Scam Email: Gretta White II

Here is more on the Gretta White scammer. This below exchange reveals more of what the scam looks like as it progresses towards the end.

forwarded email:

I have been in contact with Gretta White for a few weeks now and I realized it was a scam long ago but I have been stringing her along to waste her time and so I could submit as much information as possible to the FBI IC3.  I will try to forward you all of our email correspondence.

Dave

----------------

On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 6:57 PM, Gretta White. [smithwhite06@gmail.com]
wrote:

Hi,

Hope this message finds you well. I saw these creatives works on your website and i will like you to get back with more details if they are still available for purchase.

[name of pieces]

I will appreciate an urgent reply.

Best Regards,
Gretta White.

---------------

On Fri, Feb 10, 2012 at 12:55 PM, Gretta White. [smithwhite06@gmail.com]
wrote:

Hi Dave ,

Good to hear back from you. Yes,i will like to proceed with the purchase of only

[name of piece]

I think it is a lovely work  and i hope to give it a good home.

I am presently away in Cancun for my twin sister's wedding even though it comes at a time when i was preparing for a big move and also expecting a baby  but it means so much to her. I should be back in few days.

Meanwhile,i will like you to forward your mailing address and phone number so i can inform my husband still shutling between our home in New Jersey and London on where to forward the payment . He has just been transfer to head the IT section of their head Office in London.

I can also forward your contact info to the local cartage company that will be moving all our house decors so they can get in touch with you to arrange shipping details. They can arrange  FedEx pick up of the artwork from your studio.

I will look forward to hearing from you so i can know how best to proceed. Cheers.

Best Regards,
Greta.

---------------

On Tue, Feb 14, 2012 at 5:47 AM, Gretta White. [smithwhite06@gmail.com]
wrote:

Hi Dave ,

Hope this message finds you well. I am very sorry that i couldn't get in touch immediately. I was hospitalized in Cancun immediately after my twin sister's wedding. I almost had miscarriage but thank God, i am now feeling better and can't wait to have my baby and settle down.

I am not sure if my husband has been able to forward the payment to our address. I will check with him and get back to you later today OR tomorrow. Anyway, i have forwarded your contact info to the Moving agency that will be handling the shipment of all our house decors. They promise to get in touch with you today. Try and arrange the shipping details with them. I will like an update from you as soon as you hear from the movers.

Try and get back as soon as you receive this email so i can be sure weare on the same page. Thanks for your patient.

Best Regards,
Gretta.

------------------------

On Wed, Feb 15, 2012 at 12:16 PM, Gretta White. [smithwhite06@gmail.com]
wrote:

Hi Dave ,

Hope this message finds you well. Thanks so much for your patient regarding the transaction. It has been a very difficult time with a lot of things on the plate.

Anyway , i  will like to inform you that the payment was sent by my husband's assistant on Monday via Royalmail and he was advise that you will receive it before the week runs out so try and be on the look out for it.

I will also like you to have our address ,you can add it to your mailing list. I will like to hear about your future works and art shows. Our address in the states is...

107 West Passaic ave
Rutherford, NJ 07070

While our new address in UK is....

41 Queen's Gate Terrace
LONDON , SW7 5PN
UK

Meanwhile, i sent your contact info to the Moving agency that will be handling the shipment of all our house decors yesterday and he promise to get in touch with you.  Try and make shipping arrangement with them and keep me updated with details.

I will look forward to hearing from you soon as you receive this email so i can be sure we are on the same page. Thanks for your patient.

Best Regards,
Gretta.

----------------------------

On Fri, Feb 17, 2012 at 4:58 AM, Gretta White. [smithwhite06@gmail.com]
wrote:

Hi Dave ,

Good to hear you have received payment for the artwork and thanks for your update. I am very excited and can't wait to have the  piece on my wall. I hope to give it a very good home and enjoy the piece for years.

Regarding the payment, my husband made a mistake and send your payment with that of the movers because he didn't have full details of the transaction since  i was  sick when he sent it. I am very sorry for the confusion.

Anyway, i will like you to go ahead and deposit the payment, you can then remove the asking price for  [name of piece]  and forward the difference back to him.

Meanwhile , i  was able to get hold of the movers immediately i got your email and they promise to get in touch with you today and make shipping arrangement. Try and keep me updated as soon as you hear from them.

Best Regards,
Gretta.

PS..Kindly acknowledge this email as soon as possible. Thanks .

-----------------------

On Sun, Feb 19, 2012 at 10:31 AM, Gretta White. [smithwhite06@gmail.com]
wrote:

Hi  Dave ,

Hope this message finds you well.  I am so happy everything is set for the pick up on Tuesday and can't wait to have the artwork on my wall. Try and keep me updated as soon as they pick it up. About the excess funds , i spoke with my husband this morning and he will like you to forward it via ( western union money transfer ) money in minutes service back to him at the address below.

Name -Smith White

Address- 41 Queen's Gate Terrace
        LONDON , SW7 5PN
       UK

I was able to find some western union locations near you ,where you can easily transfer the funds. See below.

WALNUT SUPERMARKET
5131-37 Walnut St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19139
215-472-8410
..............................

KEREN FOOD MARKET
4808 Spruce St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19139
215-474-2817
..............................

FAMILY DOLLAR #7151
29 N 52nd St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19139
215-748-4058
..............................

RITE AID #3213
4641-51 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19139
215-474-5357
............................

RITE AID #1764
5601 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19139
215-474-6868
...........................

56TH STREET FRESH GROCER
5601 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19139
215-474-2600

You don't need to have an account,swift codes or any bank codes but you  will have to pay western union fees which you can deduct from the difference. It is usually a meagre amount. After the transfer, you will need to get back  with the following information.

1.  Name and address of sender.
2.  Total Amount sent after deducting transfer charges.
3.  Money Transfer Control Number ( MTCN number ).

I will like you to handle this as soon as possible. Thanks and I'll await your response.

Gretta.

------------------------------------------

From: Gretta White. [smithwhite06@gmail.com]
Date: Tue, Feb 21, 2012 at 12:54 PM


Hi Dave ,

My husband said he called you some minutes ago but the connection was very bad. Sorry about that. Anyway, have you been able to transfer the funds. Is everything is OK for the pick up later today ? Try and get back as soon as possible. Thanks.


Gretta.

Scam Email: Greg Mosher

Here is one that was just forwarded to me:

Got this one last night - I Googled the phone number and thanks to this site I was not sucked in to provide any info -

From: Greg Mosher [mailto:gregmosher4409@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, February 1x, 2012 x:xx AM
To: xxx ssssss
Subject: Re: (advertised item as described on Craigslist)

Thanks for the prompt response to my mail. I am interested and will be buying from you, so please kindly withdraw the advert from CRAIGSLIST. Please be informed that I will be paying with a certified check or money order from my Bank as I just moved here from England on a job transfer. I will also need the following details so I will know where to mail the payment to;

1.Name to be on the payment
2.Home address
3.Cell phone #

I am completely satisfied with the advert and the payment will be delivered within 2-3 working days. By the way, my phone number is (503) 567-8720. I am always available, but if I do not answer the phone, please leave me a voice mail or send me a text message and I will respond as soon as I get it. Hope to get a reply from you soon. Cheers!

Greg

Scam Email: Gretta White

Although the artist didn't forward me the original scam communication from "Mrs. Gretta White", here is the followup scam email (which is also sent by the scammer), made to look like there is a legitimate shipping company behind this, but there is not. Mrs Gretta White doesn't exist and neither does Bill Carter or Pack N Box Movers and Logistics  LTD, which we've reported on in many other scam emails.

From: Bill Carter [pack_moverslogistics@yahoo.com]
Date: February 16, 2012 4:02:14 AM CST
Subject: Shipping Arrangement For Mrs.Gretta White.

Hi,

I have received  communication from Mrs.Gretta White that we should work with you to ship some artworks with her other house decors to her new house in London , UK  when you two are through with the transaction,as she advise.

I will like you to get back with the kind and nature of the things she want to ship.I will like to have your studio address ,so i can make arrangement  with any nearby Agent  that will be coming for the pick up  once you and Mrs.White are through with the transactions. Thanks.

I will appreciate your earlier reply .

Regards,
Bill Carter.

Pack N Box Movers and Logistics  LTD
B12, THE BUSINESS CENTRE
504 Ridgeway Road,
London, SW9 7EX
UK.
T: 0870 863 9866
F: 0870 863 9867
E: Pack_moverslogistics@yahoo.com

Update: I've been hearing from all kinds of people about receiving this one. Another artist sent samples of the original emails he received from "Gretta White" and I've posted them below:

From: Gretta White. [smithwhite06@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 9:17 AM
Subject: Payment Sent.

Hope this message finds you well. Thanks so much for your patient regarding the transaction. It has been a very difficult time with a lot of things on the plate.

Anyway , i  will like to inform you that the payment was sent by my husband's assistant on Monday via Royalmail and he was advise that you will receive it before the week runs out so try and be on the look out for it.

I will also like you to have our address ,you can add it to your mailing list. I will like to hear about your future works and art shows. Our address in the states is...

107 West Passaic ave
Rutherford, NJ 07070

While our new address in UK is....

41 Queen's Gate Terrace
LONDON , SW7 5PN
UK

Meanwhile, i sent your contact info to the Moving agency that will be handling the shipment of all our house decors yesterday and he promise to get in touch with you.  Try and make shipping arrangement with them and keep me updated with details.

I will look forward to hearing from you soon as you receive this email so i can be sure we are on the same page. Thanks for your patient.

Best Regards,
Gretta.

 ________________________________
 From: Gretta White. [smithwhite06@gmail.com]
 Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 2:52 AM
 Subject: Payment / Shipment.

 Hi,
 Hope this message finds you well. I am very sorry that i couldn't get in touch immediately. I was hospitalized in Cancun immediately after my twin sister's wedding. I almost had miscarriage but thank God, i am now feeling better and can't wait to have my baby and settle down.

 I am not sure if my husband has been able to forward the payment to our address. I will check with him and get back to you later today OR tomorrow. Anyway, i have forwarded your contact info to the Moving agency that will be handling the shipment of all our house decors. They promise to get in touch with you today. Try and arrange the shipping details with them. I will like an update from you as soon as you hear from the movers.

 Try and get back as soon as you receive this email so i can be sure weare on the same page. Thanks for your patient.

 Best Regards,
 Gretta.
 ________________________________
  From: Gretta White. [smithwhite06@gmail.com]
 Sent: Friday, February 10, 2012 8:10 AM
 Subject: Re: Artworks Inquiry...

 Hi,

 Good to hear back from you. Yes,i will like to proceed with the purchase of both works.  I think they are lovely works  and i hope to give them good home.

 I am presently away in Cancun for my twin sister's wedding even though it comes at a time when i was preparing for a big move and also expecting a baby  but it means so much to her. I should be back in few days.

 Meanwhile,i will like you to forward your mailing address and phone number so i can inform my husband still shutling between our home in New Jersey and London on where to forward the payment . He has just been transfer to head the IT section of their head Office in London.

 I can also forward your contact info to the local cartage company that will be moving all our house decors so they can get in touch with you to arrange shipping details. They can arrange  FedEx pick up of the artworks  from your studio.

 I will look forward to hearing from you so i can know how best to proceed. Cheers.

 Best Regards,
 Gretta.
 ________________________________
 From: Gretta White. [smithwhite06@gmail.com]
 Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 11:55 PM
 Subject: Re: Artworks Inquiry...

 Hi,

 Thanks so much for your response to my query about those creative works. I will like to  proceed with the purchase of both pieces . Can you pls confirm the  actual size and  price  of the two pieces so i can know how best to proceed.  I will also like to know what inspire you to make the pieces.

 I will look forward to hearing from you soon.

 Best Regards,
 Gretta.

 From: Gretta White. [smithwhite06@gmail.com]
 Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 12:45 PM
 Subject: Artworks Inquiry...

 --
 Hi,

 Hope this message finds you well. I saw these creatives works on your website and i will like you to get back with more details if they are still available for purchase.

 Algeria  and  Ode

 I will appreciate an urgent reply.

 Best Regards,
 Gretta White.
 

Scam Email: Karen James

Scammers will post their scam "pitch" anywhere. Here is one forwarded from an artist where the scammer put their pitch in the comments area of the artist's blog.

Hi Kathleen,
I ran across your blog site about art scams & wanted to post an additional name to your list. This appeared in my comment section on my blog. When I checked the IP sent to my email, it connected to an African server. Rather fishy...

*Karen James*
karen.shop@live.com
41.155.14.88
Submitted on 2012/01/28 at 1:53pm

Good Day,

I’m Karen James From Finland.I want to place an order and i know the difficulties encountered when shipping internationally,But that will not be a problem because i am registered with a shipping company which I’ve used severally times without any delay nor damage.Before i place the order,i want to inform you that i will be making the payment with my Mc/Visa cards because as for now i can only make payment with my US credit card account information,so if it’s okay by you kindly get back to me with the contact details and please reconfirm your website so as to know if I’m right with the site.I awaiting your swift response so as to list out the items needed.

Karen Shop
Address: Hitsaajankatu 9
00810 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: 0207 428 503
Warmest Regards,
Karen James

 I appreciated running into your blog.

Sincerely,
Gale

Scam Email: Johnson Mark

It's entertaining when the scammers don't even comprehend what order to put the first and last name for their fake email information.

FROM: Johnson Mark [markjohnson805@gmail.com]

Hi
My name is Johnson Mark, i will like to order for some piece of your work from your studio as gift for my parent are celebrating their wedding anniversary, so i will be glad to have your reply as soon as possible, i will be glad if you can send me your website address to choose or send me four of your artworks via email that is available for me to choose. Waiting to read from you today.so that we can make some progress.
Best Regards,
Johnson Mark.

Scam Email: Carmen Gonzalez

This scammer has been reported under various names, using this email account but changing up the number (edwedg18@gmail.com, edwedg12@gmail.com, edwedg4@gmail.com, edwedg7@gmail.com, etc). Notice how they patiently try to walk the potential victim through the scam. The "story" comes out in the 3rd email. But why scammers try to rush victims through the steps of the scam is to avoid exactly what happened here - the artist got suspicious enough to search online and then found this blog. Scammers want to get their money from their victims before they get too suspicious.

Kathleen,

This just keeps getting a little uncomfortable.  I actually sent my address and phone number.  Yikes!  Thank goodness I caught on. What happens next?  Is there something I need to do to prevent this?

Sincerely,
Deborah

First Email:

On Jan 7, 2012, at 11:14 AM, Carmen  Gonzalez [edwedg18@gmail.com]
wrote:

Hi,

Hope this message finds you well. I saw these creatives works on your web site and i will like you to get back with more details if they are still available for purchase.

"Ambsace"  and  "Six of Them
 
I will appreciate an urgent reply.

Best Regards,
Carmen  Gonzalez.

Second Email:

On Jan 9, 2012, at 7:12 PM, Carmen  Gonzalez [edwedg18@gmail.com] wrote:

Hi Deborah ,

Thanks so much for your response to my query about those creative works. I will like to  proceed with the purchase of both pieces . Can you pls confirm the  actual size and  price  of the two pieces so i can know how best to proceed.  I will also like to know  what inspire you to make the pieces.

I will look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best Regards,
Carmen.

Third Email:

On Jan 10, 2012, at 7:57 PM, Carmen  Gonzalez [edwedg18@gmail.com] wrote:

Hi Deborah ,

Good to hear back from you. Yes,i will like to proceed with the purchase of both works ( framed and ready to hang ).  I think they are lovely works  and i hope to give them good home.

I am presently away in Cancun for my twin sister's wedding even though it comes at a time when i was preparing for a big move and also expecting a baby  but it means so much to her. I should be back in few days.

Meanwhile,i will like you to forward your mailing address and phone number so i can inform my husband still shutling between our home in New Jersey and London on where to forward the payment . He has just been transfer to head the IT section of their head Office in London.

I can also forward your contact info to the local cartage company that will be moving all our house decors so they can get in touch with you to arrange shipping details. They can arrange  FedEx pick up of the artworks  from your studio.

I will look forward to hearing from you so i can know how best to proceed. Cheers.

Best Regards,
Carmen.

Fourth Email:

From: Carmen  Gonzalez [edwedg18@gmail.com]
Date: January 11, 2012 5:43:23 AM CST
Subject: Re: Artworks Inquiry...

Hi Deborah ,

Hope this message finds you well. I spoke with my husband late yesterday and he promise to send the payment as soon as you get back with your mailing address and phone number. I will look forward to hearing from you soon.

Carmen.

Scam Email: Emma David

Here is an email I received this morning from another artist. Notice how the scammer sent another fake email from a fake shipper to make it look more legitimate and to try and move the scam along more quickly, before their potential victim figures out it's a scam.

Hello Kathleen,

I googled the first line of the last email I had received from "Emma David" emmasupperstore@gmail.com  As you had mentioned the disjointed English and odd quantities of work sent off alarm bells.  A total waist of my time but at least time is all I lost.

If you could add "her" name to the list I would much appreciate it.

Many Thanks
Tiffany

Dear Vicky & Tiffany,
This is an automated response from your webserver. We are delivering you an email from someone that was on your website. We'll give you the users details first that they submitted, then close the email with their comments (if they submitted any).

Name: Emma David
Address: Michelets vei 163,N-1368
STABEKK,Norway
Email Address: emmasupperstore@gmail.com (you can click reply and your email client will use this address)
Telephone Number: + 476713102630
Comments:Good Day, I'm Emma David From Norway.I want to place an order and i know the difficulties encountered when shipping internationally,But that will not be a problem because i am registered with a shipping company which I've used severally times without any delay nor damage. Before i place the order,i want to inform you that i will be making the payment with my Mc/Visa cards because as for now i can only make payment with my US credit card account information,so if it's okay by you kindly get back to me with the contact details and please reconfirm your website so as to know if I'm right with the site.I awaiting your swift response so as to list out the items needed. Emma-D-Supperstore Michelets vei 163, N-1368 STABEKK, Norway Telephone: + 476713102630 Telefax : + 476713 4527 

Warmest Regards,
Emma David.

Second email from scammer:

Hello Victoria,  

I got you response,So below here is what i need.

Blossom TreeOriginal Acrylic on CanvasQty...1
DunoonOil and pastel, incorporating lino printing30cmx40cmQty...2
View from Kirn of Western FerriesAcrylic Painting on Canvas60cmx66cmQty...3
Western Ferries in StormAcrylic PaintingOriginaQty...2
Waverley on ClydeWater Colour30cmx40cmQty...3  

Please kindly calculate the total cost of the items,so that you can get the order processed for me.i will email you my credit card account information for the payment of the order. 

Concerning the shipment, i will be having my shipping agent coming to pickup the order directly from you because i already have some large merchandise with them in which after picking up the items,they will then deliver it to me here in Norway.

Regards,
Emma.

Email from fake shipping company:

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Highway Express [highwayexpress@ymail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, 11 January 2012, 15:07
Subject: Norway Shipment...

Dear Customer,       

Highway Express Delivery have been informed by Mrs David from Emma-D-Supperstore (Norway) to picking up her order at your location and then send them over to Norway.I hope you are aware that she already have some merchandise at our warehouse which needs to be sent together over to her in Norway.and you have been informed that you will be transferring payment to us via western union in other for us to pick up her additional merchandise she have order in some location,and schedule our pick up arrangement with you.So we need to confirm the payment of (£2,350) fist so as to start up with the shipping document.and NOT,Payment needs to be received first before preparing any of the paper works as per custom regulations in meantime that the order would be pick up.  

So kindly get back to us with the location where the goods will be pick up from and also we need to know the contact person that we will be pick up the goods from,also below here is our head office details where all European payment is been made to:

Receivers name: Kuma John
10 Jalan Juruanalisis SatuHicom-Glenmarie Industrial Park,
41050 Shah Alam, Selangor
MALAYSIA

Good Health,
Shipping Dept.
Highway Express Delivery.

Scam Email: Richard Aaron Graham

Here is a great example to show that scammers almost could care less who they are sending their massive amount of emails to. Okay, some try to personalize their scam more than others. Below is an example of a scammer who doesn't try at all.

Email sent to me:

Dear Kathleen:

Thanks for the blog on art scams. Stealing from self-employed artists is about as low as you can sink.

Here is a follow up story, which might amuse you, a letter to me from someone on your list of scammers.

First, some context: I am a biologist, not an artist.  But my web site mentions I had an endowed professorship (*Chair* of environmental studies) and that I published a book chapter on *alligators* in wetlands.

A message arrived from Richard Aaron Graham, asking about unit price and lead time to purchase an "alligato chair".

Regards, Paul

FROM: Richard Aaron Graham richigraham@gmail.com
DATE: Jan 5 (4 days ago)
TO bcc: me

Hello,

    My name is Richard and wants alligato chair .Please let me know unit price and the lead time to get them ready for pick-up

with kind regards here,
 Richard.

Scam Email: Curtis Thompson

Here is an email I received from an artist:

Hi, Kathleen - I have recently received a few emails that seem suspicious. Thanks for your very informative web site! At this point, the character has my address to send the payment, but that's as far as it's gotten. I told him that I wouldn't release the artwork until his payment cleared. If he sends more than the exact amount, I'll refuse or return it - and if he sends the exact amount, I'll see if my bank can verify it.

The name is Curtis Thompson and I'll forward the first email to you. If you want the rest, let me know.

Janice

First Email:

From: Curtis Thompson [sunoco010@gmail.com]
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2012 22:30:42 +0100
Subject: Father's Day
--
Hello,
Good day to you over there, My name is Curtis Thompson I'm from New York and i hope this message finds you well.I was going through your works and my eyes caught Father's Day, I am moving soon and i will like to have it for my new apartment.

please let me know if the piece is available, if yes let me have the detailed price and more information about it. i will be waiting to read from you asap.
Curtis.

Second Email:

From: Curtis Thompson [sunoco010@gmail.com]
Date: Fri, 6 Jan 2012 06:49:10 +0100
Subject: Thanks

Hi,

Good to hear back from you. Yes,i will like to proceed with the purchase of the paintings. I think its a lovely work and i hope to give it a good home.

I am presently away in UK representing my company for an EU economic summit and i should be back in few days.

Meanwhile,i will like you to forward your mailing address and phone number so i can inform my personal assistant on where to forward the payment . I can also forward your contact info to the local cartage company that is handling my move so they can get in touch with you to arrange shipping details. They can arrange  FedEx pick up of the artworks from your studio.

I will look forward to hearing from you so i can know how best to proceed. Cheers.

Best Regards,
Curtis.

Scam Email: Tanja Kailis

This one just received is pretty classic. They are hiding the ball on the details of their scam until a person replies, then they will go more into detail about their shipper (who is really non-existent) and paying with a credit card (which will turn out to be stolen), and often they do not mention overpaying - which they will by a couple thousand dollars, explaining they need you to forward the difference to the shipper via Western Union. All their money is fake, you forwarding your money is real and they pick it up from Western Union and then can not be traced. It's why this particular format of the scam is so popular.

 Hello , I will like to place a quick order with you to my location here in Beirut,Lebanon.Please advice if you can have it shipped to me .In regards to shipping my order,i will advice the best and easy way to have my order shipped to me in-case you might want to have difficulties sending orders to my location.Please also advice if you accept visa or master credit card cause i will be paying with my credit card.Let me know soon so i can place my order right away. Sincerely Tanja tanjakailis@rediffmail.com

Scam Email: John Henry or John Smith

So many things about this scam is wrong. Makes it easy to know it is not for real. Lazy on the scammer's part. But good for us.

Return-path: [john_henry155@rediffmail.com]
Delivery-date: Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:17:00 -0600
Received: from f4mail-235-239.rediffmail.com ([202.137.235.239]:52780 helo=rediffmail.com)
From: "Simth John" [john_henry155@rediffmail.com]
Subject: PLEASE QUOTE

Having gone through your listed products, we offer

great interest to do a purchase agreement with your

company. Please get back to us with the following

information

PLEASE QUATE

1. Prices FOB

2. Payment terms

3. Delivery Period

4. MOQ

5. Specified delivery date assuming from the Date of Order.

you can also get back to us through our private email:pretexglobal@yahoo.com

Please your quick reply will be highly appreciated.

Scam Email: Nadia Coker

This scammer went as far as calling the potential victim to followup on receiving the payment (which is fraudulent). They want to rush a victim through the steps of the scam, before the potential victim is likely to actually search their name or email address online or ask their bank. Fortunately, the artist who forwarded this to me did not lose any money or items before she *did* search online.

If a scammer ends up bothering you via the phone, on the second call be all excited and say, 'the authorities have asked me to record this phone call - okay, what do we need to do next?" And I'm guessing they will hang up darn fast and not call back again.

Here is the last email sent by this scammer, with all the usual blah blah blah about their fake story to try and rationalize why they would be overpaying by so much (and of course leaving out the crucial details of ALL of their money is fake, the shipper is fake - there is no shipper, there is no husband, and the only one who gains from this is them, when they receive the victim's good money via Western Union so that once picked up it is untraceable).

From: Nadia Coker [bestnadiacoker@yahoo.com]
Date: Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:28:54 -0800 (PST)
ReplyTo: Nadia Coker [bestnadiacoker@yahoo.com]
Subject: Re: Overpayment..

Hello Judith,
Good to hear you have received payment for "Curious". Thanks for your update, I am very excited and can't wait to have your work in our home. I hope to give it a very good home and enjoy the piece for years.
Regarding the payment, my husband overpays you because he didn't have full details of the transaction since I was sick when he sent it. He mistakenly added mover’s payment with yours. He sent you a check of ($6,200 instead of $4,500). Anyway that should not be a problem, kindly deposit the check with your bank and as soon as you are credited with the funds, you can go ahead and remove the asking price for ("Curious") and forward the difference back to my husband. I will talk to him and get back to you with the information require sending the refund back to him.
Meanwhile, the shipper is currently on Christmas holiday. I was able to get in touch with him shortly before sending you this message. He said he can not come for the pickup now until after Christmas or first week in January 2012 which I think is still very ok by me. He has promised to get in touch with you to arrange for the suitable date and time with you. Try and make shipping arrangement with them and keep me posted with updates.
Finally, I would like to thank you for your patient and sincerity. I hope to purchase more of your works in the nearest future and meet you

Scam Email: Anderson Harry

Yet another scammer who can't recognize typical first names from last names when creating a fake scammer name.

From: Mr Anderson Harry [mr.andersonh@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, December 23, 2011 1:22 PM
Subject: inquiry

Hello,    I am Mr.Anderson Harry, i want to buy painting works suitable for hotel installation/decoration mostly for these places; guest rooms, hallways, and the reception.currently its on renovation.  I would prefer contemporary  abstracts and figurative styles. oil on canvas and water color.     Could you please let me know if you have some works available for sale,also get me the price details for the works. i am going to pay you with credit card.      Kindly get back to me for more details. Thanks. BEST REGARDS, Mr.Anderson Harry +447011130170

Scam Email: Christine Cannon

Very odd that this scammer felt the need to make their fake last name all capital letters. Also, their fake email address is pretty poorly constructed from their fake name. The rest of it is all classic to what we typically see.

Values submitted from web site form:

Name : Christine CANNON
Email : cannstine@gmail.com
Country : United States
City : seattle
Enquiry : Good day to you.

I am so excited that I came across of your work on internet search,I am interested in purchasing these creative artworks from you.....................

Embracing the future,Sharing the journey and Celebration of life

Let me know their various prices.and how much discounts are you going to give?I will be happy to have these selected artworks hung in our new home in South Africa.As well,I want you to take out the shipping cost.I have been in touch with a shipping firm that will be shipping other house decoratives.

We are traveling from our Seattle home to our new apartment as soon as possible.On Paying for the artworks,I will be glad to pay you with a Money Order or Cashier`s check in US funds that can be easily cashed at your local bank,please let me know on how to proceed for the payment of the creative artworks.

I will await your advise on how to proceed.Have a wonderful day.

Take care,
Christine CANNON

Scam Email: James Harry

Here is a classic series of emails that went to an artist who forwarded it to me. Notice how he carefully presents each part of the scam in subsequent emails until he finally reveals the core of the scam: overpaying (with what will turn out to be a stolen credit card number) and asking that the overage be forwarded to his shipping company (who does not exist). He had not yet mentioned the "shipper" would then require payment via Western Union but that would most certainly come in the next email - had the artist not gotten suspicious and began searching online and confirmed it was a scam.

"Kathleen thanks for your info on the Internet. I came so close to getting ripped off. Here is the conversation from a so called " hotel owner" in London. did a search on his address and it is a car dealership. Plus could not find the hotel on the Internet. 

 

Then I came across your blog. 

 

Thank you,

 

Diane"

First Email:

From: "Mr.james Harry" [mr.jamesh@yahoo.com]
Date Sent: Dec 15, 2011, at 4:35 AM

Hello,

I am Mr.James Harry, i want to buy painting works for hotel installation/decoration mostly for these places; guest rooms, hallways, and the reception.  I would prefer contemporary  abstracts and figurative styles. oil on canvas and water color.
Could you please let me know if you have some works available for sale,also get me the price details for the works. i am going to pay you with credit card.
Kindly get back to me for more details.
Thanks.

BEST REGARDS,
MR. JAMES HARRY.
Owner lewis Hotel & spa
20 Radley Mews
Kensington
London
W8 6JP
+447011130170

Second email:

From: "Mr.james Harry" [mr.jamesh@yahoo.com]
Date Sent: Dec 16, 2011, at 11:44 AM

Hello Diane,
Thanks for your reply. I like some of the works here, they will make a nice fit for the decorations. I will take 3 works . Please do know that i made arrangement with a shipping agent that will come for the pick up. he is going to do the shipping with other items too. he will contact you immediately we are through with the payment.
I will like to see these works hanged in my hotel As soon as possible.

Please confirm the grand cost of the following Works for payment.

pink ladies $475.00
spring tulips &1,200 and hamony $1,500  Total = $3,175

Looking forward to your urgent reply.
BEST REGARDS,
MR. JAMES HARRY.
Owner lewis Hotel & spa
20 Radley Mews
Kensington
London
W8 6JP
+447011130170

Third Email:

From: "Mr.james Harry" [mr.jamesh@yahoo.com]
Date: December 17, 2011 12:30:17 AM CST
Subject: Payment Arrangement
Hello Diane,
Sorry i did not tell you how I got your contact, it was through the net. I was looking up for an Art gallery to request for artworks for my hotel renovation and i came across your contact.
YES I love the works. I am going to send you my credit card details for the payment proper.
once you are in receipt of it, you are authorize to charge my credit card,i will send it together with the three digit number and expiration date , or even the scan copy ,then you charge the card,  it will reflect and confirm the total amount of $8,500.00USD in your account, then deduct $3,175 as full cost of the works, and transfer the balance of $5,325  to my shipping agent for the pick up and shipping of the works and other materials. I will forward to you his Information details immediately i receive your confirmation with this.
Confirm and get me these details for the payment

NAME, PHONE  NUMBERS FOR SECURITY REASONS AND YOUR GALLERY ADDRESS.

NOTE ,i will pay,any expenses or fees incurred for the charges.
I am looking forward to your urgent confirmation ,

BEST REGARDS,
MR. JAMES HARRY.
Owner lewis Hotel & spa
20 Radley Mews
Kensington
London
W8 6JP
+447011130170