[meteorite-list] Scam Artist - Joel Samson - Fake Lunar Meteorites

[Adam Hupe]

I was made aware after my initial posting that Eric Twelker also has a genuine 
piece of NWA 5K on his website which was obtained through legitimate channels.

My intent was not to exclude dealers or collectors who have legitimate pieces of 
this meteorite for sale, only make prospective collectors aware that their are a 
some less than honorable people out there offering bogus material.

I took extra measures from the beginning at enormous costs to protect consumers' 
investments in this special meteorite by mapping every cut, rigorously 
documenting every piece, imaging every slice, providing C.O.A.s, serial numbers 
and tracking first-round distribution on a registry. I even cast the original 
stone so there would be no argument latter on about dimensions. The weight was 
certified within minutes of unpacking.

As far as I know, the extra measures have served the collecting public well.  I 
do not believe a single bogus piece has been placed in circulation despite con 
artists attempts to do so.  It would be cost prohibitive to do this with every 
stone so this type of attention to detail is not the solution for most 
meteorites. 


Best Regards,

Adam