Scam Email: Steve Wood

Yup, Tom - it's a scam. Delete it and do not respond.


Hi Kathleen,

Its been 2 years since my last email about the scam I was in the middle of – and got out of with your help. I received another email yesterday from 'Steve Wood'. The punctuation in his message is strange, and he only
answered one of two questions I first asked him, in his response. He didn't tell me how he ran across my work:

*I want to have the beautiful painting ("name here") purchased immediately for my wife as a gift for our anniversary.I'm presently on deployment in Afghanistan,so i have limited access to communication,i will only be able to respond through email at the moment. I would have personally appreciate to have it purchased in person and to meet with you could have also been a great privilege The price is totally acceptable by me $2,000  i'm sure its framed? i will authorized a check payment to you immediately i can get hold of your information,and i want it to be delivered as a surprise to our new home.Please consider the beautiful piece of the artwork sold to me.

However,you don't have to worry about shipment,my shipper will handle it.I'll notify my shipping agent who's moving my belongings from our old home in Florida to get ready for the pickup of the artwork from your
address. I will appreciate if you can forward to me your Full details,(which you want the check payable to ) such as your Full name,contact address and mobile number.The payment will be sent to the address provided,i will not want any delay due to my inability to access to easy communication.I expect your prompt response.Thank you
Best Regards*

I'm not going to respond as I think its a scam. Two years ago, the other scammer spoke in an inflated way about my work, was unavailable to talk by phone, was 'in transition' between homes, has a 'shipper' who would handle delivery, and asking me for too much info... (who asks for a mobile number?). And the interest sounds 'urgent' and he doesn't want 'any delay'.

Your thoughts?

thanks, Tom

Scam Email: Carolyn Jovanni

To Kathleen or whom it may concern:

I was almost caught up in this scam, until a red flag went up. The series of emails as follows:

Received an email yesterday reading:

Congratulations! Someone expressed interest in buying your work,
[name of piece], at the url: [website url]

The intested party listed their name and email address as:
carolyn (carolynjovanni@collector.org)

Message from buyer:
Hello Seller I came accross your Painting posted on the site and am really intersting in purchase it and i will like to ask the question below.
1.How long have you own it?
2.it's new or used?
3.what is the final asking price?
4.did you accept Paypal as mode of my Payment?
Get back to me asap.
Carolyn
Response from so called Collector:

Thank so much for your response am okay with your final asking price but the problem is that i have a private shipping company that will come for the pick up in your location because i have some item that i want to ship along with the paiting so i don't want you to bother yourself about the shipment am going to handle that on my own if you agree my terms let me know and get back to me.
Carolyn.



Response from Collector:

You don't have  to worry yourself about i saw i want on the site so get back to me with your Paypal account

*Action:*


*I send the Collector a Paypal Invoice for $500*


*That also lets them know to schedule the pick up from who ever they are using for as their shipment company to pick up after the 27th of August.*


*I get a response about an hour after I sent out the invoice....this is when the red flag goes up.*


*RESPONSE from Collector:*
Hello ,
  I was just about to book the pick up schedule with the pick up agent when i had a problem about their payment method.They are only accepting payment through western union money transfer but i am currently on sea due to my status of work,so i want to add the pick up agent  fee to your item cost price credited to your paypal account and he pick up fee is ($400.00) so i will be crediting the total amount of ($1,000.00),the extra ($50.00) is for the western union transfer fee for you to transfer the pick up agent fee
through western union.extra($50.00)for compensation.Once i have these done and you have pick up agent fee sent to them,the pick up arrangement will be scheduled,just wanted to let you know before i proceed with the payment, please advice and i will be looking forward to read from you.get back to me
with your Paypal invoice
Carolyn

My Response to collector after I research scams directed towards artists on the internet:

 I am Sorry. I can not adjust the invoice to increase the amount for any reason. The payment reflects the price of the artwork, which is a taxable income that I need to claim.  I also am too busy to make arrangements through Western Union for your shipping needs. I am very sorry, the request seems very difficult to handle. I am sorry we could not make a deal.

This morning I received another email...not in response from the series of emails talking with this collector but again from the site where the name originally generated:

Congratulations! Someone expressed interest in buying your work,
[name of piece], at the url: [website url]

The intested party listed their name and email address as:
carolyn (carolynjovanni@collector.org)

Message from buyer:
Hello Seller I came accross your Painting posted on the site and am really intersting in purchase it and i will like to ask the question below.
1.How long have you own it?
2.it's new or used?
3.what is the final asking price?
4.did you accept Paypal as mode of my Payment?
Get back to me asap.
Carolyn

Anyways,

That is all the information I have. Although I did not get scammed, I feel like the time and effort I went through I can empathize with those who have. I really hope that this is something that can be stopped before it really becomes a major issue, before it becomes an issue of artists not wanting to trust such a great means of being able to sell, trade, or promote their works. We should not be afraid of such a powerful tool because of a few that misuse, redirect, or take advantage of our standard practices. Thank you for helping in the fight to protect our daily rights as artists!

Shawn

Scam Email: Curtis Butler

My mom was the recipient of an attempted scam - luckily she asked for my help in processing a credit card and so I was able to stop it before she actually lost any real money!

Curtis Butler was the name used in these scam - 2 different email addresses
(see below)

Here is the original email:

Received: by 10.96.25.9 with HTTP; Fri, 25 Jul 2014 16:14:48 -0700 (PDT)
Reply-To: curbutler@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 00:14:48 +0100
Subject: Order enquiry
From: Curtis BUTLER [pete11cooper@gmail.com]

Hello,
I am emailing to inquire about availability of artwork for sale in
your gallery, if you can ship international and also if you are able
 to process Electronically Visa and Master Card Number/Expiry date/Cvv
as payment. Let me know so that i can communicate with you on the
artworks that interest me,you can also indicate to me which of the
arts are sold and which are available on your website.
I will be looking forward to reading from you.
Sincerely

Curtis Butler


During their conversations he also changed his email address (my mom
didn't even notice because GMail just showed his name) - here is a
follow up email:

Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 10:31:08 +0100
Subject: Re: Order enquiry
From: Curtis Butler [curbutler@gmail.com>]

Hello,
Good to hear from you,
Below are the artworks that interest me so i want you to get back to
me with the cost price of each so that i can give you the  payment

[name of each piece]

I want you to get back to me with the cost of  the above so that you
can have the payment .
I will be looking forward to hear from you asap.
Thanks
>
> On Jul 25, 2014, at 6:14 PM, Curtis BUTLER [pete11cooper@gmail.com] wrote:
>
>> Hello,
>> I am emailing to inquire about availability of artwork for sale in
>> your gallery, if you can ship international and also if you are able
>> to process Electronically Visa and Master Card Number/Expiry date/Cvv
>> as payment. Let me know so that i can communicate with you on the
>> artworks that interest me,you can also indicate to me which of the
>> arts are sold and which are available on your website.
>> I will be looking forward to reading from you.
>> Sincerely
>>
>> Curtis Butler
>>
>

Scam Email: Raymond Velluci

Dear Kathleen,

I could not find a way to reach you through your Art Scam Blog, so I hope this is an appropriate channel. I wanted to thank you for being instrumental in helping me to prevent being scammed. When I received a $3,800 check in the mail yesterday for an $850.00 purchase, I got suspicious and found your blog right away. It really helped me to quickly clear my confusion and report to the authorities (Wells fargo Bank). Below is the whole affair (sorry, a bit lengthy) if you care to read it, but it seems like all the others.

My point is, please add Raymond Vellucci [raymondvelluci@hotmail.com] to your list of names and e-mails to be wary of. I'd hate to see other artists become victims as well as individuals with potentially stolen checks / accounts, etc.

Sincerely - Sean


To Whom It May Concern,

   I am a professional artist and someone is attempting to defraud me of funds using a Wells Fargo account. I do not know if the account holders are complicit or are also potential victims. On August 1, I phoned the Wells Fargo Fraud Reporting Service: Suspicious activity with an online service at 1-866-867-5568 and spoke with Laura. She asked me to send you all pertinent information. I'm also attaching an image of the Wells Fargo check being used in connection with the fraud.

   The following is a chronological listing of e-mails and events:

-July 21, 2014 - I receive the following e-mail from Raymond Vellucci [raymondvelluci@hotmail.com]

Dear Artist

My name is Raymond Velluci,I reside at 600 N 5th Street Opelika, AL 36801,I Came across some of your artworks and am interested in buying your ( torm and Abyss Watercolor on 300lb Arches 5.5 x 9 inches  )

Please let me know if you still have it available for sale or get back to me with the available work you have at the moment as i will be happy to have it in our new home and also get back to me with your least asking price and don't bother to include the shipping cost because i will arrange for the pick up of the artwork

Best of regards
Raymond Velluci

__________________________________________________________________________________
-July 23, 2014 11:33:05 PM CDT     I responded:

Dear Mr. Velluci,

Thank you for your interest in my work. The price for this watercolor is $600.00 unframed. I am happy to professionally frame it for $150.00 additional. Where did you come across my artwork?

Sincerely - Sean
__________________________________________________________________________________
-July 24, 2014 12:44:57 PM CDT    the recipient responded:

Sean
Thanks for the mail,I'm okay with the condition and as for the price i will offer you $850 to keep away any other buyers from buying it and count it sold to me

I will be leaving my home town state tomorrow for my honeymoon,but that will not be a problem,as per payment  i will have to instruct my client to send you a check via UPS or USPS courier service which will take only 2-4 days to get to you. cos this is the only  means of payment I can offer you now due to my present departing And you should not worry about the shipping, i have my shipper that will come down to your house for the pick up as soon as payment is done.

So to make payment out to you, you'll have to email me:

1,Name to be written on check........
2,Address to send the check,City,State And  Code..........
3,Your contact telephone number..........

Awaiting to read from you..

Sincerely
Raymond Vellucci
__________________________________________________________________________________
-July 25, 2014 1:16:46 PM CDT    I responded:

Dear Mr. Velluci,

I will accept your price of $850.00.

I am unclear if you want me to frame this for you or not. If so, there are a few styles I would like to offer you. It will take a few weeks to order materials and assemble the frame. Will you please clarify your intention concerning the framing?

Make your check out to :

[info was inserted here]

Also, you did not respond to my question; where did you come across my work? I'd also like to know if my work will be in your privater collection or another collection. Can you answer these questions for me.

Sincerely - Sean
__________________________________________________________________________________
-July 28, 2014 7:37:51 AM CDT       the recipient responded:  

Sean


Good Morning to you,how was your weekend,just wanted to let you know that the payment has been mail out to you via a regular mail and it will deliver to you by today or mid-week

kindly deposit the Check in your account and then you email me as soon as it clears your bank for further instruction on how my shipping agent will come for the pickup at your location

Regards,
Raymond Velluci

__________________________________________________________________________________
-July 28, 2014 11:11:50 AM CDT     I responded:

Dear Mr. Velluci,

While I am happy to sell you my work of art, I am distressed at our apparent communication problems. I have asked you some questions regarding how you found my work and , more importantly, about framing the work. Please do not send for the artwork until we have resolved the framing issue.

Kindly re-read the e-mail I have sent you (below) and respond.

Sincerely - Sean

I am unclear if you want me to frame this for you or not. If so, there are a few styles I would like to offer you. It will take a few weeks to order materials and assemble the frame. Will you please clarify your intention concerning the framing?

Also, you did not respond to my question; where did you come across my work? I'd also like to know if my work will be in your privater collection or another collection. Can you answer these questions for me.

Sean
__________________________________________________________________________________
-July 29, 2014 8:38:47 AM CDT     the recipient responded:  

Thanks for the mail and am sorry for not answering your questions,Yes you can frame it for me and let me know the styles you are going to offer me and Yes i came across your work via your website on and its going to my new home not any other place

Thanks and please kindly let me know when you get the payment as soon as possible

Raymond Velluci

__________________________________________________________________________________
-July 30, 2014 12:02:58 AM CDT     I respond with four e-mails, each one with an attached image describing and showing the framing options.

__________________________________________________________________________________
-July 30, 2014 12:24:36 PM CDT    the recipient responded:  

Thanks for the mail and am really happy to see the work so great,yes i think i will go for the Framing Option A (1 of 4)‏ because even my wife made comment of the Framing Option A (1 of 4)‏

So kindly go ahead and start the preparation and also let me know if the payment has been deliver to you and also i will like to inform you once again that you don't have to bother about the shipping cos as i told you before my shippers will come for the pickup once they have there funds sent to them as soon as possible

Thanks and kindly notify my if the payment has arrive your location


Best of regards
Raymond Velluci

__________________________________________________________________________________
-July 30, 2014 9:51:07 PM CDT   I responded:

Dear Raymond,

OK, great. Please allow me about 2 weeks to order and assemble the frame. I will contact you when your funds clear and I will contact you when the framing is complete.

Sincerely - Sean Culver

__________________________________________________________________________________
-July 31, 2014 9:15:24 AM CDT   the recipient responded:

Thanks for the update kindly let me know when exactly the check is going to clear your bank so that i can forward the shippers information to you on where to send there funds to so that they can start arranging for the other items that are going to ship for me together with the artwork am buying from you before you are through with the framing

Thanks and please make sure you get back to me as soon as possible

__________________________________________________________________________________

Later that day I received a Wells Fargo check for $3,800.00 drawn on the account of [Name inserted here], [address inserted here]  Dated: 07-26-2014    Routing Number: [number inserted here]     Account Number [number inserted here]   Check Number: 5694 (see attached image) (Ed.: probably all the information from some other unknowing innocent person)

I did not connect the e-mails from Mr. Vellucci and the check from the [Name on check]'s right away, I was more confused as to why anyone would send me a check for so much without reason. There was no notation on the check or in the envelope.

At this point I did a Google search for Artist Scams and, sure enough, I found that this fraud had been perpetrated upon to many other artists who, sadly, went ahead and cashed the check only to have the "purchaser" ask them to direct-wire the difference between the purchase price and the deposited amount. My first call this morning (August 1) was to the Illinois Attorney Generals Office and my second call was to Wells Fargo.

I will not be depositing this check and I do not intend to contact "Mr. Vellucci" any further. I would like to spare any other artists wasted time, confusion and possible financial loss. I would like to spare any other victims of this crime, possibly the [Name on check]'s, of any financial loss.

I would appreciate any follow up notification should any investigation into this matter get results.

Sean