Franklin Philatelics, LLC Very creative ripoff artists selling what I believe are worthless stamps to unsuspecting hard working individuals looking for a sound investment. Ft Lauderdale Florida

After being harangued on the telephone for months by an individual representing Franklin Philatelics, I slowed down my busy day and listened to what this individual had to say. I was sold a set of Elvis Presley Commemoraive Imperforate Inverted Printing Stamp Errors complete with certificate of authenticity. This transaction was done via Federal Express (note no postal laws violated). I paid a total of $1400 with a guarantee that I would make at least 30% within 1 year. This transaction was completed on 8/18/2003. I figued well let's see what happens with this and this would be the end of it.

I was wrong.

This salesperson with Franklin Philatelics contacted me about every two weeks trying to sell me another stamp, my answer was No until the transaction of 10/3/03. Salesperson called, fast talking as usual and I must have been tired or exasperated and I bouth 2 15c St Vincent Inverted Centers Error Stamps for a total of $2200, again via Federal Express.

Thought this was the end of it, wrong again.

I don't even have a receipt for the next transaction. This one initiated by the same salesperson representing the same company. This time I was sold a pair of Trans Mississippi Exposition Stamps COMPLETE WITH CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY for a total of $1500. Transaction completed 27 Sep 04 via Federal Express. Guess what? This time the name and state of originating company changed to CHAMBERLAIN PHILATELICS, 1400 COLORADO STREET, STE C, BOULDER CITY, NV 89005 - Person's name on the return address is Dana Okey

I was contacted again in December 0f 2004 to purchase some more stamps. I inquired about the present investment I made, in that a year had passed and I yielded nothing thus far. I made myself clear in no uncertain terms, no purchases until I yield a gain on one of the three I already purchased. That was the end of that and I did not hear from this person again.

In 2005, 2006 or 2007 I did write a letter explaining my stance and felt as though I was ripped off. Again no reply.

Interesting that every business card that accompanies these orders has no point of contact - in this I mean a name of a person.

Now for what made me file this report on this date. I received a phone call while I was working in my office this evening and guess what they were selling? This individual gave me the same spiel that I had and d**n if it didn't sound like the same person that used to call me. My caller ID says PRIVATE CALLER, so they are calling from an unlisted number or blocked the call. The person stated their name a Paul Gibson and that he was located in Henderson, Nevada and he had a guaranteed safe investment for me. I explained my stance and experience and stated I was not anxious to repeat it. Insistent, he even offered to split the lot in half so I would only have to pay $600. I asked what I was supposed to do with the stamps I currently have and he said if I purchased something from him maybe he could help me with what I currently have. Famous last words. I asked him what happened to Franklin Philatelics and he said the owner had passed away, and so young only in his 50s. I asked what happened to Franklin clients, how were they handling their investments. He said Franklin clients were referred to other Philatelic companies such as his and he had about 30 of Franklin's clients.

I don't know about the rest of you but I feel ripped off and I think Franklin or Chamberlain Philatelics just changes states whenever it gets too hot for them to handle.

Dumbass
Boerne, Texas
U.S.A.