Specific Accusation:
Devaluation of known highly prized cards in the face of factual data proving otherwise. The so-called "Pricing Aberrations Are Not Counted Defense".

An example:
Most believers point to: 1994 Topps ABCD Redemption & Certified Winner Baseball Cards.

Despite repeated submissions of actual sales - which regularly top $50 - Beckett neither responds personally or through their baseball price guide by way of price adjustments.

However, during several face-to-face conversations during their appearances at the Annual Kit Young Hawaii Convention, when prompted, their cookie-cutter company answer has always been: "We discount pricing aberrations." (meaning that perceived price spikes are not counted in their "guide analysis") Claiming that typically these cards can be found in the price range indicated in their guides. And in this specific case - somewhere between .06¢ - .20¢ cents for either the pack-issued ABCD or redemption ABCD card.

Again, sales for this rare insert are not UNusual. They're typical and consistent. But Beckett has never budged in this regard. Yet, it was noted by those same dealers who asked about this card that several of Beckett's current and former employees (I have the names of the employees but because I can't verify the accounts, will not be identified here) those employees or the companies that they're associated with, had/have been seen actively searching for those very same cards at hobby shows and gatherings across the country. I spoke with dealers from Washington, California, Texas (specifically Dallas), and New York regarding this issue and I believe their accounts to be honest and accurate.

The suggestion here is that those aforementioned employees continue to manipulate information (and therefore prices) in order to personally profit from their manipulated data. And Beckett does this with several very rare variants like the 1997 Topps ProShooters Test Issue Checklist Cards.

Specific Accusation:
Unlisting or Non-listing rare variants so their own employees/friends/business associates can search and scour the hobby without any serious competition - all under the guise of "research".

An example:
The 2001 Pacific Private Stock Game Gear Sammy Sosa Jersey #37.

Rumors in Usenet Groups began shortly after the release of the product in February 2001. What was first thought to be a "short print" or "SP" for the Sosa Jersey saw initial price offers based on other similar top-tier players such as Mark McGwire. But within a couple of weeks it became clear that something very strange was going on since only one known collector was supposed to have busted such a card. As the weeks went by, and no sales taking place, buy/asking prices started to climb and climb fast. Over the course of several weeks I watched initial buy offers of $30 go as high as $500 - from the same dealers.

Here, and only if you believe it, is the "conspiracy" part: During this period at least three monthly Beckett Baseball Price Guides did not note the existence and extreme rise in price for this ultra rare card. (aka: The Feigned Ignorance Defense)

Check it out yourself: Beckett Baseball Monthly Price Guide March 2001 (initial listing) thru BBMPG May 2001 - no acknowledgment. In fact, they defend their position when they finally acknowledge it's existence in the June 2001 issue. A short blurb about the "discovery" of this supposed non-existent insert additionally adds that they (Beckett) were "told by Pacific" that card #37 along with three other jersey cards were not created. See, it's not their fault, they were only reporting what they were told. But remember: Tons of dealers, some with close ties with then-Beckett employees, were actively pursuing this card across the internet and via dealer-to-dealer connections.

Three MONTHS pass before Beckett decided it had been able to "confirm the existence" of one single example escaping Pacific's print shop. Despite the fact that Usenet groups were busting at the seams with activity for months prior to their sanctioned official announcement in June 2001.

For this to be even marginally believable - you have to absolutely accept this without question:

Do you really believe it took three months (twelve weeks) for Beckett to pick-up the phone and call Pacific for more information?

If you believe it - then you believe it. Personally, I think something very odd was going on, but that's just me. And remember: This is just one rare variant. I can point to over a dozen similar issues that seem to "slip past" Beckett's increasing presbyopic vision. Some of which can be seen here.

Specific Accusation:
Offering "affordable" but inferior collector tools. Duping new collectors into buying products or services that have no real value, immediate or long-term.

An example:
The Beckett Baseball Price Guide (a.k.a. The Annual)

Beckett has consistently produced this reference book, currently an "affordable" $29.95 not including the shipping and handling fees. All the while simultaneously publishing their superior 'Almanac' for just ten bucks more. Why? The Annual doesn't cover a huge number of issues. But according to it's own advertising:

"Beckett has provided this comprehensive source for checklists and prices of virtually all major manufacturer baseball card sets. Thousands of new items are included in this new edition, which covers cards produced from 1887 to present!"

Gee, isn't that what Beckett's Almanac is for?

Is the Annual a rip-off plain and simple? An effort to push out other publications from prime shelf space? And yet another marketing "deception-by-confusion" ploy designed to take advantage of the uninitiated new collector?

I don't buy the company line that "Thousands of new items are included in this new edition, which covers cards produced from 1887 to present!". Since it draws from the same source material - the Almanac is supposed to do the same thing. And the Almanac boasts the true collector's value - information on extremely rare prints which the average collector needs to know about if they want to improve their collections. And even that is hampered by other Beckett Conspiracy Issues. (see above)

Try this: Suppose you wanted to climb Mount Hood in Oregon. So you work hard and save your money. Now, as soon as you get there, some big business walks up and offers to supply you with "much needed, but affordable equipment". You buy it from the seemingly friendly business. Only, once you start your climb, other adventurers notice and start to laugh. Pointing out that your so-called 'affordable equipment' is junk that'll likely cost you the climb - and possibly cause injury to yourself or others. You're told to go back and get properly outfitted before you get into trouble.

Trust seasoned collectors - they'll tell you. If you waste your entertainment budget with the Beckett Baseball Price Guide (currently at No.28, 2006 Edition), you might as well throw your money out the window - at least that way it might help some homeless person.