Recognizing genealogy scams and pirates

Last week's EasyGenie newsletter about pirates (see "Skeletons found in sunken pirate ship off Cape Cod") coincided with a report of a modern-day pirate ... right on the EasyGenie Facebook page! A user spotted an offer for our genealogy charts that seemed too good to be true, and possibly a genealogy scam:

We've also received reports of other online retailers based overseas selling genealogy charts and not delivering them, not issuing refunds, and even selling cloth genealogy charts which are impossible to write on: 

Just to be clear, EasyGenie is a family-owned U.S. business which does ALL printing in the United States using a heavier grade of acid-free paper on high-end digital printers and offset presses, the gold standard for printing quality.

Further, we strive to get shipments out the door within one business day, and send tracking updates as the orders are fulfilled and delivered. We quickly respond to all customer service questions or issues, and our refund policy and return address are clearly stated. In fact, you can contact us right now using our contact form and we will respond ASAP - most questions are handled by Ian and Nicole, the genealogy fans who founded EasyGenie (read our origin story here).

Moreover, there are only 5 authorized online stores that sell EasyGenie genealogy charts & forms:

1. EasyGenie.org (full catalog)
2. The New England Historical Genealogy Society bookstore
3. Amazon
4. Etsy (limited selection)
5. eBay (limited selection)

We also work with a retail partner, Books 'n Things, an authorized rep at genealogy fairs and conferences in the U.S. These are the ONLY authorized places to purchase EasyGenie charts and forms.

if you find any online shop selling EasyGenie charts and forms below the price listed on EasyGenie.org, or the seller's business or shipping address is located in another country, please let us know!

Also, before buying anything online, do a little research. Taking a few precautions can save you from being the victim of an online genealogy scam:

• Does the genealogy company have a website?
• Are the people selling genealogy supplies or services genealogists themselves?
• Are the names of the founders, chief executive, or other staff publicly listed?
• Is the business address shown? Is it located in a country subject to consumer protection laws? 
• Is the refund/return policy clearly stated? 
• Are there reports from customers of items not being delivered, items that are impossible to return, or inferior quality? 

Also keep in mind that if you use a credit card or PayPal you may be able to file a claim against bogus sellers or scammers.