Scam Email: Helen Carzola

Hi, Kathleen,

Thanks to your Art Scam site, we dodged an odd bullet with a big cheque from one of your merry crew of scammers, Helen Carzola.  Classic case (we now realise) of an order for a piece, followed by a cheque for twice the amount written on the account of a very big corporation in Toronto, but with no address or signing officer's name printed on it.  I'm sure you know the Stück.

Anyway, good of you to ferret out these bottom feeders.  I'm staggered at the huge number of them.

Regards,

Chris

Scam Email: Ronald Walker

Kathleen,

This is the first part of a conversation from an art scam. I didn't want to forward the later email that says they will send more than the amount so I can pay their shipper because it includes my home address and phone number (I hope nothing bad comes from that information).

From: ronald walker [ronaldwalker.llc@gmail.com>]
Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 6:42 AM
Subject: Arizona Pronghorn 2011 (18" x 36") latex paint and marker on canvas

Hi,

My name is Ron, I recently visited your website and found your Work of arts to be appealing. I am very impressed with it and would be interested in purchasing it for my new apartment I am moving into this month. Please do provide me with the price and details if it is available.

Ron.

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: ronald walker [ronaldwalker.llc@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 6:43 PM
Subject: Re: Arizona Pronghorn 2011 (18" x 36") latex paint and marker on canvas

Thanks for your response and details,As it is am on my way to Indonesia now for a conference and might not be back till after 2 weeks, Would have come to inspect and purchase the piece personally as am relocating to Johannesburg and am trying to gather some good arts for my new home. am buying yours quickly! before someone else grabs it, I'll arrange to send you payment ASAP.

However, I will have to notify my shipper who is shipping my belongings from the States to get set for the pickup of the piece at your place as I might be delayed in Indonesia, you don't need to worry about shipping though.
Thanks,

PS: Kindly get back to me with your contact details so I can get a certified check prepared and sent out to you ASAP.

Ron.

Scam Email: Lisa Giroud

Kathleen,

Must be a scam. Thank you for your work:

Lisa Giroud [wilzcharlespp@gmail.com]

8:37 PM (12 hours ago)

Hi,

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

"Magnified #2   and    Sophie on the Grill

I will appreciate an urgent reply.

Best Regards,
Lisa Giroud.

Scam Email: Betty Hammond

Just goes to show you - scammers pretty much ignore what you say. They have their little steps to their scam and they will keep pushing you along, regardless of what you say, to see if you will go to the next level of the scam with them. In the below email, an artist has been approached by a scammer using the fake name of Betty Hammond. When the artist says the painting is no longer available, the scammer just proceeds along with what their standard second email says. Amazing. Obviously, it made no sense to the artist and the scammer blew their cover at that point.

Also, phrases like "I will be waiting to read from you." just really gives them away.

I remain grateful for the ignorance of scammers, that they continue to provide us such obvious clues to know they are not for real.

Just got this from "Betty Hammond", think it needs to be added to the list!

From: Betty Hammond [bettyhammond01@yahoo.com]
Date: April 12, 2013 12:53:50 PM EDT
Subject: "Lady In Red" Oil, 18" x 20"

Hi,
I'm Betty Hammond from California. I was going through your works and my eyes caught this particular piece,I want to purchase it as I am moving to a new apartment next month. Kindly let me know if you still have the piece available and also let me know it's final price and more information about it. I will be waiting to read from you.

Regards,
Betty.

On Apr 12, 2013, at 6:15 PM, Betty Hammond wrote:

Thanks for your prompt reply. You can reach me on (323) 835-1260.
Unfortunately, I'm on my way to France on an official trip(I'm a marketing Executive) and wont be back for another two weeks.
If you'd like to know, I'm relocating to South Africa soon and I'm trying to gather some good stuff for my new abode. I'm buying yours amongst others,quickly! before someone else grabs it.So, I'll arrange to send you payment ASAP.
However, I'll have to notify my shipper who's helping me move my stuff to get set for the pick up of the piece from your place as I MIGHT be delayed depending on how things goes.

PS: In the mean time, kindly get back to me with your contact address and phone# so I can get a check prepared and have it mailed out to you right away.

Scam Email: Carol Grant

Hi Kathleen,

Here is a scammer "Carol Grant ca_grantrow@yahoo.com" who tried to prey on one of our artists. Thankfully she forwarded it to us.

Katy

From: Carol Grant [mailto:ca_grantrow@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2013 1:49 AM
To:
Subject: Re: Payment and Pickup...................

Hello,

In the mean time, kindly get back to me with your Full Name,Contact Address and also your Cell phone# so I can get a check prepared and have it sent out to you ASAP.

My shipper should be in town sometime next week and will definitely be getting in touch with you for the pickup and also to inspect it for me.

Truth is, I would have handled this much differently if i would be at home but Im a bit pressed for time myself. Im moving to South Africa this month as Im being transferred and Promoted.

As it is, I'm sending you check which will include my shippers fees as well.He has asked for an upfront before coming and since I have no access to a lot of cash, Im trying to kill two birds with a stone.

So, once you have received and cashed the check, deduct your funds and PLEASE help me send the remaining funds to him(shipper). I will forward his contact details to you once you have received the payment.

Now I'm concluding you are a responsible person and I can therefore entrust you with this arrangement.I'll let you know Immediately the check is sent out to you so you should be looking out for it.
I'll surely give you a call later when Im free. Many thanks and talk to you soon,

Regards,
Carol
  _____ 


Begin forwarded message:

From: Carol Grant [ca_grantrow@yahoo.com]
Subject: Re: Payment..............................
Date: April 5, 2013 9:14:23 PM CDT
To:
Reply-To: Carol Grant

Hello,

Thanks for your prompt reply.

Unfortunately, Im on my way to Mexico on an official trip(I'm a marketing Executive) and wont be back for another two weeks, I would have come to inspect the piece personally. Im taking your word for true on It though.

I'm okay with the price $1000, I think it worth it anyway. If you'd like to know, Im relocating to the South Africa soon and I'm trying to gather some good stuff for my new abode. Im buying yours amongst others,quickly! before someone else grabs it.So, I'll arrange to send you payment ASAP.

However, I'll have to notify my shipper who's helping me move my stuff to get set for the pickup of the piece from your place as I MIGHT be delayed depending on how things goes.
 
Thanks,

PS: In the mean time, kindly get back to me with your Full Name,Contact Address and also your phone# so I can get a check prepared and have it sent out to you ASAP.

Regards,
Carol
  _____ 

On Apr 5, 2013, at 10:45 AM, Carol Grant wrote:

Hello,

These  particular artwork of yours that you have for sale, is it still available,if yes let me have the detailed price.

Regards,
Carol