out about return policies because every retailer is different. Sometimes you will not get your money back, so be sure you are buying what you want. Find out what happens if you are dissatisfied with your purchase in any way. Who is responsible if something is damaged during shipping? Additionally, be careful with your money. Never give out your credit card information unless you are sure it’s safe to do so. When shopping in a store, keep your wallet close at all times, and when you open it to pay, don’t let the shoppers in line behind you see what’s inside. If you have to recite your credit card number, make sure no one can overhear you. And one more thing: the next time you buy a Jackson Pollock drip painting, make sure the signature is spelled correctly!