Search This Blog

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Scam Email: Bill Burrus

Hello Kathleen,

Having read your really useful art scam website I’m pretty sure the below is a new name for you, just received!

Kind regards,

Gerard



From: Bill Burrus [mailto:bill.burrus1@gmail.com]
Sent: 13 August 2018 10:58
To:
Subject: Re: [name of 4 paintings right in subject line]

Hi Gerard,

Thanks for your reply, regarding the prices I have seen it with your reply. Yes I am truely interested in purchasing.

I want you to know that I am purchasing the paintings for a Wedding Anniversary and it really need to get to my destination because the date of the Anniversary is around the corner.

Below are the paintings I am interested to purchase.

[name of 3 paintings listed here]

it will be better to discuss the payment and the shipping on Skype either verbally or typing due to the urgent of the Anniversary if possible it will be better to view the artworks on Skype Video.

My location and address of delivering are below..

1476 River Road
Titusville, NJ 08560
USA

Concerning the payment, the payment I am 100% sure about is to send you a Cashiers check or personal check or transfer the cash into your bank account for the total amount, base on the advise given via my bank.

My Skype name is bill.burrus1@gmail.com [mailto:bill.burrus1@gmail.com]  I am available throughout today on Skype to discuss and conclude.

[note: you can bet this scammer will have some reason to never show his face on Skype!]

If you don't have a Skype name kindly go to www.skype.com [http://www.skype.com/]  and register with Skype then download it and fix a time to Skype today.

Cheers,

Bill Burrus


58 comments:

  1. Dear Kathleen

    It looks like Bill Burras is the same as Jon Jurick - Another scammer who approached my wife (through her web site)

    many thanks for your good work alerting the artist community

    > From: Jon Jurick [mailto:jurickjon@gmail.com]
    > Date: 16 August 2018 at 16:50:30 BST
    > To:
    > Subject: Re: [4 paintings listed right in the subject line]
    >
    > Dear Sharon,
    >
    > Thanks for your reply, regarding the prices I have seen it with your
    > reply. Yes I am truly interested in purchasing.
    >
    > I want you to know that I am purchasing the paintings for a Wedding
    > Anniversary and it really need to get to my destination because the
    > date of the Anniversary is around the corner.
    >
    > Below are the paintings I am interested in...
    >
    > [4 paintings listed here]
    >
    > Concerning the payment, the payment I am 100% sure about is to send
    > you a Cashiers check or personal check or transfer the cash into your
    > bank account for the total amount, base on the advise given via my
    > bank.
    >
    > it will be better to discuss the payment and the shipping on Skype
    > either verbally or typing due to the urgent of the Anniversary if
    > possible it will be better to view the artworks on Skype Video.
    >
    > My location and address of delivering are below..
    >
    > 1478 River Road
    > Titusville, NJ 08560
    > USA
    >
    > My Skype name is jurickjon@gmail.com [mailto:jurickjon@gmail.com] I am available throughout today on
    > Skype to discuss and conclude.
    >
    > If you don't have a Skype name kindly go to www.skype.com [http://www.skype.com/] and register with
    > Skype then download it and fix a time to Skype today.
    >
    > Cheers,
    > Jon Jurick
    > jurickjon@gmail.com [mailto:jurickjon@gmail.com]

    ReplyDelete
  2. We've had almost the exact same email from a Gyuri Walton (below) after I queried his first email (further below)

    Your site has been invaluable..keep up the good work!

    -----------

    Thanks for your reply about the prices which i have seen it through your reply. Yes I am truly interested in purchasing

    I want you to know that I am purchasing the paintings for a Wedding Anniversary and it really need to be at my destination as quick as possible because, the date of the anniversary is around the corner.

    I am purchasing this for my family purpose, I know my wife will definitely like it because she love everything about Art & Sculpture and this is the time to fulfill my promise to her.

    Below are the paintings I choose..

    < works listed from website >

    Concerning the payment, the payment I am 100% sure about is to pay direct into your bank account for the total amount, base on the advise given from the bank because it's safe and secure.

    it will be better to discuss the payment and the shipping on Skype either verbally or typing due to the urgent of the anniversary, if possible it will be better to view the artworks on Skype Video for assurance purpose.

    My location and address of delivering are below..
    2002 Spring Run Dr
    Carrollton, TX 75006
    USA

    My Skype name is gyuriwalton I am available throughout today on Skype to discuss and conclude.

    If you don't have a Skype name kindly go to www.skype.com and register with Skype then download it and fix a time to Skype today.

    Gyuri Walton
    gyuriwalton@aol.com
    646-564-8473


    --------------
    First email
    --------------

    Hello

    This is a beautiful day viewing your beautiful paintings, they are all really amazed viewing and going through your artworks.

    I am amaze with the way you paint all this paintings... I will be happy to acquire the below paintings.

    < works listed from website >

    Email me their prices and more details on each pieces.

    Happy new year with best wishes,
    Gyuri Walton
    gyuriwalton@aol.com



    ReplyDelete
  3. Unfortunately the Scam contious.
    Got this mail today, July 10, 2019
    Good morning ,

    Thanks for your reply about the prices which i have seen through your reply.

    Yes I am truly interested in purchasing, I want you to know that I am purchasing the paintings for a Wedding Anniversary and it really need to be at my destination as quick as possible because, the date of the anniversary is around the corner.

    I am purchasing this for my family purpose, I know my wife will definitely like it because she love everything about Art & Sculpture and this is the time to fulfill my promise to her.

    Below are the ones I choose...



    Concerning the payment, the payment I am 100% sure about is to pay direct into your bank account for the total amount, base on the advise given from the bank because it's safe and secure.

    It will be better to discuss the payment and the shipping on Skype either verbally or typing due to the urgent of the anniversary, if possible it will be better to view the artworks on Skype Video for assurance purpose.

    My location and address of delivering are below.

    2 Morgan Ave
    Titusville, NJ 08560
    USA

    My Skype name is maritblake@gmail.com I am available throughout today on Skype to discuss and conclude.

    If you don't have a Skype name kindly go to www.skype.com and register with Skype then download it and fix a time to Skype today.

    Cheers
    Marit Blake
    maritblake@gmail.com
    609-473-1515

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have received an email which is almost identical to this one from Marit Blake but with the name
    Abbot Beswick
    abbotbeswick@gmail.com
    609-473-1515
    I checked the address on a web search and the owner had a different name and the telephone number is a VOIP number

    ReplyDelete
  5. The scam is still going on in 2020! The emails I got from Walter Eaton - waltereaton1@gmail.com

    -------------
    Second Email
    -------------

    Thanks for your reply about the prices which i have seen through your reply.

    Yes I am truly interested in purchasing, I want you to know that I am purchasing the paintings for a Wedding Anniversary and it really need to be at my destination as quick as possible because, the date of the anniversary is around the corner.

    I am purchasing this for my family purpose, I know my wife will definitely like it because she love everything about Art & Sculpture and this is the time to fulfill my promise to her.

    Below are the ones I choose...



    Concerning the payment, the payment I am 100% sure about is to pay direct into your bank account for the total amount, base on the advise given from the bank because it's safe and secure.

    It will be better to discuss the payment and the shipping on Skype either verbally or typing due to the urgent of the anniversary, if possible it will be better to view the artworks on Skype Video for assurance purpose.

    My location and address of delivering are below.

    4326 Maplegrove Dr
    Grove City, OH 43123
    USA

    My Skype name is live:.cid.816881f0e0f50fde. I am available throughout today on Skype to discuss and conclude.

    If you don't have a Skype name kindly go to www.skype.com and register with Skype then download it and fix a time to Skype today.

    Cheers


    Walter Eaton
    waltereaton1@gmail.com
    347-518-8762

    ------------
    First Email
    ------------

    Hello,

    Am excited visiting your website viewing your beautiful paintings
    creation, I am really amaze with your artworks and how amazon they
    are.

    Sending this email as enquirer about your below paintings viewed from
    your website.


    Email me more details about each and their prices only if they are available.

    I will be expecting your response.

    Wishing you a happy and healthy 2020 and a wonderful day..

    Walter Eaton

    I was quite suspicious of the first email, but still decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. Turned out I shouldn't have bothered

    ReplyDelete
  6. Just received now:
    Hello

    Am excited visiting your website viewing your beautiful paintings
    creation, I am really amaze with your artworks and how amazon they
    are.

    Sending this email as enquirer about your below paintings viewed from
    your website.

    Any available paintings currently for sale at the moment?

    Email me more details about each and their prices only if they are available.

    I will be expecting your response.

    Wishing you a happy and healthy day ahead from corona virus and have a
    wonderful weekend

    Tomas Honz

    ReplyDelete
  7. "how amazon they are" ... that's funny!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Same mails sent under Gyuri Hollosy

    ReplyDelete
  9. I also got email from "Gyuri Hollosy" on 10th of April 2021 .He wanted me to pay for shippment of 4 very big pantings with frames.It was also very urgent because of wedding anniversy.He also asked to talk via skype.I actully talked with him on skype because I did not know it was a scam,he sounded like american.He never showed his face and his skype profile pic is same pic real Gyuri Hollosy has on his website lol. But I realised it was scam when he wrote me asking to pay for shipping to some random shipping agent.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Really good you finally got a red flag you could recognize. Sometimes scammers DO use skype as way to increase the "trust" but they NEVER show themselves. Will always say some reason their video doesn't work. But the real red flag finally showed up for you, which is they set up the story of some fake third party shipper so they can "overpay" and ask you to send the overpayment on to the "shipper" *via wire* and its really just them at the other end of that wire transfer. Their original payment will turn out to be counterfeit and so the victim is out what they wired.

    So. NEVER accept overpayment for your art. And NEVER EVER EVER wire money to ANYONE for ANY REASON when you are the seller. That's how to stay safe from this scam.

    Congrats. So glad you caught this one in time.

    ReplyDelete
  11. The same scammer just popped up in my inbox today:

    Am excited visiting your website viewing your beautiful artwork creation, I am really amaze with your artwork and how amazon they are.

    I'm interested in purchasing this artworks below. Could you please provide more information with price?



    I will be expecting your response.

    Wishing you a happy and healthy day ahead from corona virus and have a wonderful day.

    Gyuri Hollosy
    hollosy.com

    ***Checking out this website, it hasn't been updated since 2009 and the email is different from the one where this email came from:
    gyurihollosysculpt@gmail.com

    The address on the website (probably a deceased sculptor?):
    E. Gyuri Hollósy
    1474 River Road
    Titusville, NJ 08560
    cell/studio (609) 915-2740

    AH: checking my webtracker, I had no visitors from the USA lately, but I DID get some from Lagos, Nigeria, Airtel Networks Limited ip: 105.112.184.103 which visited my "contact" page.

    (just stating all this info so the next artist who gets a fishy email will find the scam out easily)

    ReplyDelete
  12. My artist wife Julie Lacasse also got the following scam messages on July 26th 2021 from a Gyuri Hollosy (who appears from Google to be a real artist in New Jersey) asking to purchase her 4 highest prices works:

    "Dear Julie,

    Thank you for your reply with more information and price of the available artworks. Please take note that I am a sculptor artist

    I am truly interested in purchasing, I want you to know that I am purchasing the paintings for a Wedding Anniversary and it really needs to be at my destination as quickly as possible because the date is around the corner.

    I am purchasing this for family purposes, most importantly for my (Wife) I know she will definitely like it because she like Art & Sculpture and this is the time to fulfill my promise to her during the anniversary ceremony.

    Below are the ones I choose to purchase

    1...
    2...
    3...
    4...

    Concerning the payment, the payment I am 100% sure about is to pay into your bank account for the total amount, based on the advice given from bank because it's more safe and secure for security reason.

    It will be better to discuss more about the payment and shipping arrangement on skype either verbally or typing due to the urgency of the anniversary, if possible it will be better to view the artworks on skype video today for assurance purposes.

    My location address of delivering is below.

    82 Callahan Ct #82,
    Newark, NJ 07103
    USA

    My skype name is live:.cid.1aea68b60028fd30 or Google Hangout meeting. I am available throughout today on skype to discuss and conclude.

    If you don't have a skype name kindly go to www.skype.com and register with skype then download it is safe and secure, please fix a time to skype today.

    Cheers

    Gyuri Hollosy
    609- 616-0011 "

    ReplyDelete
  13. Yes, has all the red flags of one of the many email templates scammers use.

    The whole Skype thing is to try and make themselves appear more legit to potential victims - they will NEVER appear on camera on Skype (always with some excuse that their laptop camera is not working or something about Skype is not working at the moment) so really it is just an alternative way to email converse with their potential victims to move them along the scam faster.

    Ignore, do not reply, delete and move on.

    Glad you didn't fall for this.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I just got the same one!!! I can't believe my eyes. I was so excited about the sale but I felt something was wrong. So glad i came upon this site.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am glad you found this site in time, too! And congratulations for your instincts to go google it before acting upon it. Good for you! Another person saved from scammers... yea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello! Just got several emails all with similar texts and ordering 4 artworks. I immediately thought something was wrong, but he had a website domain that I verified, a phone number that is verified, a Instagram account that exists, a gmail that is verified… I just went through with more talk because I wanted to see where it went although I knew something was wrong because the right questions were not made, and no one buys art like this in the real world. This person used a real artists name and I have warned the real artist already. So today they go by Philip Hartigan with an address in Chicago. Email artistphiliphartigan@gmail.com. After everything was verified I randomly put the number and this blog appeared and it was a relief to know my instinct was right. Thanks for that! As they say when it looks to be too good to be true, it is!!!

      Delete
  16. It happened again- basically a cut and paste of this exact email -- instinct told me something was wrong. glad I found this site.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I received this yesterday and thanks to your post I realize it was a scam. thank you !


    7 octobre 2021 10:58 3,4 MB
    De :
    Gyuri Hollosy : hollosy.sculptures@gmail.com
    À :

    Good morning Emilie,

    Am excited to visit your website viewing your beautiful artwork
    creation, I am really amazed with your artwork and how amaze they are.

    I'm interested in purchasing the artworks below. Could you please
    provide more information about the price?

    Attached paintings.

    I will be expecting your response.

    Wishing you a happy and healthy day ahead from corona virus and have a
    wonderful day.

    Gyuri Hollosy

    ReplyDelete
  18. I received this yesterday as well! Thank you for this post, and thank god I googled it hah.

    Hello Alexandra,

    Am excited to visit your website viewing your beautiful artwork
    creation, I am really amazed with your artwork and how amaze they are.

    I'm interested in purchasing the artworks below. Could you please
    provide more information about the price?

    Everything we don't know & Late summer nights & Withdrawal.

    I will be expecting your response.

    Wishing you a happy and healthy day ahead from corona virus and have a
    wonderful day.

    Tony Matelli

    ReplyDelete
  19. We also received the Tony Matelli email. Thank you for having this post up, it saved us time and a possible scam.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi, the same thing happened to me :( I knew it was a scam when I saw the mail address of the shipment company. Thanks for this website! Best wishes lisa

    Von: Ervin Gyuri Hollosy
    Gesendet: Thursday, December 23, 2021 11:10:57 PM
    An:
    Betreff: Die magie & Sur la lune & Funf kelche.

    Hello Lisa,

    Am excited to visit your website viewing your beautiful artworks you
    made, I am really amazed with your artwork and how amazing they are.

    I'm interested in purchasing the artworks below. Could you please
    provide more information about the price and the availability?

    Die magie & Sur la lune & Funf kelche.

    I will be expecting your response.

    Wishing you a happy and healthy day ahead from corona virus and Merry
    Christmas in advance .

    Ervin Gyuri Hollosy

    ——-

    Message 2:

    Von: Ervin Gyuri Hollosy
    Gesendet: Thursday, December 23, 2021 11:10:57 PM
    An:
    Betreff: Transport company details...

    Hello Lisa,

    Below are the details of the art transport company that I discussed
    with concerning the pickup and quick delivery with insurance for safe
    delivery

    Name: Global freight limited
    Email address: globalfreightltd@protonmail.com
    Phone: 609-669-2675

    Due to the date of the anniversary and urgent delivery is required
    please contact the company now through the email address above and
    start arrangement of the pickup/packaging with global freight and pay
    the shipping cost receive direct to the company.

    I need to know the shipping charges with the insurance for safety
    delivery and I will add the cost together with the paintings amount
    quoted and pay it all together into your bank account given. Please
    take note: Include this reference: 75027468NJ in your email to the
    company.

    Immediately I know the shipping charges plus the total cost of the
    paintings, I will go direct to the bank tomorrow morning and pay after
    the payment is paid and successful I will email the payment transfer
    receipt to you for proof of payment and confirmation purposes, please
    without delay as the anniversary date is very near proceed with the
    transport company and pay the shipping charges.

    Details needed for the payment are below..

    Name of bank
    Name on the account
    Iban
    Bic.

    Hope you understand the explanation above? If you have any questions
    please ask now.

    Ervin Gyuri Hollosy

    ReplyDelete
  21. I recive the mail yesterday... but this is not the first time..






    Hello Beatriz,

    Thank you for your reply with more information and price of the artworks. I really appreciate your comment toward my sculpture, thank you.

    I am truly interested in purchasing, I want you to know that I am purchasing the paintings for a Wedding Anniversary and it really needs to be at my destination as quickly as possible because the date is around the corner.

    I am purchasing this for family purposes, most importantly for my (Wife) . I know she will definitely like it because she likes Art & Sculpture and this is the time to fulfill my promise to her during the anniversary ceremony.

    Below are the ones I choose to purchase

    xxx
    xxx
    xxx


    Concerning the payment, the payment I am 100% sure about is to pay into your bank account for the total amount, based on the advice given from the bank because it's more safe and secure for security reasons.

    It will be better to discuss more about the payment and shipping arrangement on skype either verbally or typing due to the urgency of the anniversary, if possible it will be better to view the artworks on skype video today for assurance purposes.

    My location address of delivering is below.

    1474 River Rd,
    Titusville, NJ 08560
    USA

    My skype name is live:.cid.a58bd920488f2138 or Google hangout meeting. I am available throughout today on skype to discuss and conclude.

    If you don't have a skype name kindly go to www.skype.com and register with skype then download it is safe and secure, please fix a time to skype today.


    Cheers

    Gyuri Hollosy
    610-795-9501

    ReplyDelete
  22. these guys steal real identities of real people (sometimes actual artists) so it is kind to rapport it to the person they try to impersonate. These people often don't know anything about the scam and are now mentioned here as imposters.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I agree with this... though there is not much the person being impersonated can do about it. The scammers either use a name generator (which sometimes can lead to names that don't sound right) but often they just steal names they find randomly online. Like everything else about what they do, its terrible - and not the extra stress any of us need in these times.

    Thanks for writing in.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I received the same email a few days ago with a different identity. I'm from Germany and when I asked him how he knew about me, he couldn't answer. (I'm not easy to find) and yes, that person does seem to exist - an artist in LA who certainly doesn't know about it. I just skyped him and he didn't have his camera on. I'm very glad I came across this site by googling the shipping company's email address. Thank you all..
    Am 28.01.22, 22:46 schrieb Michael Kindred Knight :

    Hello

    Thank you for your reply with more information and price of the
    artworks. I want you to know that I am a painter artist.

    I am truly interested in purchasing, I want you to know that I am
    purchasing the paintings for a Wedding Anniversary and it really needs
    to be at my destination as quickly as possible because the date is
    around the corner.

    I am purchasing this for family purposes, most importantly for my
    (Wife) . I know she will definitely like it because she likes Art &
    Sculpture and this is the time to fulfill my promise to her during the
    anniversary ceremony.

    Below are the ones I choose to purchase

    - Blue composition

    - Red

    - Summer rain.

    Concerning the payment, the payment I am 100% sure about is to pay
    into your bank account for the total amount, based on the advice given
    from the bank because it's more safe and secure for security reasons.

    It will be better to discuss more about the payment and shipping
    arrangement on skype either verbally or typing due to the urgency of
    the anniversary, if possible it will be better to view the artworks on
    skype video today for assurance purposes.

    Location address of delivering is below.

    20152 Lorne St,
    Winnetka, CA 91306
    USA

    My skype name is live:.cid.da123337baaff7b3 or Google hangout meeting.
    I am available throughout today on skype to discuss and conclude.

    If you don't have a skype name kindly go to www.skype.com and register
    with skype then download it is safe and secure, please fix a time to
    skype today.



    Michael Kindred Knight
    https://www.michaelkindredknight.com

    this messages he send via skype:
    Below are the details of the art transport company that I discussed with concerning the pickup and quick delivery with insurance for safe delivery Name: Global freight limited Email address: globalfreightltd@protonmail.com Phone: 609-739-7505 Due to the date of the anniversary and urgent delivery is required please contact the company now through the email address above and start arrangement of the pickup/packaging with global freight limited and pay the shipping cost directly to the company.
    --
    I need to know the shipping charges with the insurance for safety delivery and I will add the cost together with the paintings amount quoted and pay it all together into your bank account. Please take note. Include the details below in your email to the transport company… Dimensions size of each paintings Value Full pickup address.
    --
    Immediately I know the shipping charges plus the total cost of the paintings I will go direct to the bank today and pay, after the payment is paid and successful I will email the payment transfer receipt to you for proof of payment and confirmation purpose, please without delay as the anniversary date is very near proceed with the transport company and pay the shipping charges. Details needed for the payment are below.. Name of bank Name on the account Iban Bic. Hope you understand the explanation above? If you have any questions please ask now.
    --
    did anyone show this? do the artists know their identities are being used for fraud here?

    ReplyDelete
  25. Same thing happens to me. I've send this artists a message through his website.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I was contacted by the same person /Michael Kindred Knight.
    he wanted to buy 5 limited edition. After talking about prices he wanted me to conatct a special courier to send him the art right in time..
    He even sent me the receipt of his transfer.....::::::

    Hello Olaf,

    Attached is the payment receipt from the bank, the payment was
    successfully paid.

    Am happy that everything went smoothly toward the payment in the bank
    and I know my wife will definitely like the prints work.

    Please take note that both payment of the 5 prints and the amount for
    the shipping charges has been paid successfully in the bank.

    Please proceed and pay the transport company as instructed because the
    total amount is already paid and I won't want any delay of the pickup
    because this is the payment receipt as proof of payment.

    Keep me notified with information and immediately when it is pickup
    for delivery.

    Michael Kindred

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hello, we also received the same email and we had a skype conversation yesterday. We didn't trust it also.
    This time it was Scott Prior at the other end of the line.... well not the real one.

    Please pay attention!
    Kitty / The Netherlands

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi,
    Same here, aka Scott Prior targeting The Netherlands. 2 skype sessions, did not want to use MS Teams. A bit rusty electronic voice but friendly guy and 2 times a camera not working. Different courrier name (chasecourriers@protonmail.com) but the same telephone number as mentioned above. Luckily listened to our gut feeling and started searching the Internet. A big thank you to everybody posting this info !!!!!

    S & R

    ReplyDelete
  29. same experience:

    WARNING!
    I thought I had been approached by an American fellow artist who wanted to buy paintings from me. It all seemed very reliable, a real website, (supposedly) proof from the bank that money had been deposited. Contact via mail and Skype. A real existing art transport company that would come to get the works. I would pay the transport costs (packaging, insurance, customs, import duties etc.), for a considerable amount... however, smelled treachery in time. . They care about that amount of transport, apparently not about the paintings. In the meantime, I have approached the real artist and the transport company to warn him that their name website is being misused. Phew, another reason to be suspicious of the world, Such a pity!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hello,
    I received exactly the same message from Scott Prior... With same story with Skype conversation, urgent shipping for 3 sculptures and at the end necessity to pay for shipping...
    Be careful and take care

    ReplyDelete
  31. Found this site because of the telefon numer of the "shipping company". Zoom call without video:


    Below are the details of the art transport company that I discussed with concerning the pickup and quick delivery with insurance for safe delivery

    Name: Chase Couriers
    Email address: chasecouriers@protonmail.com
    Phone: 609-739-7505

    Due to the date of the anniversary and urgent delivery is required please contact the company now through the email address above and
    start arrangement of the pickup/packaging with Chase couriers and pay the shipping cost directly to the company.

    I need to know the shipping charges with the insurance for safety delivery and I will add the cost together with the paintings amount quoted and pay it all together into your bank account. Please take note: Include this reference: 06501 in your email to the company.

    Include the details below in your email to the transport company…

    Dimensions size of each paintings
    Value
    Full pickup address
    Phone number

    Immediately I know the shipping charges plus the total cost of the paintings, I will go direct to the bank today and pay, after the payment is paid and successful I will email the payment transfer receipt to you for proof of payment and confirmation purpose, please without delay as the anniversary date is very near proceed with the transport company and pay the shipping charges.

    Details needed for the payment are below..

    Name of bank
    Name on the account
    Iban
    Bic.

    Hope you understand the explanation above? If you have any questions please ask now.

    Cheers
    Randall Deihl
    randalldeihl1@gmail.com

    www.randalldeihl.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. NEW SCAM NAME! Mark Barone

    Hello xx (Dutch Artist)

    I have already discussed with a good art shipping company for the pickup and quick delivery because the anniversary date is very near.

    Below are the details of the art transport company that I discussed with concerning the pickup and quick delivery with insurance for safe delivery

    Name: Chase Couriers & Logistics
    Email address: chasecourierslogistics@protonmail.com
    Phone: 609-739-7505

    Due to the date of the anniversary and urgent delivery is required
    please contact the company now through the email address above and start arrangement of the pickup/packaging with Chase couriers & logistics and pay the shipping cost directly to the company.


    I need to know the shipping charges with the insurance plus packaging for safety delivery and I will add the cost together with the paintings amount quoted and pay it all together into your bank account details given. Please take note: Include this reference: 06501 in your email to the company.

    Include the details below in your email to the transport company…

    Dimensions size of each paintings
    Value
    Full pickup address
    Phone number

    Immediately I know the shipping charges plus the total cost of the paintings, I will go direct to the bank today and pay, after the payment is paid and successful I will email the payment transfer receipt to you for proof of payment and confirmation purpose, please without delay as the anniversary date is very near proceed with the transport company and pay the shipping charges.


    Details needed for the payment are below..


    Name of bank

    Name on the account

    Iban

    Bic.


    Hope you understand the explanation above? If you have any questions please ask now.


    Mark Barone
    markbarone01@gmail.com
    markbaroneart.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hah! I had the Mark Barone name as well. I even skyped with this asshole because I was too naive in the beginning though I already thought his first email was a bit... off.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Same here. Also in the Netherlands. Very glad I found this website because I was googling the phone number of the transport company. All the same emails and Skype experience. Alarmbells when he wanted me to pay transport.......No way! The name he used now was John Zurier, a very well known artist. I'll contact him of course and tell him about this scam. And yes his emails were a bit off.

    ReplyDelete
  35. NEW SCAME NAME: JERED SPRECHER

    Hello XXX (Dutch artist),

    Nice speaking with you and I really appreciate your beautiful sculptures.

    Below are the details of the art transport company that I discussed with concerning the pickup and quick delivery with insurance for safe delivery

    Name: Chase Couriers Logistics
    Email address: chasecourierslogistics@protonmail.com
    Phone: 609-739-7505

    Due to the date of the anniversary and urgent delivery is required please contact the company now through the email address above and start arrangement of the pickup/packaging with Chase couriers logistics and pay the shipping cost directly to the company.

    I need to know the shipping charges with the insurance plus packaging for safety delivery and I will add the cost together with the sculptures amount quoted and pay it all together into your bank account details given. Please take note: Include this reference: 06501 in your email to the company.

    Include the details below in your email to the transport company…

    Dimensions size of each sculptures
    Value
    Full pickup address
    Phone number

    Immediately I know the shipping charges plus the total cost of the sculptures, I will go direct to the bank today, after the payment is paid and successful I will email the payment transfer receipt to you for proof of payment and confirmation purpose, please without delay as the anniversary date is very near proceed with the transport company and pay the shipping charges.

    Details needed for the payment are below..
    Name of bank
    Name on the account
    Iban
    Bic.

    Hope you understand the explanation above? If you have any questions please ask now.

    Cheers.

    Jered Sprecher

    jeredsprecher1@gmail.com
    jeredsprecher.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. And another new name being used: John Zurier. Also with the 1 added to the name in the email address. We did our research and are happy we found this website.



    Hello XXX

    Am excited to visit your website viewing your beautiful artworks you
    made, I am really amazed with your artwork and how amazing they are.

    I'm interested in purchasing the artworks below. Could you please
    provide more information about the price and the availability?

    Painting 1
    Painting 2
    Painting 3
    Painting 4


    I will be expecting your response.

    Wishing you a happy and healthy day ahead from the coronavirus.

    John Zurier
    johnzurier1@gmail.com
    www.johnzurier.com


    ReplyDelete
  37. Got the same email from him. Was somewhat suspicious and contacted his gallery, sadly got no reply.
    The thing blew up when "he" urged me on skype chat to contact his shipping comany immediately through either a protonmail address (chasecourierlogistics@protonmail.com) or by phone (609-739-7505).
    I googled the number and - bam - landed here.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I was also contacted by "John Zurier" this weekend. In the statement for transport he uses the logo of Chase Couriers in Texas but the mail adress was different. The bank did warn me for the transaction. I think he will try to get in contact today. Can it be stopped?

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hopefully, the bank did not allow for the transaction but I'm not sure from your post. If you wired money, and they haven't picked it up yet, sometimes it can be stopped. If you haven't wired any money yet, you remain safe. He will certainly try and get in touch with you, but if you haven't lost anything yet and not you know its a scam, you can just ignore him and eventually scammers just move on to their next target.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Thanks for your website. I received the John Zurier email today as above. Strange use of words and the fact he was supposedly another artist made me check him out before going any further and I landed here thank you. Had scammers before. It’s sad.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hi, Thanx indeed for this site! Red flags appeared when ''John Zurier'' emailed me today and asked for 3 sculptures. One big sad lie.

    This was the email:

    Hello Natasja,

    Am excited to visit your website viewing your beautiful artworks you
    made, I am really amazed with your artwork and how amazing they are.

    I'm interested in purchasing the sculptures below. Could you please
    provide more information about the price and the availability?

    Continuous II, (2022) Ceramics, glazes 30 x 20 cm & Blue Figure
    (2022), ceramics, glazes, 94x41 cm & Ambiguous Existence (2013)
    Ceramics, glazes, 82 x 64 x 56 cm

    I will be expecting your response.

    Wishing you a happy and healthy day ahead from the coronavirus.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Beware, "John Zurier" now contacts you through "johnzurierart@gmail.com". There are also a lot of "John Zurier" accounts on Skype. Of course all related to this scam.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Unfortunately I was also contacted by someone pretending to be John Zurier today. Had the zoom call like many people here (without camera) and quickly found out it was a scam.

    The email that was used was johnzurierart@gmail.com
    Courier: Global Freight - globalfreightinfo@proton.me / 312-549-8142

    I contacten the official gallery of John Zurier but no response and also called the official number of the courier and they told me they heard several stories about similar attempted scams of artist in The Netherlands.

    What a shame. Hope no one falls for it!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Yep, same here in germany. A "John Zurier" wrote me an Email - fun fact, and what made me suspicious, I obviously only show digital Artwork on my website. This person wrote the following:

    Hello Konstantin,

    Am excited to visit your website viewing your beautiful artworks you
    made, I am really amazed with your artwork and how amazing they are.

    I'm interested in purchasing the artworks below. Could you please
    provide more information about the price and the availability?

    Special forces & Rapunzel.

    I will be expecting your response.

    Wishing you a happy and healthy day ahead from the coronavirus.

    John Zurier
    www.johnzurier.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Also in Amsterdam this scammer tries to get hold of art without paying. Here is the information he used.

    .....Concerning the payment, the payment I am 100% sure about is to pay into your bank account for the total amount, based on the advice given from the bank because it's more safe and secure for security reasons.

    It will be better to discuss more about the payment and shipping arrangement on skype either verbally or typing due to the urgency of the anniversary, if possible it will be better to view the artworks on skype video today for assurance purposes.

    Location address of delivering is below.

    723 Peralta Ave,
    Berkeley, CA 94707
    USA

    My skype name is live:.cid.fb435f6a52d754a3 or Google meet / Zoom. I am available throughout today on skype to discuss and conclude.

    If you don't have a skype name kindly go to www.skype.com and register
    with skype then download it is safe and secure, please fix a time to skype today.


    John Zurier
    www.johnzurier.com

    ===
    He uses the official website of the artist which has nothing to do with this. However, Google has taken possession of the name johnzurierart@gmail.com or johnzurier1@gmail.com. Block this phishing email at Google. Thanks to everyone who warned earlier.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Today in Germany from "Jim Lute" (real artist, Illinois, USA):
    Hello S.,
    My name is Jim Lute, I'm an artist from Chicago, Illinois, my art and artworks are represented by several galleries in Illinois and many states in the USA.
    I'm truly interested in your sculptures that I view through your
    website and below are the works...
    3 works listed
    It will be my pleasure to know more about their prices and relevant information.
    Thanks and have a great day.

    Jim Lutes
    www.jimlutes.com
    ______________________

    Hello S.,
    Below are the details of the art transport company that I discussed with concerning the pickup and quick delivery with insurance for safe delivery
    Name: Chase couriers logistics
    Email address: chasecouriersinfo@post.com
    Phone: 312-549-8142

    Due to the date of the anniversary and urgent delivery is required please contact the company now through the email address above and start arrangement of the ickup/packaging with chase couriers logistics and pay the shipping cost directly to the company.
    I need to know the shipping charges with the insurance plus packaging for safety delivery and I will add the cost together with the sculptures amount quoted and pay it all together into your bank account details given.
    Include the details below in your email to the transport company…
    Dimensions size of each sculptures
    Value
    Full pickup address
    Phone number

    Immediately I know the shipping charges plus the total cost of the sculptures, I will go direct to the bank today or tomorrow and pay, after the payment is paid and successful I will email the payment transfer receipt to you for proof of payment and confirmation purpose, please without delay as the anniversary date is very near proceed with the transport company and pay the shipping charges.
    Details needed for the payment are below..
    Name of bank
    Name on the account
    Iban
    Bic.

    Hope you understand the explanation above? If you have any questions please ask now.
    Jim Lutes
    www.jimlutes.com
    ---------------
    Ok, controlled: Artist is real, shipping company is real
    Suspect to me:
    * He did not give the exact date of his wife's birthday, although I asked and it was so "urgent" to him
    *phone number and
    *email address of shipping company are not the same as on their website -> so I found this site: THANK YOU!






    ReplyDelete
  47. Today in Israel from "Jim Lute" (real artist, Illinois, USA)


    Artist is real, shipping company is real
    I phoned call the the https://chasecouriers.com/ they service representor was alert me that could be a scam, since they do not do international shipping and already familiar with this issue.

    Don't understand what they benefit from it, since I wasn't supposed to send my art items BEFORE seeing any payment injected to my bank account
    Beware anyway!

    ReplyDelete
  48. How this scam works: the scammer will use their fake story (and may or may not use real names of shipping companies) and then (first red flag) over pay, having some story of why they need to overpay you and then ask you to send them back the overpayment part (here's the second red flag) via wire.

    You will be safe is you never accept overpayment if you are the seller and more importantly you NEVER EVER EVER send money via wire if you are the seller.

    This scam isn't about the items being bought. The scam is actually over and done with when the victim (the seller) wires the overpayment to them. Then they are gone and on to the next victim.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thank you for your quick reply!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I had a similar email from a Jim Lutes, he wants to buy 4 large paintings from me. After Skyping without video and really bad sound, we (my husband and I) were almost sure it was a scam. He wanted his own shipping company and everything had to be done very, very quickly. A few hours later (on a Saturday!) I received mail from his shipping company. Here it is: a company in Texas with a bank account in France! :

    ---

    Hello,

    Please find attached our estimated charges up to Illinois, USA Please note the exclusions

    Chase couriers logistics has already been contacted by Mr. Jim concerning this pickup, the crate for the shipment will be prepared by chase couriers logistics and other packaging materials along with the insurance, take note, this is Chase couriers logistics international shipping company, it will be pickup from your location address specified and delivered in 2 - 3 working days door to door delivery

    The delivery deadline is set for ‪13:30

    The invoice with the tracking number and the paperwork and custom declaration will be hand over to you by the pickup driver.

    This price does not include the MPF and bond fee that will be due in the USA. The client will be contacted to make payment for that on arrival in the US. The MPF is generally 0.37 % of the value with a maximum of $1950 and the bond fee is about 0.55% depending on who issues the bond.

    Please pay €3,898 it include packaging / insurance and delivery cost to chase couriers logistics head office company account bank details below.

    Bank name: Prep Financial Services Bank
    Account name: Prisca Chi Chase
    IBAN: FR76 2183 3000 0100 0121 5662 734
    Payment Reference: DE04739 (Provide with the payment)
    SWIFT CODE: PRNSFRP1
    BANK ADDRESS. 40 RUE DU LOUVRE, 75001 PARIS FRANCE.

    Write down the information above and go to your bank and make the shipping charges transfer or pay online and email the payment transfer receipt or pay online using internet banking.

    Mr. Jim intended to ship with our next freight which is Wednesday 09th of Novermber by 15:45 pm. Please make this transaction a priority as I'm aiming to meet his request and book down the shipment today.

    Take note: Shipping charges are only to be pay direct with the details above from the pickup location.

    We also don't accept (cash) at pickup point / delivery point as it's not safe for our drivers to collect cash at hand because it is againts chase couriers logistics rule and regulations.

    Take note: The pickup driver will call you 1 hour before the time of pickup specified above.

    I hope this are all clear, do let me know if you have any further queries.

    Thanks for using Chase couriers logistics

    Kind regards
    Susan Dickfos
    Chase couriers logistics

    Tel: +1 312-549-8142
    Storage, installation and Worldwide Transportation of Fine Art
    All charges subject to VAT at prevailing rate. All work is undertaken in accordance with our Terms & Conditions of trade which are available on request. Please note that insurance against all risks for items in transit or in store will not be effected unless we are required to do so by the client with confirmation in writing of the required value

    ReplyDelete
  51. He is still active as Jim Lutes here in the Netherlands. Still a clever scammer. I am very down to earth person but still like to sell something. If something is too good to be true. Then that is often. Fortunately, his phone number was here on the site. Jim lutes is a smart choice of the scammer. Here's some more data he used.

    9405 S Racine Ave
    Chicago, IL 60620
    USA

    I will like to see more of the sculptures that am showing interest to
    purchase maybe by taken the video and email it to me that will be more
    better for me than what is view from the website then have a verbal
    conversation on whatsapp or skype just only to view the artworks and
    discuss about the shipping and payment, my whatsapp number is +1
    312-549-8142 what time is more convenient today for whatsapp / skype
    meeting, my skype name is live:.cid.8a10ce60d615fc43

    Jim Lutes
    jimlutespainting@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. We also fell for Jim today. Fortunately, there is this website. The scam was exposed with the shipping company... it had to be paid quickly, etc. Here are the facts:

    Artist Jim Lutes
    jimlutesartist@hotmail.com

    These people are terrible, I hope he gets herpes all over his body.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Again.. Jim Lutes, Chicago, Illinois. active in Amsterdam. Today May 2023. Waste of time. Be aware. I thought it was fishy already. Is the real Jim Lutes aware that his name is used for scam????

    ReplyDelete
  54. Also Jim Lutes reached out to me. I notice that he approaches many Dutch artists
    Below the email he sent me. It’s sucks that so many people try to scam you as an entrepreneur.



    Hello Annelies,

    Thank you for your response with full details and price given because I really take much time going through your website, thanks a lot.

    I think it's better to brief more about the reason for this purchase because your works are really beautiful and amazing.. This purchase is for a wedding anniversary ceremony gift personally for my wife and I know that she will be amazed with it.

    Below are the ones I choose to purchase

    1.
    IMG_8258.jpg

    2.
    IMG_8257.jpg

    3.
    IMG_8256.jpg


    4.
    IMG_8255.jpg

    5.
    IMG_8254.jpg
    Concerning the payment, the best option for the payment is through bank transfer because it is safe and secure and is 100% certified through the means of bank transfer.

    Address of delivery...

    9405 S Racine Ave
    Chicago, IL 60620
    USA

    I will like to see more of the artworks that am showing interest to purchase maybe by taken the video and email it to me that will be more better for me than what is view from the website then have a verbal conversation on skype, whatsapp, zoom or google hangout just only to view the artworks and discuss about the shipping and payment, what time is more convenient today for whatsapp or skype meeting, my skype name is live:.cid.8a10ce60d615fc43

    Jim Lutes

    ReplyDelete
  55. Received Mail from jimlutes02@gmail.com . Beware, this is not the real artist. Never send money, block and ignore

    ReplyDelete
  56. I got approached as the same, presumably artist Jim Lutes, but he is the scammer, he doesn't even changes his form of letters and a scam scheme 😁😁😁

    On Mon, 12 Jun 2023 at 13:17, Jim Lutes Arts wrote:
    Hello Michael,

    Am really excited to visit your website viewing the beautiful artworks you made, I am truly amazed with your artwork and how unique they are.

    My name is Jim Lutes, a painter and professor at The Art Institute of Chicago resides in Chicago, Illinois, US.

    Please do you have this wonderful paintings as mentioned below because I found them interesting to purchase

    Man with golden skull 225 x 165cm, oil on canvas, 2023 & Nausoktonos 226x140cm, oil on canvas, 2022 & Star on Ice 35x24cm, oil on canvas, 2022 & Kodama (tree spirit) 35x27cm, oil on canvas, 2022

    It will be my pleasure to know more about the price and relevant information.

    I will be expecting your response.

    Jim Lutes
    www.jimlutes.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Got the same email last week…

    ReplyDelete