Customers who have spent the past few weeks waiting for cards, unopened packs and other items to be returned by Global Authentication are growing more nervous by the hour as the company has disappeared from its offices in San Clemente, Calif.

When phones are disconnected, websites shut down and eviction notices posted, it's cause for concern. How has the company responded to these concerns? By making absolutely zero public comments updating customers on the status of their items or when a resolution of the situation can be expected.

The longer the company remains silent on the topic, the worse the situation becomes -- not just in terms of the anxiety it creates among customers but in terms of the damage to the company's reputation. Despite its claim that the downtime is the result of a relocation, all other evidence suggests something of a more serious financial crisis exists. The people who have property sitting in Global's possession have a right to know if it's secure and when they can expect it to be returned. Unfortunately, the company hasn't recognized its responsibility to convey that message.

UPDATE: Global VP Steve Sipe told Beckett.com Thursday afternoon that all items submitted to the company were "safe in a secure location." He said the company is still looking for a new office location, which is why there is still no phone or website service for the company.

For the sake of collectors affected by this situation, we hope that Sipe is correct. But this is another example of how the company has failed Public Relations 101. Having the company president make a statement that would be consistent to as many hobby media outlets as possible is the way to best guarantee all of Global's customers are notified and project an image of the person in command being on top of the situation. Having a VP contact one outlet, and then not address the inconsistencies of his statements from earlier in the week, makes it harder for consumers to be certain they're being fed accurate information.