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Buying with confidence

Questions to ask
We must ask questions to avoid, and ultimately prevent, illicit activity in cultural property. The process of asking the right questions of the right people, and collecting appropriate evidence to ensure an item's legitimacy is called due diligence. This section of the website takes you to resources to support you in making a decision as to whether or not to purchase an item. Checklist Buying with confidence gives information on questions to ask the person from whom you are buying an object. It is important that you ask questions of whoever that person or organisation may be; whether an auction house, a dealer, a private owner or collector, someone selling via an online auction house (see Checklist Online sources) or any other means.

What steps must I take?
Checklists Acceptable evidence and Due diligence processes are provided here as a useful way of checking you have taken appropriate steps to avoid becoming involved in illicit activity and ensuring, as far as possible, that the item put forward for sale is part of the legitimate market in art, antiques or antiquities. In this way you will remain within the law and your purchase will have a degree of protection. The section on Legislation will demonstrate the risks run in not exercising due diligence.

What do I do if I am suspicious about an object?
If you have any suspicions about an object you will not wish to purchase it. If you believe a criminal offence has taken place you should report it to the police. Customs Confidential is a 24 hour helpline through which you can also report any possible illicit traffic in cultural property by visiting the website or calling 0800 59 5000.