Counterfeit Policy

Rum Auctioneer takes fraudulent rum very seriously and we continually look to combat the sale and spread of these fake bottles, be they refills or invented forgeries.

Rum auctions are on the front line in combating rum fakers and here at Rum Auctioneer we frequently reject rums that are either not authentic, or that we simply deem questionable or problematic.  

We understand that this is an issue our website users are very concerned about. This policy is designed to provide reassurance to our users that we take this matter incredibly seriously and are constantly working to learn and improve our knowledge in order to battle fakes and protect the market.

Our staff have been trained to go through the following stages for any bottles that require additional verification:

• Physical Check: Looking at each bottle and asking if it is genuine. Are there spelling mistakes on the label? Does the packaging have a low quality of craftsmanship? Is the fill level too high? Does the seal look damaged or tampered with? Is there a tax strip? If so how and where is it attached and is it the correct kind for this bottle’s era?
• Research: Comparing labels, liquid colour, fill level, glass codes, seals etc. with other examples.
• Provenance: Researching the source of the rum and gaining information on its provenance.
• Expert opinion: We do not hesitate to ask for a second opinion. We consult with industry experts when assessing potential fakes. We also contact the relevant distillery or bottler as well as specialist collectors to ensure the highest possible level of scrutiny.

With the number of fake bottles on the market rising and with counterfeiting methods getting ever more advanced there is a chance that a fraudulent bottle might mistakenly be listed in the auction. If you think that a bottle has been listed in our auction that is not genuine please contact us immediately and provide us with as much information on this as possible. We are always happy to respond to enquiries of this nature and appreciate you bringing it to our attention.

If you have any concerns about any bottle please contact us.