Pawn Stars Scammed?! 10 Costly Mistakes That Nearly Bankrupted Rick Harrison!

“Pawn Stars” has captivated audiences with its thrilling mix of history, negotiation, and the unexpected.

However, behind the scenes, the show’s stars have faced their fair share of scams and costly mistakes.

From counterfeit items to impulsive purchases, the pawn business is fraught with risks.

Here, we delve into ten memorable instances where the Pawn Stars were scammed, revealing the lessons learned from these high-stakes blunders.

1.The Dud Diamonds

In 2010, Rick Harrison encountered what he described as the biggest bust of his career when a well-dressed businessman walked into the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop with a pair of diamond earrings.

After a thorough inspection, Rick was convinced of their authenticity and paid a staggering $40,000.

Unfortunately, the diamonds were later revealed to be stolen property.

The police arrived shortly after the purchase, and Rick had to return the earrings to their rightful owner, ultimately losing the $40,000.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying the provenance of high-value items.

2.The Hendrix Heist

In a 2014 episode, Rick was presented with a 1963 white Fender Stratocaster guitar that supposedly belonged to the legendary Jimi Hendrix.

Excited by the potential value, estimated at around $1 million, Rick was willing to negotiate a purchase price of $600,000.

However, the seller ultimately walked away.

Later, the guitar appeared for sale at Cowtown Guitars, the very shop owned by the expert Rick had consulted.

This left viewers questioning whether there was a behind-the-scenes deal struck without Rick’s knowledge, showcasing how the pawn business can be a game of trust and deception.

3.Costly Corey

Corey Harrison, Rick’s son, learned a hard lesson early in his career.

At just 18, he purchased six fake Rolex watches in one week, costing the business a total of $4,000.

Despite his family’s frustration, Rick defended Corey, explaining that even seasoned professionals can be fooled by expertly crafted fakes.

This incident highights the challenge of spotting counterfeit luxury items, especially when sellers go to great lengths to make them appear authentic.

4.Shoeless Joe Jackson’s Signature

Rick made a significant gamble when a seller brought in a book claiming to feature the signature of baseball legend Shoeless Joe Jackson.

The seller provided a certificate of authenticity, which convinced Rick to pay $13,000.

However, after consulting experts, it was confirmed that the signature was a fake.

This costly error left Rick with a worthless book and a valuable lesson about the importance of due diligence before finalizing high-priced purchases.

5.Woeful Willie Mays

In another misstep, Corey purchased a supposedly game-worn uniform from baseball icon Willie Mays for $31,000.

However, upon closer inspection, it became clear that the uniform had no signs of wear and was likely a salesman sample rather than an actual game-worn piece.

After some internet sleuthing, it was revealed that the uniform had a much lower value than Corey had paid.

Although he managed to recoup some of his losses at auction, this incident underscored the necessity of verifying the authenticity of sports memorabilia.

6.Striking Strong Box

In a Season 5 episode, Rick impulsively bought a 19th-century Wells Fargo strongbox for $450 without consulting an expert.

He later learned from Mark Hall-Patton that the strongbox was a fantasy piece, one of the most faked items in the pawn industry.

The Old Man later revealed he had known it was likely a fake all along but let Rick make the purchase for the sake of a good laugh.

This highlights the importance of expert consultation in the pawn business, especially when dealing with historical items.

7.Auction Atrocities

Rick’s attempts to sell high-value items at auction did not go as planned.

He lost $29,000 on a 1940s Indian motorcycle and $35,000 on a Fender Stratocaster previously owned by Vic Flick.

The losses totaled around $100,000, making it one of Rick’s worst days in business.

This incident illustrates the unpredictable nature of auctions and the risks involved in selling high-ticket items.

8.Robo No-No

Chumlee’s enthusiasm for unique items nearly led to a disastrous purchase of a 31-ton robosaurus, a fire-breathing dinosaur robot.

The seller wanted $1 million for it, but the Pawn Stars wisely decided against the deal, realizing the extensive repair costs and impracticalities involved.

This situation serves as a reminder that not all intriguing items are worth the investment, especially when they come with hidden costs.

9.Mistaken Mandolin

Chumlee made a significant misstep when he purchased a Gibson mandolin for $1,500, believing it to be authentic.

However, experts later confirmed it was a fake, highlighting the risks of making impulsive purchases without proper verification.

This incident not only cost Chumlee financially but also served as a valuable lesson in the importance of thorough evaluation before buying.

10.Catastrophic Cubic Zirconia

Before his passing, the Old Man shared a cautionary tale from his early days in the pawn business.

In the 1980s, man-made diamonds, or cubic zirconia, flooded the market, and even experienced pawnbrokers struggled to distinguish between real diamonds and fakes.

The Old Man admitted to losing around $30,000 on fake diamonds during this period.

This experience underscores the evolving nature of the pawn industry and the necessity for continuous education to avoid costly mistakes.

The Pawn Stars have had their fair share of ups and downs, with scams and costly mistakes peppering their history.

These ten incidents not only provide entertainment but also valuable lessons about the intricacies of the pawn business.

From the importance of verification and expert consultation to the need for caution in impulsive purchases, these experiences highlight the challenges faced by those in the pawn industry.

As fans continue to watch the show, they are reminded that behind the glitz and glamour of reality TV lies a world where the stakes are high, and the risks are real.