Scam Email: Vivian Peston

Sharon forwarded me a scam email she received. She seemed to have some lingering doubt as to whether it was a scam or not, but it definitely is.

Hi,

I have received an inquiry about my artwork and think this one is a spammer. Might not be, but as there were a few red flags, thought I'd pass this correspondence thread along as the name Vivian Peston did not appear on the list of names on your site.

Sharon

-----Original Message-----
From: Vivian Peston [vivianpeston@yahoo.com]
Sent: Mon, Nov 21, 2011 8:23 pm
Subject: Re: Mailing Info?

Hello Sharon,
Good to hear back from you. Yes, I will like to proceed with the purchase of both “Gramercy Park West Snow” ($900) and “Union Square Winter” ($1200). I really like them and I believe they will make a beautiful home. Kindly take them off your website and consider them sold to me.
Though, I am presently away in Geneva, Switzerland 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 name, standard mailing address and phone number so I can inform my husband who is still shuttling between our home in New Jersey and London, United Kingdom on where to forward the payment by (Cashier’s Check). He has just been promoted and transfers to head the plant section of their head office in London.
I will also contact the shipping agent that will be shipping our entire house decorative so he can get in touch with you to arrange for the pickup at your address or studio as soon as you receive the payment and clear your bank.
I will look forward to hearing from you so i can know how best to proceed. Cheers.
Best Regards,
Vivian.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vivian Peston [vivianpeston@yahoo.com]
Sent: Mon, Nov 21, 2011 10:55 am
Subject: Re: Purchase Info..

Hello Sharon,
Thanks so much for your response to my query about those creative works. Yes I will like to proceed with the purchase of both “Gramercy Park West Snow” ($900) and “Union Square Winter” ($1200). They are really nice and I must commend you for the job well done.
Can you please get back with what inspire you to make this nice works as to know how best to proceed with the purchase?
I will look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
Vivian

-----Original Message-----
From: Vivian Peston [vivianpeston@gmail.com]
Sent: Sun, Nov 20, 2011 9:44 am
Subject: Purchase Info..

Hello ,
Hope this message finds you well. I saw these realistic creative artworks on your website ([url as inserted here]). They are really nice and I am interested in them.  Kindly get back to me as soon as you can if they are still available for purchase including their prices. They are titled as;
“Gramercy Park West Snow” and
“Union Square Winter”
I will appreciate your prompt reply.
Best Regards,
Vivian.

Scam Email: Brian Needs Help

Here is a scam we see quite a bit that takes a different approach to getting money out of people. This was forwarded to me by another artist.

In this scam, it is typical that someone's web-based email or facebook account has been hacked (either by phishing and someone accidently giving up their password or just by software that goes through millions of combinations and once in awhile hits it lucky and guesses the correctly combo - particularly when people's passwords are easy to guess). So this scam email looks like it is coming from someone you know. I can relate to this. It happened to me on my hotmail account (and I wouldn't have considered my password easy to guess!)

Then they pretend they are in trouble and need money fast - via Western Union... sound familiar?? Really, scammers would really have to go back to the drawing board if Western Union was just willing to create a system where their transactions were verified and traceable. That they are not is why scammers have earned such a great living utilizing Western Union.

Okay, here's the email (and notice that classic weird period after the sign-off name... that is in almost every scam email and I don't know why - must be the software they use to generate these emails).

Subject: TRAGIC NEWS (they put the name of someone you know here) HELP NEEDED

I'm writing this with tears in my eyes my Family and I came down here to Madrid,Spain for a short vacation,unfortunately we were mugged at the park of the hotel where we stayed all cash,credit card and cell were stolen off us but luckily for us we still have our passports with us.

We've been to the embassy and the Police here but they're not helping issues at all and our flight leaves in less than 3hrs from now but we're having problems settling the hotel bills and the hotel manager won't let us leave until we settle the bills.

Am freaked out at the moment.

Brian.

Scam Email: James Karg

Hi Kathleen - My name is beth and i received this strange e-mail today...a friend told me about recent "art scams" going around, and a quick google search lead me to your site. I was about to fall into the "too good to be true...but i still believe it" trap, but thought i might get your take on it. based on what i've read about these scams so far, it seems like this fella's just blowin' smoke. if you have a chance, i'd love to hear what you think.
Thanks!
Beth

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: James Karg [jkarg001@gmail.com]
Date: Wed, Nov 2, 2011 at 5:57 AM
Subject: dream monster 3

Good day,

My name is James Karg, I'm from  california and i hope this message finds you well.I was going through your works and my eyes caught this particular work, i will like to have it for my new apartment this month.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.

Regards.

James.