Observe · Regulate · Protect — since 2007. 19th OIMAP General Assembly: Singapore, 10–12 June 2026. Programme
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24 October 2026 · Updated at 07:47 GMT FR EN ES Member area Log in
Certification

Report a fake

What to do with a forged certificate or a doubtful work: the reflexes, the report form and the handling of alerts.

Updated : October 28, 2026· 3 min read

A reported fake protects the whole market

Seal with Two Qilin Playing (1849)
Seal with Two Qilin Playing (1849)

A forged certificate, a work presented with a fake document, a usurped number: each reported case makes it possible to alert buyers, help investigators and strengthen checks. Reporting is free and may be anonymous.

This page explains how to recognise the signs of forgery, what to do on the spot, what evidence to keep and how OIMAP handles the report.

A good-faith report does not engage its author's liability, even if the investigation ultimately finds no fraud.

  • Forgery
  • Evidence
  • Reporting
  • Protection

Reports in figures

24fake reports in 2024
48 htime to first response
100%handled by an officer
0cost for the reporter

Signs of forgery

A few warning signals
SignExample
Number unknown in the RegistryThe number does not exist or does not match the work
Different descriptionDimensions, technique or photograph not matching
Altered documentRetouched digits, seal printed rather than affixed
QR code replacedSticker overlay, different address
Unusual pressureSeller who refuses verification or presses to close

What to do on the spot

  1. Do not conclude

    Suspend any transaction or payment.

  2. Keep the evidence

    Photographs of the document, of the work, messages exchanged.

  3. Do not confront

    Avoid any direct accusation that would compromise the investigation.

  4. Report

    Through the contact form, choosing “Report a fake”.

  5. Inform the authorities

    In case of proven fraud, file a complaint.

The Calumny of Apelles, Giorgio Ghisi (1560)
The Calumny of Apelles, Giorgio Ghisi (1560)
The Judgment of Midas, Nicolaes Clock (1589)
The Judgment of Midas, Nicolaes Clock (1589)
The Antechamber of the Palace of Justice, Paris, Charles Meryon (1855)
The Antechamber of the Palace of Justice, Paris, Charles Meryon (1855)

In case of theft or illicit origin

Anonymous or named report

Mirror with Concentric Circles and Linked Arcs (late 300s BCE–50 CE)

Anonymous

No identity
  • No contact details requested
  • No reply possible
  • Handled with less precision

To be kept for cases of fear.

Sketches in Belgium and Germany, Volume I: Hall of Justice of the Magistrates du Franc, Bruges, Louis Haghe (1840)

Named

With contact details
  • Reply within 48 hours
  • Possibility of testifying
  • Identity protected and confidential

Recommended when possible.

Nature of fakes reported in 2024

Altered certificates37%
Non-existent numbers29%
Replaced QR codes21%
Imitated letterhead paper13%

Source: Certification Department (indicative).

Case study: a doctored document

A dimension changed

Situation

A buyer notices that a dimension on the certificate differs from the Registry's.

Actions
  1. They keep photographs of the document.
  2. They report the fake through the form.
  3. OIMAP confirms the alteration and alerts the gallery and the police.
Outcome

The sale is cancelled and the seller is identified by the authorities.

Handling of a report

  1. Receipt

    Automatic acknowledgement of receipt.

  2. First reply

    An officer replies to you.

  3. Processing

    Checks in the Registry and with experts.

  4. Decision

    Alert, revocation or closure.

  5. Information

    Result communicated to the reporter.

What is done with your report

Each report is processed by an officer of the Certification Directorate, who consults the Registry, contacts the signing expert if necessary and, where appropriate, passes the file to the competent authorities.

If the fake is proven, the certificate concerned is revoked, the work may be made the subject of a BIOP alert and a note is entered in the Registry to inform future buyers.

Carved Lacquer Scroll Box (1736–95)
Carved Lacquer Scroll Box (1736–95)
The Judgment of Solomon and Esther before Ahasuerus (pair), Dirk Vellert (c. 1530)
The Judgment of Solomon and Esther before Ahasuerus (pair), Dirk Vellert (c. 1530)
Taj Mahal, Back View of the Rest-House, with Figure, Dr. John Murray (c. 1858–1862)
Taj Mahal, Back View of the Rest-House, with Figure, Dr. John Murray (c. 1858–1862)

A principle of solidarity

Document Box (Ryōshibako) with Chrysanthemum and Plum (lid) (late 1800s-early 1900s)
« One fake discovered and reported means a hundred buyers spared. »
Secretary-General's Office, OIMAP

Vocabulary of reporting

Fake
Forged document or work.
Revocation
Cancellation of a certificate by decision.
Alert
Note entered in the Registry or the BIOP.
Processing
Checks carried out after a report.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to prove the fraud?

No, it is enough to set out your doubts with the elements you have.

Is my identity protected?

Yes, it is never communicated to the seller or to third parties.

Can I be prosecuted if the document is authentic?

No, a good-faith report is protected.

How do I report?

Through the contact form, subject “Report a fake”.

Useful documents

Contacts

Nowshera, Kashmir (number 1000), Samuel Bourne (1864)
Nowshera, Kashmir (number 1000), Samuel Bourne (1864)
Certification DepartmentParis — Headquarters+33 1 00 00 00 00certification@oimap.exampleMonday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Report now

Silk fragment with scrolling vines, grape leaves, grapes, and birds (1325–50)

Use the form and choose the subject “Report a fake”.

Report a fake
Image credits (16)
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