Investigation Report
Generated on Feb 24, 2026
patrickj-7954 (eBay Seller) – 2024 Topps Update Series Ohtani Listing
https://www.ebay.com/itm/317917193112Why we think so?
This eBay listing offers a 2024 Topps Update Series – 1989 Topps Baseball Shohei Ohtani #89US-12 card from seller patrickj-7954 at $240. The card has been sold 649 times and is now out of stock. The seller has a feedback score of 100 and ships from Bentonville, Arkansas, but does not accept returns except via eBay's Money Back Guarantee. There are no direct complaints or fraud reports about patrickj-7954 in scam-tracking or card forums. However, the asking price is extremely high compared to typical sales data: recent, ungraded versions of this card generally sell for $8–$23, and even gem-mint (top graded) parallels rarely reach $100–$150. The listing does not mention a serial number or grading, but is described as "Near mint or better" and "Autographed" (without clear proof shown in images). No signs point to the seller moving counterfeit stock, and no fake reviews tied to the user were found, but the steep markup poses a financial risk if the item is not uniquely valuable or authenticated. Buyers should treat this as an overpriced listing, not an outright scam, unless the claimed autograph or condition can be independently certified. Always check card authentication, payment protections, and review comparative market prices before purchase. ❗
Risk Insights
Major Pricing Red Flag
- Listing price ($240) is vastly higher than market for this card.
- Comparable non-autographed or non-graded versions sell for $8–$23.
- No proof of autograph or premium justification given.
No Scam Complaints Found
- Public record and forums show no scam accusations toward patrickj-7954.
- Seller has a perfect feedback score on eBay.
Seller Limits Returns
- Returns only allowed under eBay Money Back Guarantee.
- This is common, but limits buyer's recourse.
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
- Extremely inflated price vs. legitimate sales for this card type and condition.
- Lack of visual evidence or certification for the claimed autograph in photos or description.
Detailed Checks & Insights
0-100 Scale
Seller identity and listing integrity
Score: 75
Seller identity and listing integrity
"Basic eBay seller profile exists, but store info is minimal and feedback volume is low beyond this listing."
Reason: patrickj-7954 has a visible eBay profile, valid feedback score, history of 649 sales of this specific card, and no detected scam warnings.
Review and ratings authenticity
Score: 80
Review and ratings authenticity
"One review is not enough for robust trust, but no negative patterns found."
Reason: No direct evidence of fake reviews or manipulated feedback; the single visible review is positive but limited in scope.
Product consistency and representation
Score: 55
Product consistency and representation
"Transparency is lacking for high-value collectible claims, especially authentication proof."
Reason: Listing claims autographed card and 'near mint or better' status, but no clear autograph proof, serial number, or grading images are shown for verification.
Pricing reasonableness and market alignment
Score: 30
Pricing reasonableness and market alignment
"A large disconnect from market value indicates risk for casual buyers."
Reason: The $240 price does not reflect legitimate market trends, being at least tenfold above typical ungraded or even most graded versions of this card.
Fulfillment and returns
Score: 60
Fulfillment and returns
"Shipping is based in the US, with payment methods handled through eBay's system."
Reason: Does not accept returns except under eBay’s Money Back Guarantee, which limits recourse but is standard for some collectibles sellers.
Legal and business compliance
Score: 80
Legal and business compliance
"No known copyright, fraud or rights issues raised for this seller or product."
Reason: There are no outstanding legal reports or complaints and the listing follows standard eBay protocols.
Your Next Steps
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1
Double-check whether the card is authentically autographed, and request proof or certification before purchasing.
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2
Compare current eBay sold listings and SportscardsPro values for the Shohei Ohtani #89US-12 card to confirm the market price.
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3
Use eBay's Money Back Guarantee, but be aware the seller does not accept returns outside those terms.
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4
Do not purchase high-end trading cards at steep markups unless condition, grading, or provenance are confirmed.
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5
Report the listing to eBay if you suspect misrepresentation or cannot get proof of an autograph.
Key Evidence & Citations
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Price history for Shohei Ohtani 1989 Topps Insert #89US-12 (SportsCardsPro)
⤷ Current market prices for this card, with most ungraded copies well below $25.
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eBay forum/YouTube/Reddit public records check for patrickj-7954
⤷ No specific scam or fake review accusations found against this seller.
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