Two individuals hailing from Washington state, Anthony Curcio and Iosif Bondarchuk, found themselves on the wrong side of the law as they were charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Their scheme involved duping unsuspecting buyers into purchasing fraudulently graded sports and Pokémon cards, raking in an impressive sum exceeding $2 million.
The duo’s deceitful tactics spanned from 2022 to May 2024, during which they engaged in deceptive practices to push these faux graded cards onto the market. Their modus operandi entailed swapping lower-grade cards into cases that misrepresented them as higher-grade PSA 10 specimens, significantly inflating their market values.
One of the standout items among their ill-gotten gains was a 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, falsely touted as gem mint, that fetched a staggering $171,000 through an online marketplace in Manhattan. Detecting the fraud, the platform that facilitated the sale, MySlabs, promptly reported the issue to PSA and law enforcement. Additionally, misrepresented cards included a 2009 Topps Stephen Curry rookie card and a 1980 Topps card featuring basketball legends Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Julius Erving.
Their fraudulent activities were not limited to sports cards, as the duo also peddled misrepresented Pokémon cards. Notably, a 1999 first-edition Venusaur card was sold to an undercover law enforcement officer in Manhattan for $10,500, falsely labeled as a PSA 10 grade.
Curcio and Bondarchuk employed various channels to market these fake cards, from physical card shops and shows to online auctions. To compound their deceit, Bondarchuk allegedly resorted to providing false contact information when buyers raised concerns about the authenticity of their purchases, attributing it to unrelated individuals.
Facing the weight of the law, should they be convicted, both men could potentially spend up to 20 years behind bars. The FBI and PSA’s Brand Protection division joined forces during the investigation, showcasing their dedication to safeguarding collectors and preserving the integrity of the trading card market.
This high-profile case underscores the critical need for diligence in the collectibles market, serving as a cautionary tale for individuals contemplating engaging in similar fraudulent practices. The consequences of attempting to deceive buyers and tarnish the reputation of the trading card industry are severe, highlighting the importance of maintaining ethical standards and honesty in all transactions.
