The hobby of philately is one enjoyed by millions around the world. Unfortunately, there are those who would profit from people new to the hobby by offering spurious items for sale. A number of these appear on internet auctions sites such as eBay (see samples below - simply double click an item then scroll through).

As a Society, we make sure that everything we write about, advertise or offer for sale are genuine philatelic items. We deplore the practice of unscrupulous people who try to make a "quick buck" by selling items with false philatelic components. 

But it's not just stamps that can be "faked". Postmarking (marcophily) is an area where outright fakes have been used. Compounding that is the fact that the false "postmarks" are used to cancel the stamp or stamp area of genuine Australia Post philatelic items (most commonly pre-stamped envelopes and sometimes stamps). Calling them "cachets" doesn't cut it. Some sellers have been making a welter of this and we are obliged to bring these to your attention. While some of these items look "pretty", you would never, ever be able to display them in a genuine philatelic environment. If you buy them knowing them to be spurious simply because you like the look of them, that's up to you. It's the people new to the hobby who can be fleeced of hundred of dollars that concern us.

If you are ever in doubt about an item, feel free to contact any of our Committee members who will be happy to give you a guiding hand.

In the interim, caveat emptor!