Fake stamps are haunting Indian collectors: Philatelic experts

PortBlair, Oct 12 (UNI) Fake stamps, widely available in Indian markets, are creating problems for Philatelic collectors, especially budding stamp collectors, experts said.

''Fake stamps are easily available in markets, which are printed in foreign countries and are sent to India for commercial sale,'' said Shekhar Chakroborty, a renowned Indian Philatelist and Vexillologist (Flag collector), adding '' these stamps, though collected by many, often do not provide correct information.'' Mr Chakroborty, while addressing a seminar here today, said compared to a few other countries, fake stamps are found less in India but still the present circulation is misleading.

''Germany tops the chart for producing fake stamps,'' the expert added.

The Seminar on Philately was organised by India Post as a part of district level Philately exhibition ANPEX-2006, for promotion of stamp collection hobby among students.

The Philatelist added that in India there is no foolproof mechanism to deal with the situation while the best way is to consult a Philatelic expert or refer to any Postage Stamp Catalogue being published by many countries.

However, India Post authority said it has no role in the circulation of fake stamps as it was being done by some private parties, that too of some other countries.

''As far as India is concerned, not a single Indian fake stamp is available in the market. it is only foreign fake stamps that are sold commercially,'' G Madhumita Das, Director of Andaman and Nicobar Postal Department, said.

Mr Chakroborty also advised budding stamp collectors to be careful before purchasing any stamp from private shops.

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