Park West Gallery ripoff fraudulent appraisal!Questionable art pieces Southfield, Michigan

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Rip-off Report Investigation: Park West receives a POSITIVE RATING from Rip-off Report -commitment to providing excellent customer service, pledges its commitment to 100% customer satisfaction - over 1 million satisfied clients - feel confident & secure when doing business with Park West Gallery

I purchased several lithographs and cells from Park West Gallery as an investment whilst on a cruise ship traveling on a round trip from Miami, Florida in January 2001 spending over $10,000. I made this investment based on the authorship of the pieces and the announcements about the same and their Park West appraised values made during the auction on board that ship.

The appraisal and the artwork were sent to me on February 8, 2001 through the mail system. These pieces sat in storage until earlier this year, when I decided to pull them out and get them reappraised. Based on the new appraisals I have had, or have not had, due to the fact that no one wants to touch these, I have found that I was misled and lied to at the auction and in the appraisals. One is a Salvador Dali worth $13300, according to Park West Gallery, but paid a bit over $9100 for this piece. On seeking an updated appraisal recently I was shocked and disheartened to be advised that the pieces were “questionable” by several art dealers.

And received a letter from Sotheby's stating that “the piece in question would not be suitable for sale at Sotheby's as this property would not reach our consignment minimum of $5000.” Even if I pay the authenticator of the Dali, he will not give me his appraisal! Park West appraisal were misleading and incorrect and I have therefore been taken for a ride. They appraise their own work. I was induced to buy based on Park West's appraisal.

I spoke to Bill Smith on October 18th, and he was going to call me back but has not. That seems to be the thing with Mr. Smith! It's funny, on one piece I was told by the auctioneer, that the other 12 were in museums around the world…but Bill Smith would not confirm that over the phone with me. Like the rest of you, I feel pretty stupid! I just want to return these pieces and get my money back! This amount does not include the interest that I have been paying. I say we start a class action suit. I am working to get a great story out to the public so that this can be stopped. Has anyone had any luck getting their money back? What do I need to do. Bill wont talk to me anymore :(

Joey
Beverly Hills, California
U.S.A.