Thanks for the great information on art scammers on your website. Here is another name to add to your list. He contacted me a few days ago.
All Best,
Jen
On Jun 25, 2013, at 2:02 PM, Steven Leavitt [stevleavitt@yahoo.com] wrote:second email:
Good day, hope you are good. Was going through your website and saw some of your artwork I really like. You are doing a great job. I would like to make the purchase of the artwork in subject field above if it is still available..i would also like to know what inspired the artwork. kindly get back to me asap.
Thanks and God bless,
Steve Leavitt.
From: Steven Leavitt [stevleavitt@yahoo.com]
Date: June 27, 2013, 7:10:37 PM GMT+02:00
Subject: Hello
Reply-To: Steven Leavitt [stevleavitt@yahoo.com]
Dear Jennifer,
Thanks for the message, Hope you are doing great. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website (artwork) on my laptop and i guess she likes your artwork, Also I must tell you I am very much interested in the immediate purchase of that artwork to surprise my wife. Unfortunately, at the moment I am on training voyage with new hires, fresh from graduate school, I would have come to purchase the piece personally but won't be back for another couple of weeks, as I am a civil marine engineer and due to the nature of my work, visiting of website, phone calls are restricted during this period, but i squeezed out time to check this advert and send you an email regarding it:-). . Kindly email me the asking price asap.
If you'd like to know, I'm relocating to the Philippines soon and I'm also trying to gather some good stuff to furnish my new abode. I am buying yours (quickly before someone else grabs it) So, I'll arrange to send you payment ASAP.
However, you don't have to worry about shipment, I be appointing a secured shipping agent in Philippines whom are also moving my 1932 Ford ROADSTER and some personal effect to come over for the pickup of the painting at your place,and then deliver it to my new abode (Philippines); Courier service like FedEx, UPS are not worth it in the Philippines especially USPS all of them are not rendering good service there in the Philippines, they will never bring to ones house. I have had several bad experience with FedEx and UPS in the past and am not willing to pay additional fee at the delivery point in Philippines because the appointed shipper will deliver safely without paying any other money before collecting the goods unlike some other courier where it will not be delivered to your address rather you will have to go to their office to pick it up and when you get there you will be told to pay other money before collecting it.
Thanks and God bless,
Steve Leavitt.
PS:In the meantime, you could forward me your full name (you want the check payable to) cell phone no. and contact address so I can fedex a check to. as I MIGHT be delayed depending on how things goes.
I was also contacted with the same 2 emails on July 8, 2013. Thanks much for the post so I didn't waste time..but it sounded bogus anyway.
ReplyDeleteDarren
Thanks from me too. Also got these same messages. boo.
ReplyDeleteGot the first email this morning. Identical to the one at the top "Good day, hope you are good..."
ReplyDeleteTyped guy's email in and was led directly to this site.
Thanks for sharing.
I got the first message this morning. Thanks for the post :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great service to us artists. I just received one of these from Steve Leavitt. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteI have also been contacted today with a similar message
ReplyDeleteI just got the same email from "Steve Leavitt" using the exact wording in this post. Glad I'm skeptical and Googled and found this blog. Thanks for this service.
ReplyDeleteI received this email this week as well. Seemed like a scam, but I couldn't figure out the angle. I figured as long as I didnt do anything until the check cleared, I'd be safe. I guess he's relying on people paying the "shippers" before the check clears? Anyways, glad I found this website.
ReplyDeleteI just received the same damn email. Ugh. Frustrating! But thank you SO much for posting this- I wanted to research the buyer prior to sending personal information. Now I know...
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU!!!!!!
Thanks for setting this up.... was contacted by this guy also, same exact wording as in posted messages. Hope no one actually got scammed.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I got contacted by Steve Leavitt through my web site. His reply to my reply was basically the same message as the one above. Didn't sound right, so I googled him and now I'm here and feeling a little stupid that I didn't do some checking in the beginning.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting this! I had the same experience.
ReplyDeleteI was contacted today with same message...
ReplyDeleteTHANKS for the HEADS-UP.
Some poeple are just plain scum.
me too! thank you for posting- happy I didn't waste my energy!I presume that one should be conscious of the written speech and grammar,references ect...seem to get a bunch of these darn things.Best part was it was in the junk folder,never to reach the in box, thankfully!!! : )
ReplyDeleteI received the same email yesterday! Google searched him and voila! Scammer.
ReplyDeleteJust happened me, similar details.
ReplyDeleteThanks.... hope he doesn't catch anyone!
I got almost the same first email and the exact 2nd email...it seemed fishy to me so I looked up the name and found this....thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much! I got the same email from this piece of trash. I'm glad I googled it.
ReplyDeleteHey, I got the same thing back on August 7th. I'm a painter and these same types of emails pop up from time to time. I knew right away it was a scam and called the FBI in Phoenix.
ReplyDeleteDid the FBI respond?
Deleteguess they havent done anything since i just recieved the same email
DeleteI just got the same thing. What an idiot. I'm going to keep emailing and play along for a little while (without giving away any personal info of course).
ReplyDeletethanks for the site. it helped stop the scam.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the posting. Almost fell for it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I checked. Damn, I was so excited. I haven't gotten a second one yet, but he gave me the line that his wife loves it. I'm going to email him and give him a piece of my mind. Thanks for warning me. (Bubble burst)
ReplyDeleteGot this email this morning. I usually Google art inquiries and glad I did this time before getting my hopes up. Thanks for the alert!
ReplyDeleteI received this last week. So sad that this happens to artists (or anyone). I was happy to finally get another client, but turned out to be a scam! Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this, I just received the email too. Thanks for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteI got the same email today and it sounded fishy to me too, as if artists aren't ripped off enough. I told him the painting wasn't for sale.
ReplyDeleteI received a similar email today as well. I posted it below. Thanks for all of your posts.
ReplyDeleteGood day, hope you are good.
I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website (artwork in subject field above) on my laptop and i guess she likes that artwork, I must also say you are doing a great job. I would like to know what inspired that artwork.
I am very much interested in the purchase to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Thanks and God bless,
Steve Leavitt.
Just got this guy and the same email today. Guess they are still trying to scam artists.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI guess I let my desire for selling art get the best of me. I took it all the way to giving him my number: He said he was sending a check right away and I just need to pay something to the shipping agent. I said no problem : send the amount you owe plus what I pay to the shipper and when it clears I will be glad to pay the shipper. I gave him info like my cell, and address but anyone can look up my address can and I don't answer unidentified calls. Rats. I wanted it to be true. Alas! I weep for my impoversihed artist's life.
I just received this same email also. I was VERY skeptical. Lucky the piece was actually not available, as I gave it to a family member as a gift. He just wrote back today to say he was disappointed but to send him other images/paintings that would be available! SO glad I found this site to confirm that it IS in fact a scam. Unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have had people buy my work via e-mail, I recognized this as a scam and fortunately found this blog. What I wouldn't give to get my hands on people like this Mr. Leavitt.
ReplyDeleteThis guy is very active. Heard from him today, recognized the routine as fraud. Glad I found this site to confirm my doubts,
ReplyDeleteI received the first e-mail today, and decided to google his name before responding. As someone said earlier, something about the wording sounded strange. Anyway, thanks for the blog, or I might have fallen for it!
ReplyDeleteJust got this email today but Firefox had recognized it as spam.
ReplyDeleteToo good to be true but sounded really phony.
My husband just got the same email, so glad I googled his name and found your post. Is there anything that we can do to get law enforcement involved in dealing with someone like this?
ReplyDeleteWhat if you where to fall for it and gave details like name, phone and address??
ReplyDeleteThe scammer will send an overpayment with a counterfeit check and try to rush the victim to forward the overpayment to their "shipper" via wire transfer, before the victim discovers the original check is fake. So the victim is then out the money they have forwarded which can be thousands of dollars.
ReplyDeleteI encourage all of you to report this scam to a website which will direct it to the proper agency, like the FBI.
ReplyDeleteYes, we have several links for you to report these, but unless there is actual financial loss (and even then it is not like they are going to get that back for you), most agencies don't know what to do with the complaints. But it's still good to submit them because I think how else are they going to know the patterns of scammer activity.
ReplyDeleteBut of course, my hope is that people do NOT get to the point of losing any money, and that is why I started this blog and the related facebook page. so we can all help warn each other before anything bad can happen.
Same crap yup;, so I said, Im not Your Banker,I dont take third party checks,I take cash,& US postal Money orders..Your check will be sent TO the postal inspector for mail fraud, Have a nice life in club Fed.
ReplyDeleteJust got this myself on Saturday Aug 21 and thanks to an organization I belong to I was alerted to the fraud before I responded. What a jerk!
ReplyDeleteThere are too many grammar errors for this to be from a native English speaker. The language does not 'flow' but has a chopped sound of someone who has learned English yet lacks fluency and then used a translation program to stitch it together. Word choice is off, "...moment I am on training voyage with new hires..." Hopefully no one falls for it.
ReplyDeleteYes, I heard from Mr. Leavitt yesterday. My gallery, I am glad to say, knows all about him. Hustling artists is such a sad crime.
ReplyDeleteI received the same email today - "observed wife looking at the painting in subject line above" - but with the name Steve Young. Mr. Leavitt has changed tactics I guess.
ReplyDeleteI also received it from steve young recently. Recommending keeping this name also on the radar. It's a mix up of some of the sentences from the first and second email, but the general contents is the same.
ReplyDeleteYup. It's Steve Young now. I got it today. Scumbag. The version I got had the wife in it and mentioned a particular piece of mine. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI got the same type of email from a Steve Young! Thanks so much for this site. I new something seemed off about his email, but I was thankful to find this site before I wasted any time with him.
ReplyDeleteHi there-
ReplyDeleteJust got an friendly email from Steve Young stvyoung01@yahoo.com- the scammer- thanks so much to this post I always come here first when I get a questionable email, and you have saved me so much time and hassle. THANK YOU!!!!!!
Yeah, looks like he's going by Steve Young now. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteYes, Just got same email from Steve Young. Thanks for this blog!
ReplyDeleteGot this same one this morning from Steve.alonso01@ Yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWe received an email from that Steve.alonso01@yahoo.com yesterday. Thanks for all of this info!
ReplyDeleteAnother scam...I got this same email yesterday, but from Steve Ziegler email is: stv.ziegler01@yahoo.com. I originally Googled his email, and didn't find anything suspicious. Then I Googled the text of the email and found your website. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteSteve is now using last name Zeigler. Same story, same phrases. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI just got one today (Nov. 28) from a "Steve Ziegler." Even though it referred to a specific piece on my web site, I was suspicious that someone would be wanting to buy a piece of artwork without asking for higher resolution images. For another, I have a price list on my site as well as plenty of info on the "inspiration" for my work that is prominently displayed. The sign off, "Thanks and God bless" seemed very out of place in a business inquiry. Also, it was sent at 8 a.m. which would have been 6 or 7 a.m. Houston time. On Thanksgiving Day? Really he's up that early? So I did an Internet search of one of the phrases and this site came up. I won't waste my time responding, thanks! I'll report stvziegler01@gmail.com to Google.
DeleteHe's also now using the name Steve Pettus. stvpettus01@gmail.com Keep em coming!
ReplyDeleteYes, I too got the stvpettus01@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI received this yesterday:
ReplyDelete"Greetings!
My name is Steve Pettus from Las Vegas. I would like to purchase the piece (title in subject field above) as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary.
If you would like to know, I actually observed my wife viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your work. You are really doing a great job - what inspires you?
Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Regards,
Steve.
Thanks for this post.
Yes, I too got the stvpettus01@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteFrom yesterday:
ReplyDeleteGreetings!
My name is Steve Ziegler from Houston, TX. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website (piece in subject field above) on my laptop and i guess she likes that piece, I must also say you are doing a great job. I would like to know what inspired that work.
I am very much interested in the purchase to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Thanks and God bless,
Steve.
Was suspicious of the first email, but replied anyway. The second was even worse so Google brought me here. Scammers should have better grammar.
And here's another:
ReplyDeleteandrew hembree ;
Nov 30 at 2:21 PM
Hello,
I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website (piece in subject field above) on my laptop and i guess she likes that piece, I must also say you are doing a great job. I would like to know what inspired that work.
I am very much interested in the purchase to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Peace and blessings
Andrew
I got the same email about his wife viewing the piece, etc. about 2 weeks ago, using the Steve Pettus name. Was skeptical but couldn't quite figure out how he could scam me with the info he was asking for since it is all information on my resume, which is on my website he had supposedly been looking at. I told him that I could "make it easier on him" by setting up the link on my website that would let him purchase the piece through Paypal and of course I never heard back. Wah wah! Thank you for this blog, got to look out for each other!
ReplyDeleteNow he is "Steve Pavlina (cme.logistics001@gmail.com)" He surely likes to stay as "Steve." Thank you for this posting!
ReplyDeleteI'm an artist in the Northeast and my assistant suspected a scam by the part about overpayment, although I went along with it - then we both knew it was a fraud when the actual check had a $2000 overpayment for shipping his antique car. We are taking it to the bank together to report the fraudulent check.
ReplyDeleteReceived this email, so I goggled and found your site. Great work!
ReplyDeleteHere's a copy of the email.
Steve Borgatti [analytictechnologies01@gmail.com]
Greetings!
Hope you are doing great. I'm reaching you to enquire about your works. I
actually observed my wife has been viewing your website (piece in subject
field above) on my laptop and i guess she likes that piece, I must also say
you are doing a great job. I would like to know what inspired that work.
I am very much interested in the purchase to surprise my wife. Kindly
confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Thanks and God bless,
Steve.
Received identical email to the one just above - Dec 17th from 'Steve Borgatti' - on the 16th of Dec. 2013.
ReplyDeleteI really hate this -- my name is steve borgatti and I have a company called analytic technologies.But I haven't made any inquiries about art and I don't have an address that is analytictechnologies01@gmail.com. Now i'm getting endless emails and calls from artists who somehow have obtained my real email address and even my cellphone number.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteWe received very similar emails using the name Steven Ziegler December 18th and 19th. Does anyone know if there is anything we can do about this type of scam except to avoid them and warn each other on blogs?
Yes, that is the second way scammers make our lives miserable! They steal the names of perfectly legitimate people online and create a disposable email account in order to communicate with potential victims, while sullying the reputation of those innocent people who's names have been stolen - though I guess not really as so many people are aware this is a common occurrence. But it is a pain to have artists writing you because they found your real contact information.
ReplyDeleteI guess you can get the gmail account shut down, but the scammer will just open a new one.
I wish there were more we could do to stop these cockroaches.
I got this email, too from Steven Ziegler. They almost got me. sent to me the check then the idiot text me as Steve Pavilina. I've been skeptical for this anyway, Pavilina convinced me this is fake.
ReplyDeletehis new name is Steve Pavilina, Jan. 2014. Thanks for this blog!
Just got this email from a Paul Lewis...same scam:
ReplyDeleteHello,
I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website (piece in subject field above) on my laptop and i guess she likes that piece, I must also say you are doing a great job. I would like to know what inspired that work.
I am very much interested in the purchase to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Peace and blessings
Paul
Now going as Steve Harris. I got the identical email as above from stvharris.tech1@yahoo.com. I'm in toronto and i dont really have the kind of web presence that leads to random buyers in california. bummer! It seemed very suspicious. I'll be posting about this on Facebook to try to warn other artists.
ReplyDeleteWow I'm glad I looked up this guy before responding. Thanks for setting up this helpful blog for artists.
ReplyDeleteThis was the email today from Steve Borgatti (analytictechnologies01@gmail.com)
Greetings!
My name is Steve Borgatti from California. I'm reaching you to inquire about your works. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes that piece, I'm so impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, : ) I must also say you are doing a great job. I would like to know what inspired that work.
I am very much interested in the purchase of the piece (in subject field above) to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Thanks and best regards,
Steve.
Thank you guys! I am happy to look up this email address before responding!
ReplyDeleteI got this email 6 days ago from this email address:
analytictechnologies01@gmail.com
"Greetings!
My name is Steve Borgatti from California. I'm reaching you to inquire about your works. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes that piece, I'm so impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, : ) I must also say you are doing a great job. I would like to know what inspired that work.
I am very much interested in the purchase of the piece (Nude Series (1 of 3)) to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Thanks and best regards,
Steve."
From: Jayesh Pinrani
ReplyDeleteDate: August 12, 2014 at 11:17:31 PM CDT
Subject: Hello
Dear ,
Thanks for the message, I must tell you I intend to give my wife a surprise with the immediate purchase of the piece. Also If you'd like to know, I'm relocating to the Philippines soon and our wedding anniversary is fast approaching. So I'm trying to gather some good stuff to make this event a surprise one. I am buying yours as part of gifts to her (quickly before someone else grabs it). I'm okay with the price, I think it's worth it anyway, so I'll be sending a check.
As regarding shipping, you don't have to worry about that in order not to leave any clue to my wife for the surprise. as soon as you receive and cash the check, my shipping agent (who is also moving my personal effect) will contact you to arrange pick-up.
I would have come to purchase the piece myself but, at the moment, am on training voyage to the North Atlantic Ocean (I'm an ocean engineer) with new hires who are fresh from graduate school and won't be back for another couple of weeks.
Regards,
Steve.
PS: In the meantime, kindly get back to me with your full name (you want the check payable to) cell phone no. and contact address (preferably for fedEx not P.O box) where a check can be mailed to, so I can get the check prepared and have it mailed out to you right away.
Thanks
Jayesh
Hi again Kathleen...
ReplyDeleteToday I got an envelope from the "art scammer" Jayesh Pinrani [jkpinrrani@gmail.com]. I scanned the label attached below. Now there is a SC address for us. I will take this envelope to the USPS today and return unopened and have them record a possible Mail Fraud scam
Hope I am doing the right thing.
Thanks for any help you can offer.
All the Best
Norm
I got the same thing from Jayesh Pinrani in SC - sounded good until he started talking about my getting a check big enough to pay to ship his '32 Ford to the Philippines. I'm waiting to see if a check arrives by FedEx and then to see if there's anything to do about it. Maybe check in with my bank and see what they advise.
ReplyDeleteOk - here's the thing - he has to have a person working with him to come by and take the goods and take your money. How many cities does he have assistants in? I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area. Someone posted above from Toronto, someone from 'the Northeast', and someone from Phoenix. It'd be interesting to know where all he/they have partners to work with.
ReplyDeleteHere's another variation:
ReplyDeleteHello There,
My name is Jackson Greene from Las Vegas. I actually
observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i
guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to
have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would
like to purchase the (painting name) as a surprise
to my wife on our anniversary. Also, i Will appreciate if you can give
me the price quotes of any available works of yours ready for
immediate sale,and let me know if you accept check as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards
Jackson.
This is the email address he's using: Jackson Greene
I just got the exact same email from the same address too.
DeleteI just got this very same email. Deleting and marking as spam right now. So glad to find this website!
Deletejust got an email from him (this time he's from California). it didn't hit me right even though a piece of my work was specifically mentioned. thanks so much for exposing the scam (and reinforcing my "gut" feeling can be trusted!)
DeleteSame email but from "Robert Cook from Texas," robertcook814@gmail.com
Deleteemail address is 123richbrown@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteGreetings! My name is Richard Brown from SC. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, : ) You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you. I am very much interested in the purchase of the piece (in subject field above) to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales Thanks. best regards, Richard.
I received two of the same from two different Jackson Green emails: ackson greene ,
ReplyDeleteJackson Greene with the Las Vegas story. Also, relocating to Canada...and an ocean engineer. Too bad :(
Thanks for your blog!
ReplyDeleteAnother one from Jackson Greene (email sent 10/18/2014 from jacksongreene103@gmail.com)
Hello There,
My name is Jackson Greene from Las Vegas. I actually
observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i
guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to
have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would
like to purchase one of your Artwork [artwork details] as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, i
Will appreciate if you can give me the price quotes of any available
works of yours ready for immediate sale,and let me know if you accept
check as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards
Jackson.
Same here - I guess the guy is still at it. Something about the letter just did not seem right - googled the address and got this.
ReplyDeleteSomeone should arrest the guy
Just got this same exact email. It seemed scammy with the URGENT part and asking if we take a check as a method of payment. So glad this was online to confirm. This was the exact email we received today (at 3:36 am no less):
ReplyDelete"Hello There,
My name is Jackson Greene from Las Vegas. I actually
observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i
guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to
have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would
like to purchase one of your Artwork Tiger Musky Flank - as a surprise
to my wife on our anniversary. Also, i Will appreciate if you can give
me the price quotes of any available works of yours ready for
immediate sale,and let me know if you accept check as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards
Jackson."
From email: jacksongreene103@gmail.com
October 26, 2014, also received email from this address: jacksongreene103@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHello There,
My name is Jackson Greene from Las Vegas. I actually
observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i
guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to
have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would
like to purchase one of your Original Paintings Jazzical Muse. Oil on
canvas. 24×48″ as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, i
Will appreciate if you can give me the price quotes of any available
works of yours ready for immediate sale,and let me know if you accept
check as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards
Jackson.
I got the same message from Senior Collins. Scum of the Earth! Praying on starving artists like myself, just trying to make ends meet. Wonder if they know or really care that they could be ruining someone's life!
ReplyDeleteSociopathic criminals do not possess the capacity for such reflection or empathy.
ReplyDeleteI received this today as well:
ReplyDeletejacksongreene103@gmail.com
Hello There,
My name is Jackson Greene from Las Vegas. I actually
observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i
guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to
have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would
like to purchase one of your Work Self-portrait as Lasagna Del Rey by
thestrutny as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, i Will
appreciate if you can give me the price quotes of any available works
of yours ready for immediate sale,and let me know if you accept check
as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards
Thank you for taking the time to post these emails. I received a message from Jackson Greene at jacksongreene101@gmail.com early this morning:
ReplyDeleteHello There,
My name is Jackson Greene from Las Vegas. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would like to purchase the Danielle Webb Original Painting "Yonder" as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, i Will appreciate if you can give me the price quotes of any available works of yours ready for immediate sale,and let me know if you accept check as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards
Jackson.
New one for you guys, from this email address... seniorcollins15@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteGreetings! My name is Senior collins from SC. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, : ) You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you.I would like to purchase one of yours as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, i Will appreciate if you can give me the price quotes of any available works of yours ready for immediate sale,. Thanks and best regards, Senior.
My response...
Sure great, why don’t I just send you a bunch of originals to sample and you mail me a personal check for which ever one you want.
Just check out my gallery here…
http://stopartscams.blogspot.com/2013/07/scam-email-steven-leavitt.html
I just got one from jacksongreene101@gmail.com: Hello There,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jackson Greene from Las Vegas. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would like to purchase the "Konza Prairie Trail" as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, i Will appreciate if you can give me the price quotes of any available works of yours ready for immediate sale,and let me know if you accept check as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards
Jackson.
Thank you all for having identified this scammer for me!
OK...thanks everyone!! I got the same from "Jackson Green". I actually answered back but never received a reply (I wonder why? haha) I'm glad I thought to google the name. Another artist tipped me off today. Here's the email I received:
ReplyDeleteHello There,
My name is Jackson Greene from Las Vegas. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would like to purchase from your Paintings "Seeds of Being" And "Trinity" as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, i Will appreciate if you can give me the price quotes of any available works of yours ready for immediate sale,and let me know if you accept check as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards
Jackson.
I love that reply above! Ha ha!
yup - Jackson Greene is on the prowl. I got the exact same message this morning as the two people above this post. So VERY happy that everyone posts the words and the names used by this scammer - a quick search saves heart ache.
ReplyDeleteMy bf has his own business as a large format printing company and they get stuff like this all the time, so it's not just artists getting hit by this guy. No wonder they call if phishing!
Thank you everyone!
Still going as Jackson Greene. What a jerk.
ReplyDeleteAlias: Frank Clements
ReplyDeleteHello,
I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website (piece in subject field above) on my laptop and i guess she likes that piece, I must also say you are doing a great job. I would like to know what inspired that work.
I am very much interested in the purchase to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Peace and blessings
I got this today from Senior collins.
ReplyDeleteemail: seniorcollins15@gmail.com
Greetings!
My name is Senior collins from SC. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, : ) You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you.
I am very much interested in the purchase of the piece (in subject field above) to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Thanks and best regards,
Senior.
Senior collins15
From "Frank Clements"
ReplyDeleteHello,
I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website (piece in subject field above) on my laptop and i guess she likes that piece, I must also say you are doing a great job. I would like to know what inspired that work.
I am very much interested in the purchase to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Peace and blessings
2nd email...even better:
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the message, I must tell you I am very much interested in the immediate purchase of the piece to surprise my wife. If you'd like to know, I'm relocating to the Philippines soon and our anniversary is fast approaching. So I'm trying to gather some good stuff to make this event a surprise one. I am buying yours as part of gifts to her (quickly before someone else grabs it). I'm okay with the price, I think it's worth it anyway, so I'll be sending a check.
As regarding shipping, you don't have to worry about that in order not to leave any clue to my wife for the surprise. as soon as you receive and cash the check, my shipping agent (who is also moving my personal effect) will contact you to arrange pick-up.
I would have handled this much differently but, at the moment, am on training voyage (on the North Atlantic Ocean) to Russia with new hires who are fresh from graduate school. I would have come to purchase the piece myself but won't be back for another couple of weeks.
Regards,
Frank
PS: In the meantime, kindly forward your full name (you want the check payable to) cell phone no. and contact address (preferably for fedEx not P.O box) where a check can be mailed to, so I can get the check prepared and have it mailed out to you asap
Hi Sybil,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the message, I must tell you I am very much interested in the immediate purchase of the piece to surprise my wife. If you'd like to know, I'm relocating to the Philippines soon and our anniversary is fast approaching. So I'm trying to gather some good stuff to make this event a surprise one. I am buying yours as part of gifts to her (quickly before someone else grabs it). I'm okay with the price, I think it's worth it anyway, so I'll be sending a check.
As regarding shipping, you don't have to worry about that in order not to leave any clue to my wife for the surprise. as soon as you receive and cash the check, my shipping agent (who is also moving my personal effect) will contact you to arrange pick-up.
I would have handled this much differently but, at the moment, am on training voyage (on the North Atlantic Ocean) to Russia with new hires who are fresh from graduate school. I would have come to purchase the piece myself but won't be back for another couple of weeks.
Regards,
Frank
PS: Your email went to my spam, I already sent an email to Kelley. In the meantime, kindly forward your full name (you want the check payable to) cell phone no. and contact address (preferably for fedEx not P.O box) where a check can be mailed to, so I can get the check prepared and have it mailed out to you asap
Received an email from "Frank Clements" yesterday with the exact rhetoric of all of these emails from this fraud.
ReplyDeleteHas he been reported?
Frank Clements sent me the same letter today. It took 30 seconds with a search engine to find this site. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJust got this one from SeniorCollins
ReplyDeleteGreetings!
My name is Senior collins from SC. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, : ) You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you.
I am very much interested in the purchase of the piece (in subject field above) to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Thanks and best regards,
Senior.
The same thing has happened to me with Senior Collins - same email, wording, etc. As soon as he started talking about my paying his shipper, I thought to look him up. So glad I did! Thank you for posting this!
ReplyDeletefranklewis0111@gmail.com writes:
ReplyDeleteHello,
I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website (piece in subject field above) on my laptop and i guess she likes that piece, I must also say you are doing a great job. I would like to know what inspired that work.
I am very much interested in the purchase to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Peace and blessings
This arrived today I thought it too good to be true. And so it is.
ReplyDelete"Frank Lewis
Hello,
I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website (piece in subject field above) on my laptop and i guess she likes that piece, I must also say you are doing a great job. I would like to know what inspired that work.
I am very much interested in the purchase to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Peace and blessings"
Thank you for your stopartscams blog!
Just got this today from seniorcollins15@gmail.com:
ReplyDeleteGreetings!
My name is Senior collins from SC. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, : ) You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you. I am very much interested in the purchase of the piece (in subject field above) to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Thanks and best regards,
Senior.
We received message too from Frank Lewis (lewisfrank0111@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteme, too...exactly the same letters!
ReplyDeleteI just got the Senior Collins from SC email today. I was wondering what a Senior would look like.
ReplyDeleteGot one from Senior Collins15 today too, same wording as many of the above
ReplyDeleteYeah, got the same thing. Wow this person must be really bored. What a waste of time.
ReplyDeleteI also got the email from Senior - have logged it with Big Cartel (my online store website) as spam. High-five to us artists!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this information. I received the same text from an "Adam Burke" and decided to put the text into Google when the "shipping agent" information got weird. Sad thing is that the scammers have been very busy since 2013 so they must be making money.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, I did a search on "franklewis". He was taking me on the same ride for two emails. See below:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the message, I must tell you I am very much interested in the immediate purchase of the item( The bed complete with mattress, box spring and blue tufted headboard/frame) to surprise my wife. If you'd like to know, I'm relocating to the Philippines soon and our anniversary is fast approaching. So I'm trying to gather some good stuff to make this event a surprise one. I am buying yours as part of gifts to her (quickly before someone else grabs it). I'm okay with the price, I think it's worth it anyway, so I'll be sending a check.
As regarding shipping, you don't have to worry about that in order not to leave any clue to my wife for the surprise. as soon as you receive and cash the check, my shipping agent (who is also moving my personal effect) will contact you to arrange pick-up.
I would have handled this much differently but, at the moment, am on training voyage (on the North Atlantic Ocean) to Russia with new hires who are fresh from graduate school. I would have come to purchase the piece myself but won't be back for another couple of weeks.
Regards,
Frank
PS: In the meantime, kindly forward your full name (you want the check payable to) cell phone no. and contact address (preferably for fedEx not P.O box) where a check can be mailed to, so I can get the check prepared and have it mailed out to you asap
They are still at it. Thank you for posting!
ReplyDeletethis just happened to me. almost fell for it. typed in Adam Burke ocean engineer and this site came up... a check can bounce a month later which most people don't know. you will get the cash in a day or 2 and then a month later it will bounce and your bank will take the money. these people are heartless.... hard enough to make a living at art. good luck to everyone. check everyone out before you take any checks.
ReplyDeleteSame…he used the name JACKSON GREENE, moving to Canada, wants to send a check, Ocean Engineer; something about the wording and all the exceptions to his case smelled FISHY. A bit of googling brought me here. THANK YOU - a bummer, but good to know before that check arrives in the mail.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this info. I received emails from seniorcollins15@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAppreciate this blog/site very much!!!
Many thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI just received this type of email via my contact form on my website...
The person called themselves Rachael Green - rachg238@gmail.com
The IP address I see is from Nigeria - IP address: 154.66.36.126
Received a scam email two days ago from Adam Burke. He used the exact email as above. I did not fall for it, but I did reply once, almost twice. Got my gallery involved before getting too far with the request and googled his name. Got to this site and I'm SAVED! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI too just received a message from Adam Burke, "Ocean Engineer". Who consequently is not a member of the Ocean Engineer Society. He used the same wording and ploy. buying for wife, off on research or else would buy in person, moving to Philippines, etc. thank you for posting this blog. He almost got me. It's hard enough trying to make it as an artist we don't need A#@holes like this getting our hopes up just to rob us blind.
ReplyDeletethey are now going by
ReplyDeleteRachael Green
to me
Greetings!
My name is Rachael Green from Ohio, I actually observed my husband has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess he likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, : ) You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you. I am very much interested in the purchase of the original piece(I might be a mess ,but I sure can survive) to surprise my husband on our 10th year anniversary. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Thanks and best regards,
Thanks for the heads up, this was very helpful because I had a suspicious notion that the email I just received was a fraud. And because of your post The hunch I had was confirmed.
ReplyDeleteI got Jackson Banks, that planned moved to canada is long in coming. thank you
ReplyDeleteHello There,
My name is Jackson Banks from California. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would like to purchase one of your piece "Juicer", 2015 as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, let me know if you accept check as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards
Jackson.
Thanks for the message, my wife is a freelance in fashion design and very used with galleries, i guess she might hear about you from friends... I must tell you I intend to give my wife a surprise with the immediate purchase of the piece. Also If you'd like to know, I'm relocating to Canada soon and our wedding anniversary is fast approaching. So I'm trying to gather some good stuff to make this event a surprise one. I am buying yours as part of gifts to her (quickly before someone else grabs it). Kindly email me the asking price asap. I'll be sending a check. As regarding shipping, you don't have to worry about that in order not to leave any clue to my wife for the surprise. as soon as you receive and cash the check, my shipping agent (who is also moving my Truck and Properties) will contact you to arrange for the pick-up. I would have come to purchase the piece myself but, at the moment, am on training voyage to the North Atlantic Ocean (I'm an ocean engineer) with new hires who are fresh from graduate school and won't be back for another couple of weeks.
Regards,
Jackson Banks.
PS: In the mean time, kindly get back to me with Your Full Names( As you want it to appear on the payment) House Address ( Where you want the payment delivered by a Courier Service) I will want the House Address in full state,city and zipcode. (Not a P.O Box) Your Telephone Number(s)(For Constant Communication), so I can get the check prepared and have it mailed out to you right away.
Yup, got the Rachael Green email yesterday...glad I typed her email in and found this site. Sounded fishy to begin with. Thanks...
ReplyDeleteI also have been solicited by Rachael Green starting 3/3/16 (email below) and immediately knew it was a scame. Through various emals back and forth, she has given me the following information, I have no idea if the addresses are correct or not, but they may be helpful in finding out more about her:
ReplyDeleteEmail: rachg238@gmail.com
Phone number: 678-801-6075
Current Address; 6787 Benita Ave. Newton Falls, Ohio 44444
Moving Address: 71 ROAD 2 PROJECT 6 QUEZON CITY PHILIPPINES 1002
Here is the original email I received 3/3/16:
Greetings!
My name is Rachael Green from Ohio, I actually observed my husband has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess he likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, : ) You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you. I am very much interested in the purchase of the original piece(Camoflauge II) to surprise my husband on our 10th year anniversary. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Thanks and best regards,
Rachael.
.... and a new name to add to the list - Frank Andrew. Same scenario!
ReplyDeleteBeware Jackson Banks. jacksonbanks79@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHere's the letter I received:
Message: Hello There,
My name is Jackson Banks from California. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would like to purchase one of your paintings "Unreasonable Proof", as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, let me know if you accept check as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards
Jackson.
I also got one almost identical this week, from the same email address. Thank you for the post! Helped me avoid a big headache.
DeleteBeware of an email from jacksonbanks111@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThe scam email references an actual painting on our art website.
The email reads as follows...
Hello There,
My name is Jackson Banks from California. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would like to purchase one of your piece "TITLE OF PAINTING GOES HERE", as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, let me know if you accept check as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards
Jackson.
An artist I work with forwarded me almost the EXACT same email also from jacksonbanks111@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteJust received the same email from Jackson Banks. I am awaiting for the check- wish some way how I can bust these assholes. Will try!!!
ReplyDeleteOn Apr 16, 2016, at 11:09 AM, Jackson Banks wrote:
ReplyDeleteHello There,
My name is Jackson Banks from California. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would like to purchase one of your still life , 2006, oil on canvas, 18 x 14", as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Thanks and best regards
Jackson.
Hello Again,
Thanks for the message, sure the check will clear your bank before pick up... I must tell you I intend to give my wife a surprise with the immediate purchase of the piece. If you'd like to know, I'm relocating to Canada soon and our wedding anniversary is fast approaching. So I'm trying to gather some good stuff to make this event a surprise. Kindly email me the asking price asap.
As regarding payment, I would like to inform you, that my wife handles the family credit card/bank and Paypal transaction. So i would authorize a check to you for the payment as soon as i have your full name and contact address (preferably for FedEx delivery no P.O box). Also, as soon as you receive the check and it clears your bank, my shipping agent who is also moving my Truck and personal effect will contact you to arrange shipping/pick up of the piece from you (this is to avoid my wife receiving it, if been shipped directly to my address would ruin the surprise for this event). You both have to sign a proof of pick up at the most.
I would have handled this much differently if I'd been at home but at the moment, am on training voyage to the North Atlantic Ocean, (I'm an ocean engineer) with new hires who are fresh from graduate school and won't be back for another couple of weeks, and do not have access to a lot of cash over here to expedite this transaction.. So trying to kill two birds with a stone.
Regards,
Jackson Banks.
PS: In the meantime, kindly get back to me with your full Name as you want it to appear on the check, house address where you want the piece delivered by courier service including your zip code and cell phone number, so the check can be sent right away.
I just received the scam letter from Jackson Banks... "ocean engineer" ALMOST fell for it!!! I was very suspicious because of the phrasing of his language, sounded fake. I thought if I actually got a check and it cleared, it would be okay, until I read here that it can bounce later on and the bank take it out of my account. Thank you so much for saving me!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe just got the Jackson Banks scam as well. For my husbands, sculptor, most expensive piece. Really?
ReplyDeleteReceived one today from donlopz01@gmail.com. Same language, but sounded fishy.
ReplyDeleteThis one's still going. Got one today from "Paul Brooks" brookspaul955@gmail.com . Gut feeling said it was bogus and lo and behold a little Google action proved it.
ReplyDeleteI just received the same email from brookspaul955@gmail.com today about his wife viewing my website on his laptop and wanting to make a purchase to surprise her.
ReplyDeleteI, too, received an email from "Paul Brooks" (brookspaul955@gmail.com) saying his wife had looked at my art on her computer and he wanted to surprise her by buying an original. I followed up initially, asking what piece he was interested in. Today he replied without specifying a title, and adding "it could be any color, but medium size or large" and that his budget was $1000-$7000.
ReplyDeleteHi, I got an email today form "Patrick Walter from Florida (patwal816@gmail.com) obviously a scammer. Just wanted to let you know...
ReplyDeleteThe body of the text was:
Greetings,
My name is Patrick Walter from Florida. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, : ) You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you. I am very much interested in the purchase of the piece to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
Thanks and best regards.
Hi everyone, I got an email today from Philip David at philipdavid810@gmail.com. Thought it was super fishy. I'm not responding, but here is the email he sent me:
ReplyDeleteHello
My name is Philip David from Washington DC. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would like to purchase the artwork 'sortition' if it is available and ready for sale as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, let me know if you accept check as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards.
Hello there everyone. Looks like this scammer is making the rounds but with the alias "John Marcus" and with "johnmarcus736@gmail.com". Same email layout.
ReplyDeleteSend them CatFacts or spam'em back!
Just received the same email. Can anyone tell me what the scam is? I did not send him my cell phone number or address.
ReplyDeleteStruck again: Just got this email from "John Marcus."
ReplyDeleteGreetings
My name is John Marcus from NC. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, : ) You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you. I am very much interested in the purchase of the piece (in subject field above) to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales. Thanks and best regards, John Marcus'
John Marcus emailed me and said he was looking for artwork from $450-$2000. Wording is exactly the same. I was excited, but then I realized things were weird when I got this:
ReplyDeleteHope you are good. Thanks for the details which I've noted down
Im buying one piece, My wife handles the family credit card/bank
issues, and in order not to
leave any clue to her for the surprise, I've contacted a client of
mine to issue out a check which will include my shipping agent fees to
you, But courtesy demand i must first appeal to your self interest
and ask for your help in remitting the overage (after deducting your
fee for the piece) to the shipping agent as soon as the check clears.
I would have handled this much differently if I'd
been at home
but am a bit pressed for time as our anniversary is fast approaching
and do not have access to a lot of cash over here to expedite this
transaction.... trying to kill two birds with a stone. kindly deduct
any IRS tax incurred on the overage before giving the balance the
shipping agent. they are not sending any bill or hold you responsible
for the payment of my shipping contract with them.
I am really sorry for the mixup and will appreciate if you get back to
me asap to know if i can entrust you with this transaction.
Many thanks and talk to you soon,
John Marcus
I just received the same message from John Marcus, he's still going -
ReplyDeleteGreetings
My name is John Marcus from NC. I actually observed my wife has been
viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of
work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works
too, : ) You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further
information about your piece of work and what inspires you. I am very
much interested in the purchase of the piece (in subject field above)
to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate
sales. Thanks and best regards, John Marcus
I just got the one from Patrick Walter today. I immmediately thought it was written weird...but I went with it for a couple exchanges...then when he said he wanted to send a check, and his handler would pick it up I became convinced this was a scam. I googled the email address and found this site...so think you for this site.
ReplyDeleteYup..... John Marcus is at it again. Got the email Rhiannon morning. I Fell for
ReplyDeleteThis kind of scam a year ago. And ALMOST lost some art until one of my kids, wise on these things, stopped me. And the wiser I am now. Too bad, his wife doesn't get any art this time.
Just received the same emails from John Marcus. Was skeptical after the first email, and as soon as I read "shipping agent" in the 2nd email, grew very skeptical...and now I am here, so, that's that. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteNovember 21st 2016 at 1036pm.
ReplyDeleteReceived a copy and paste e-mail and reply yesterday from John Marcus.Grew skeptical when he would send cheque as payment and shipping agent to collect. Googled John Marcus ocean engineer and http://stopartscams.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/scam-email-steven-leavitt.html popped straight up, Amazed that the same story and wording has been used since June 2013. Only the name and e-mail address have changed regularly. Thanks
Hey everyone, I've also received this email - from 3 different email addresses now. What else has peoples experience been of it? Has anyone lost any money? I've given him my address now too which is stupid but I got caught up in the mad tale of it all!
ReplyDeleteAbout a month ago I received "Greetings, My name is John Marcus from NC. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website..."
ReplyDeleteAfter a few email exchanges with me trying to get more information about his wife's taste, I realized that he was being evasive. I googled his name and arrived to this website.
Thanks for blowing the whistle on this scammer. Does anyone know a way to identify this person(s) and expose them?
I received the same email from johnmarcus736@gmail.com
ReplyDelete"Greetings,
My name is John Marcus from NC. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website ..."
I googled his name and saw this blog. Thank you!!!!!!
add the name JOHN MARCUS to the list of exact same email phrasing and scamming.
ReplyDeleteI just got the similar email from Paul Leeling. He needs to be exposed. Whom do we call?
ReplyDeleteHi Katie, thank you so much for this website! I received almost the same email with the senders name being PETR JACKSON. You can add that name to the list.
ReplyDeleteWell, Jacob Derek, (strange name jacobderek6@gmail.com) an "ocean engineer" in Kansas, with an upcoming wedding anniversary, upcoming move to Phillippines, graduate students in the North Atlantic Ocean, bad grammer and bad punctuation sent similar emails to me trying to buy an $8,000 painting in Seattle. I knew they were a scam but I played along asking him to pay through my professional PayPal account which, of course, exposed his scam. I'm somewhat horrified to see this fraud has been continuously perpetuated since 2013. What does this person do with all the art he actually manages to scam out of artists?
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this! Jacob Derek contacted me, too. Pathetic.
DeleteI got the same email today from Petr Jackson. I had an immediate bad gut feeling about it and so THANK YOU for this post and for helping me identify this as a scam!
ReplyDeletejohnkennedy10001@gmail.com Is another one under John Kennedy or John Marcus. Scumbags..
ReplyDeleteHi, add "Jennifer Anderssen" email: jenniferanderssen33@gmail.com from Miami to your list. These are the emails we received:
ReplyDeleteI'm Jennifer Anderssen from Miami, Florida. I was looking for some artwork online and i found your contact while searching. I will like to purchase some of your work for my husband as a surprise gift for our 20th anniversary. Kindly send some pictures and prices of some of your other art which are ready for immediate purchase,I could be flexible with price. So I hope to hear a lot more about any available piece in your inventory ready for immediate sale.
The follow up email from her/them:
Thanks for getting back to me. I must tell you I intend to give my Husband a surprise with the immediate purchase of the piece. Also If you'd like to know that I'm relocating to the Dublin, Ireland soon and our wedding anniversary is fast approaching by March. So I'm trying to gather some good stuff to make this event a surprise one. I'm interested in the "Night Life" piece, I'm pretty sure he will love it and Kindly get back to me with the firm price so I can make a Paypal payment.
As regarding shipping, you don't have to worry about that in order not to leave any clue to my Husband for the surprise. As soon as you receive the paypal payment, my shipping agent (who is also moving my personal effect) will contact you to arrange pick-up.
I would have come to purchase the piece myself but, at the moment, am on training voyage to the North Atlantic Ocean (I'm a ocean engineer) with new hires who are fresh from graduate school and won't be back for another couple of weeks. I'll look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks
PS: In the meantime, kindly get back to me with
Your PayPal e-Mail Address :
Your last asking price:
Your Zip code for pickup:
Your Cell phone #:
I had a strange feeling about it all along, but the change of tone and the "ocean engineer" just put it right there. Made it easier to find this website too! Thanks for the blog.
I've gotten two "ocean engineers" emailing me!! One is "Mark Bruce" the other "Carmen Page". All similar style to the emails stove. Thank you for this page... I almost fell for the first one!!
ReplyDeleteI just got the exact same email from jenniferanderssen33@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteGot one from anthonioj123@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteDear S#####,
Thanks for the message.. I must tell you I intend to give my wife a surprise with the immediate purchase of the piece. Also If you'd like to know, I'm relocating to the Philippines soon and our wedding anniversary is fast approaching. So I'm trying to gather some good stuff to make this event a surprise one. I'm okay with the painting and the price (Picasso Woman 40" X 40" $6,500.00) I think it's worth it anyway, so I'll be sending a check...
As regarding shipping, you don't have to worry about that in order not to leave any clue to my wife for the surprise. as soon as you receive and cash the check, my shipping agent (who is also moving my personal effect) will contact you to arrange pick-up..
I would have come to purchase the piece myself but, at the moment, am on training voyage to the North Atlantic Ocean (I'm an ocean engineer) with new hires who are fresh from graduate school and won't be back for another couple of weeks..
Regards!
PS: In the meantime, kindly get back to me with your full name (you want the check payable to) cell phone no. and contact address (preferably for USPS OR UPS not P.O box) where a check can be mailed to so I can get the check prepared and have it mailed out to you asap..
Thank you!
Same one as above.
ReplyDeleteAlso from: Anthonio j
Greetings,
My name is Anthonio Jack from Oregon.. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too,You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you.. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales..
Thanks and best regards..
Hello,
Thanks for getting back to me, it could be any color, but medium size or large.. However, I would greatly appreciate if you could possibly recommend a few completed piece within $1000- $15,000 ready for sale...Please do email me back with images and prices of any available works in that range
Thank You,
Hi All,
ReplyDeleteJust got the exact same email from a johnowen10001000@gmail.com
Thanks for the message, I must tell you I intend to give my wife a
surprise with the immediate purchase of the piece. Also If you'd like
to know, I'm relocating to the Philippines soon and our wedding
anniversary is fast approaching. So I'm trying to gather some good
stuff to make this event a surprise one. I am buying From the other side.
OF $1,200.00
as a gifts to her.I'm okay with the price, I think it's worth it
anyway, so I'll be sending a check.
As regarding shipping, you don't have to worry about that in order not
to leave any clue to my wife for the surprise. as soon as you receive
and cash the check, my shipping agent (who is also moving my personal
effect) will contact you to arrange pick-up.
I would have come to purchase the piece myself but, at the moment, am
on training voyage to the North Atlantic Ocean (I'm an ocean engineer)
with new hires who are fresh from graduate school and won't be back
for another couple of weeks.
Regards,
John
PS: In the meantime, kindly get back to me with your full name (you
want the check payable to) cell phone no. and contact address
(preferably for Usps ,fedEx not P.O box) where a check can be mailed
to, so I can get the check prepared and have it mailed out to you
right away.
I was contacted yesterday, by John Owen (johnowen10001000@gmail.com), who emailed me using my contact form on my website. He said that he was interested in buying one of my paintings. The mistakes in the wording of his email made me suspicious...but just to make sure, I decided to write him back with the info. that he requested about the painting. That was...until he wrote me back again and wanted me to provide him with my "contact address (preferably for Usps ,fedEx not P.O box), and cell phone #"...to be able to send me a check. Luckily I searched for his email online and found this post about 'him' on your website!.
ReplyDeleteBelow are the emails he sent to me...which as you can see are worded exactly the same as other ones I've seen here on this thread.
1st Email:
"Greetings! My name is john Owen from NC. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, : ) You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you. I am very much interested in the purchase of the piece (in subject field above) to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales. (johnowen10001000@gmail.com) Thanks and best regards, john"
2nd email:
"Thanks for the message, however, I would
greatly appreciate if you could possibly recommend a few completed original piece within my budget $450- $2000 ready for immediate sale... Just need something within that price range for a surprise to my wife (can tell she likes your work). I would appreciate if you can figure out a piece of work that would serve that purpose. Kindly email images and prices of any available works in that range. Thanks and blessing John"
3rd Email:
"Thanks for the message, I must tell you I intend to give my wife a surprise with the immediate purchase of the piece. Also If you'd like to know, I'm relocating to the Philippines soon and our wedding anniversary is fast approaching. So I'm trying to gather some good stuff to make this event a surprise one. I am buying 2pcs of "Balance" (Ballerina) Oil on canvas ~ 11" x 14" for $520 as a gifts to her.I'm okay with the price, I think it's worth it anyway, so I'll be sending a check.
As regarding shipping, you don't have to worry about that in order not to leave any clue to my wife for the surprise. as soon as you receive and cash the check, my shipping agent (who is also moving my personal effect) will contact you to arrange pick-up.
I would have come to purchase the piece myself but, at the moment, am on training voyage to the North Atlantic Ocean (I'm an ocean engineer) with new hires who are fresh from graduate school and won't be back for another couple of weeks.
Regards,
John
PS: In the meantime, kindly get back to me with your full name (you want the check payable to) cell phone no. and contact address (preferably for Usps ,fedEx not P.O box) where a check can be mailed to, so I can get the check prepared and have it mailed out to you right away."
Thank you so much for exposing 'them'...it saved me a lot of time & much hassle!!
I too just got an email from John today. The wording was suspicious initially for a variety of reasons, but the main giveaway in my view was that the email was from johnowen10003@gmail.com while in the email itself it asked me to contact them at johnowen10001000@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteHere was the email:
Greetings!
My name is john Owen from NC. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, : ) You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you. I am very much interested in the purchase of the piece (in subject field above) to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
(johnowen10001000@gmail.com)Thanks and best regards,
john
^
Thank god i google searched it and it turned up this thread because it stunk to high heaven as a scam for a variety of reasons.
Sounded suspicious, googled address and was directed straight here. Thankfully never replied. I can't believe this started back in July 2013. His Alias currently, Patrick Walter. Uhhggg people like this makes me sooo mad! This is his message to me... From: Patrick Walter patwal816@gmail.com Subject: ARTWORK NEEDED Message: Greetings, Â Â My name is Patrick Walter from Ohio.. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too,You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you.. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.. Thanks and best regards..
ReplyDeleteFrom: Patrick Walter
ReplyDeleteSubject: [your-subject]
Message Body:
Greetings,
My name is Patrick Walter from Ohio.. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too,You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you.. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales..
Thanks and best regards..
IP Address: 2607:f358:1f:180:180:b432:99a2:241d
Time and Date: 5:04 pm - July 3, 2017
Got this scam on July 14, 2017:
ReplyDeleteFrom: "john owen"
Message: Greetings!
My name is john Owen from NC. I actually observed my wife has been
viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of
work, shes really an artwork lover.I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works
too, : ) You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further
information about your piece of work and what inspires you. I am very
much interested in the purchase of the piece (in subject field
above) to surprise my wife. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.
(johnowen10001000@gmail.com)Thanks and best regards,
john
This scam arrived June 24, 2017:
ReplyDeleteFrom: "quinn sunny"
Message: Greetings!
My name is Quinn Sunny from United Kingdom. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too,You are doing a great job. I would like to purchase one of your artwork available at range of £100 to £1,500and ready for sale as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, my method of payment is by credit card
Thanks and best regards..
Quinn Sunny
7-20-2014
ReplyDeleteFrom: "John Owen" johnowen10003@gmail.com
Message:
"Hello
Hope you are fine? Pardon my manners, i'm John Owen from NC. You
are doing a really great job in your artworks. I observed my wife has
been viewing your site on my laptop,shes an art lover and i can see
she has interest in your art piece.well I was also amazed after seeing
your various works too. I would love to receive further information
about your piece of work and what actually inspires your imagination
so vividly. Very much interested in purchasing a piece to surprise my
wife. So kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales. Thanks
and my best regards.
John"
Patrick Walter was the name I received
ReplyDeleteInitial email:
"Greetings,
My name is Patrick Walter from Ohio.. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too,You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you.. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales..
Thanks and best regards.."
I did think the grammar was dodgy, but I am not in a position to judge (!) - so it didn't seem suspicious at this point (more fool me)
So I spent hours (which I was paying my childminder for, in order to have the time to work) getting a collection of available works together that fit into his budget...if only I'd known he was an "Ocean Engineer" the first time I Googled him, then I would have gotten this thread straight away.
2nd email back:
"Hello,
Thanks for getting back to me, it could be any color, but medium size or large.. However, I would greatly appreciate if you could possibly recommend a few completed piece within $1000- $15,000 ready for sale...Please do email me back with images and prices of any available works in that range
Thank You,
...
3rd one :
Dear xxxxx,
Thanks for the message.. I must tell you I intend to give my wife a surprise with the immediate purchase of the piece. Also If you'd like to know, I'm relocating to the Philippines soon and our wedding anniversary is fast approaching. So I'm trying to gather some good stuff to make this event a surprise one..I'm okay with the painting and the price (xxxxxxxx, $xxxxx) I think it's worth it anyway, so I'll be sending a check...
As regarding shipping, you don't have to worry about that in order not to leave any clue to my wife for the surprise. as soon as you receive and cash the check, my shipping agent (who is also moving my personal effect) will contact you to arrange pick-up..
I would have come to purchase the piece myself but, at the moment, am on training voyage to the North Atlantic Ocean (I'm an ocean engineer) with new hires who are fresh from graduate school and won't be back for another couple of weeks..
Regards!
PS: In the meantime, kindly get back to me with your full name (you want the check payable to) cell phone no. and contact address (preferably for USPS OR UPS not P.O box) where a check can be mailed to so I can get the check prepared and have it mailed out to you asap..
Thank you!"
After a few hours when I started wondering who this guy might be. Sounds quite unique, so I googled him and his job title. Other thoughts popped into my head like, he seems nice - not that bothered about the artwork to be honest, but what the hell - because his "wife " likes it.
OK THANKS to all who have created / added to this post and hope no one gets scammed or loses time/money like I have wasted on this JERK
I just got a similar email. Google right away and got here. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteName: patrick Walter
Email: patwal816@gmail.com
Phone:
Message: Greetings, My name is Patrick Walter from Ohio.. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too,You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you.. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales.. Thanks and best regards..
Got the same but as Patrick Walter patwal816@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI got an email from Patrick
ReplyDeleteWalter. His email is patwal816@gmail.com. I unfortunately fell for it and I replied to his email. I told him to send me a cashier's check and I also asked him to give me his phone number. He instead replied saying he needed help with "remitting the overage." I got suspicious and googled his email. When I googled his name, nothing came up. Landed on this blog after googling his email so thanks so much for the info on this jerk.
What he said in his emails are basically the same as what the rest of you described - he saw his wife looking at my art on a laptop, that he's moving to the Philippines, that he wants to get the art as a surprise for his wife's anniversary, etc.
I feel so foolish, I wish I had not given him my address and phone number. My friends have been telling me that he can't do anything with that info anyways.
Patrick Walter strikes again! That bastard. Ugh. Same emails as everyone else had posted. I just (unfortunately) gave him the benefit of the doubt and shouldn't have. I should have Googled him right away and have learned my lesson. Patrick Walter/Ocean Engineer is a SCAMMER!!
ReplyDeletepatwal816@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm blown away by this. Im an Australian artist and was contacted by the same guy "greetings" "I guess she likes your work"etc.
Being that I don't have many customers in the U.S i randomly decided to google this guy, still thinking he was legit, and came across this thread.
Glad my subconscious was on top of it!
Thanks for having this platform to flag scams like this
I unfortunately got the email from Patrick Walter too. I feel like a complete moron. I got excited about the sale until he sent the message: Thanks for the details which I've noted down, My wife handles the family credit card/bank issues, and in order not to leave any clue to her for the surprise, I've contacted a client of mine to issue out a check which will include my shipping agent fees to you, But courtesy demand i must first appeal to your self interest and ask for your help in remitting the overage (after deducting your fee for the piece) to the shipping agent as soon as the check clears..
ReplyDeleteI would have handled this much differently if I'd been at home but am a bit pressed for time as our anniversary is fast approaching and do not have access to a lot of cash over here to expedite this transaction.... trying to kill two birds with a stone. kindly deduct any IRS tax incurred on the overage before giving the balance the shipping agent. they are not sending any bill or hold you responsible for the payment of my shipping contract with them..
I am really sorry for the mixup and will appreciate if you get back to me asap to know if i can entrust you with this transaction..
Many thanks and talk to you soon
That's when I got suspicious and found this thread. Is there anywhere I can report him?
Almost exact wording in an email sent to me by Patrick Walter pateal1816@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteScammer using more than one name.
Hahaha.... yes, I have gotten these emails before from my wonderful artist's website. They had me going the first time due to the fact they sent during a busy period where many folks were really contacting me for special art requests and some info on old prints of mine bought in the past. The language sounded stilted but I have had foreign persons buy from time to time. Nevertheless the emails developed until the massive red flags went off. It was an obvious Scam, so at that point and I dropped the emails. But a new one came in the other day and I decided to have some fun with the A-holes. So I answered back as quoted below. Yah,It's not clever but it's my way of saying "screw-U Fella". Yes, yes I know they'll try to find a way to attack and scam me even more... but I am sick of the SOBs and their criminal buffoonery.
ReplyDeleteSo here's my impromptu BS answer back to them...
"Oh no, Jack,... now you have ascertained some have been having the affair with your wife. Please don't continue to beat her or I will be forced to contact the constable of police to make you cease your brutal actions."
Thought the stilted English would make them feel at home...hahaha. Screw these Dipwads...
Patrick Walter - Ocean Engineer, sent following scam messages:
ReplyDelete"My name is Patrick Walter from Ohio.. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too,You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you.. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales..
Thanks and best regards.."
Then...
"Hello,
Thanks for getting back to me, it could be any color, but medium size or large.. However, I would greatly appreciate if you could possibly recommend a few completed piece within $1000- $15,000 ready for sale...Please do email me back with images and prices of any available works in that range
Thank You,"
Then
"Thanks for the message.. I must tell you I intend to give my wife a surprise with the immediate purchase of the piece. Also If you'd like to know, I'm relocating to the Philippines soon and our wedding anniversary is fast approaching. So I'm trying to gather some good stuff to make this event a surprise one. I'm okay with the painting and the price (The 2 piece =$2000) I think it's worth it anyway, so I'll be sending a check...
As regarding shipping, you don't have to worry about that in order not to leave any clue to my wife for the surprise. as soon as you receive and cash the check, my shipping agent (who is also moving my personal effect) will contact you to arrange pick-up..
I would have come to purchase the piece myself but, at the moment, am on training voyage to the North Atlantic Ocean (I'm an ocean engineer) with new hires who are fresh from graduate school and won't be back for another couple of weeks..
Regards!
PS: In the meantime, kindly get back to me with your full name (you want the check payable to) cell phone no. and contact address (preferably for USPS OR UPS not P.O box) where a check can be mailed to so I can get the check prepared and have it mailed out to you asap..
Thank you!"
All scams!!!
That's so funny! I got one of these e-mails too. What do they want?
ReplyDeleteHere's the one I got from patwal816@gmail.com:
Greetings,
My name is Patrick Walter from Ohio.. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work, I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too,You are doing a great job. I would like to receive further information about your piece of work and what inspires you.. Kindly confirm the availability for immediate sales..
Thanks and best regards..
I got the same email today from Patrick Walter. I have a large presence on the net so I guess I could be an easy target. My answer is always the same. Contact one of my publishing partners and see if they will do business with you..
ReplyDeleteI got one from Rob Carter. I copied a long paragraph above and sent it in a reply email. Then added—you are a scammer. Kindly fuck off.
ReplyDeleteUNBELIEVEABLE!! I actually thought this was real before I saw this site..
ReplyDeleteHello There,
My name is Jackson Greene from California. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would like to purchase one of your works "OPULENCE #5 - 48" x 36", Oil on canvas, 2014", as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, let me know if you accept check as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards
Jackson.
Also the Jackson Greene's email with the scam is jacksongreene097@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHello There,
My name is Jackson Greene from California. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would like to purchase one of your works "OPULENCE #5 - 48" x 36", Oil on canvas, 2014", as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, let me know if you accept check as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards
Jackson.
Just got the same thing. I get these all the time - different names but the same "my wife was looking at your website...etc." They are always moving out of the country and have this elaborate plan for shipping involving paying with a check. I just delete the emails but they must be making some money or they wouldn't keep doing it.
ReplyDeleteWell, We received a letter from Jackson Greene this am and it sounds like he has been using his scam for several years. I told him we would only accept cash or Paypal. Also said as it is so large we would need to deliver it. So far no response from him. I am going to call paypal to see if the buyer can ever request a refund. Thanks so much for your info.Lilly Miley
ReplyDeleteJust received very same email from jacksongreene007@yahoo.com.
ReplyDeleteThank you for exposing this POS.
I am an artist from Moldova. Today I received a similar letter. These scammers do not stop. Thank you for warning me.
ReplyDeleteGreetings! My name is Quinn Sunny. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your works on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too,You are doing a great job. I would like to purchase some of your artwork available at range of 100 Euros to 5,000 Euros, can you list some of the items available now? and ready for sale as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, my method of payment is by Bank Check as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards.
Quinn Sunny.....
Hi, got the same email yesterday
ReplyDeleteAnd another one.. Ugh:
ReplyDelete"Hello There,
My name is Jackson Greene from California. I actually observed my wife has been viewing your website on my laptop and i guess she likes your piece of work. I'm also impressed and amazed to have seen your various works too, You are doing a great job. I would like to purchase one of your A Summer in Maine Series "Adrift", as a surprise to my wife on our anniversary. Also, let me know if you accept CHECK as mode of Payment.
Thanks and best regards"
I interacted with him via email unfortunately and am convinced there is a "real person" on the other side. He selected the second most expensive piece in our correspondence. I guess he is trying to get me to advance his shipping company before his check clears? Not quite sure...