Scam Email: Marcus Quintena

Really, this scam email is pretty much the same as what I've seen for years and years (which sadly tells me that unfortunately it is still working for scammers), but I wanted to post this one because of a little "twist" in the template they use.

This one tries to employ an appeal to a referral. It mentions that a friend referred them, and even gives the name of the friend (made up and probably just grabbed from something they've seen online). I guess the goal is to get the potential victim to believe that because the scammer was "referred" that they'll believe they are a legitimate buyer, when in fact they are not.

Remember the basic red flags of this scam. These have changed very little over time. They'll mention a third-party shipper who is helping them move (or something similar to that), they will overpay for the item using a counterfeit check or stolen credit card, they will ask you to forward the "difference" to their shipper, via Western Union (always via a wire transfer, the scam does not work without this part). Their money is fake but they hope you forward your good money before you find out their money is fake.

You'll stop this scam in its tracks by never accepting an overpayment and NEVER NEVER EVER using wire transfer services in your online dealings. EVER. The scammer will disappear quickly and move on to a more uninformed potential victim. It's a numbers game to them.

From: Marcus Quintena [marcusquintena@yahoo.co.uk]

Date: December 14, 2012 8:53:45 PM PST

To: undisclosed-recipients:;

Bcc: [artist email was inserted here]

Subject: Keen Interest in your visual Art

Good Morning

             I need to purchase some work of art to beautify my new apartment and i was told by a close friend  of mine Sandra Brommer that i would get a better deal by purchasing from you. Can you give me an insight into your work of art and a website or images to have them viewed.

Thanks

Marcus