......... just an addition to the excellent advice already provided.

If you are contemplating purchasing on e-bay, it would make sense to ask the seller in advance of your offer two questions.

1. Where did he get it from? I expect there to be an increase in forged certificates and you will need written confirmation that he received it directly from IC if IC turn down your application because they believe it to be forged. You can then use the answer to pursue an ebay/PayPal claim.

The certificates are pretty basic and some that have been traded have been forged. If the seller is unwilling to state the source I suggest caution.

2. If the certificate is confirmed by the seller as being sourced directly from IC then confirmation that in the event that IC asks for the source the he (the seller) will be prepared to divulge his identity to you so that you can satisfy IC. If he says he got it from "elsewhere" then I think you are taking a greater risk.

It's a shame that these will be traded but I personally understand why someone who has no other source might do so. If you do ensure the seller has a viable track record ie not a high rating based on a high number of recent ultra-low-value transactions and also make sure you do not provide feedback before your own status has been confirmed.

Good luck.