They didn't lose the website address. They send out hundreds of thousands of email and are hoping their potential victims will respond and tell them the website. Then the scammer can continue on to the next step of the scam, which is to pretend to want to buy individual pieces and then overpay with a counterfeit check and ask to have the difference wired either back to them or on to some fake shipping company.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Kevin Waters [kwaters671@gmail.com]
Date: Wed, May 9, 2018 at 10:13 PM
Subject: Artwork Inquiry
My name is Kevin Waters from Jacksonvile, Florida. The images on your
website are so fascinating and so vivacious, looking at each piece of work
i can easily see that you added so much dedication in making each work come
out to life, unfortunately i lost the website where i first saw your work
but i was able to save your email address. I will like to purchase some of
your work for my wife as a surprise gift for our 20th anniversary. Please
kindly send pics and prices of some of your art which are ready for
immediate sale within price range $500- $5,000, I could be flexible with
price. I am writing you because i need your assistant to get back to your
website so as to be able to retrieve the details of your work that interest
me or send me images of some of your new works with price.
Best Regards,
--
Scammers use the Internet to find new victims. I fight back using the Internet to educate and help artists NOT become victims.
Friday, May 11, 2018
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Scam Email: Megan Sweet
Notice the frequent email changes from the scammer in this below exchange as well as the fake story of why the check was so much more than the amount owed.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Megan sweet [sweermeg09@gmail.com]
Date: Mon, Apr 23, 2018 at 7:57 AM
Subject: Re: Artwork
To: Christy
Dear Christy,
I am so excited and can't wait to have the piece in our home. I hope to
give it a very good home and enjoy the piece for many years.
Regarding the check, Just find out my husband made a terrible mistake and
overpaid you because he didn't have full details of the transaction, been
busy when he sent it. I am very sorry for the confusion but I will like you
to go ahead and deposit the check, deduct the cost of the piece inclusive
the shipping . I spoke with my husband and he will like you to send the
difference back to his chief accountant. Pls get Two (2) Money gram or post
office (USPS) money orders of (1) $1000 USD each & (1) $400 totaling $1400,
you might be required to pay extra fee for the purchase of the money orders
and money orders should be left blank, include purchase receipt and use
FedEx Overnight. The money orders should be sent to the address below.
Attn: Mr Karl
9915 198TH ST
HOLLIS NY 11423
-3321
FedEx or UPS First Overnight delivery cost about $45. Overnight shipping
FedEx charges can be deducted from the money remaining. I'll appreciate if
you take care of this as soon as possible and advise with the tracking
number. Please acknowledge this email. Thank you.
Cheers,
Megan
On Fri, Apr 20, 2018 at 2:40 PM, Christy wrote:
> Good afternoon, Megan,
>
> I hope that you are enjoying your Friday?
>
> I just got your check and was rather astonished to see that it was 4 times
> the expected amount! I was going to send your prints, but now I feel that
> we should resolve this. Here are some ideas:
>
> 1. I can destroy the check and you can send me another for $800
>
> 2. You can choose 6 more prints. This would give you 3 more in each
> series, or from different ones. Whichever you like best, of course.
>
> 3. I can have the images matted and framed, but I'm pretty sure that,
> even with shipping, it would not cost $2400, so you could either choose an
> additional 2 prints or I could destroy the check and you could send me a
> new one for the new amount.
>
> Please let me know what you would like to do.
>
> All the best,
> Christy
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 19, 2018 at 10:31 AM, Christy
> wrote:
>
>> Hello Megan,
>>
>> I am sorry that you were struggling with your health! I hope that you are
>> feeling better.
>>
>> Thank you for sending the check and the tracking info. I am planning to
>> send your prints either today or tomorrow and will send the shipping
>> information when I do.
>>
>> Thank you again for your interest in my work!
>>
>> All the best,
>> Christy
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 19, 2018, 9:51 AM Megan sweet [sweermeg09@gmail.com] wrote:
>>
>>> Good morning Christy,
>>> Hope this message finds you well. Apologies I have not been able to get
>>> in touch for a very long time as i have been battling with health issue.
>>> Just to confirm that payment was sent by my husband on Tuesday via USPS
>>> with tracking number 9405503699300216219950 and he was advise you will have
>>> it deliver today or latest Friday please be on the look out for it. Kindly
>>> acknowledge receipt of this email as soon as possible.
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>> Megan
>>>
>>> On Thu, Apr 5, 2018 at 12:52 PM, Christy
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi Megan,
>>>>
>>>> Thanks so much!
>>>>
>>>> I'll get the prints ready to send to you!
>>>>
>>>> On Thu, Apr 5, 2018 at 9:09 AM, Megan sweet [sweermeg09@gmail.com]
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Hi Christy,
>>>>>
>>>>> Awesome , the price is okay for the piece . May I confirm if payment
>>>>> could be mailed to you by check to your address, Unfortunately I'm unable
>>>>> to complete this transaction by credit card or Paypal . If you can email me
>>>>> your full name,address for payment that will be helpful
>>>>>
>>>>> Thank you
>>>>>
>>>>> On Fri, Mar 30, 2018 at 7:45 AM, Christy
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Hi Megan,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Now I must apologize to you!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I have been thinking a lot about this, as I did not have prices
>>>>>> listed on Saatchi. Is $400 per print an acceptable amount for you?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> About the pieces; I started combining negatives when I first started
>>>>>> working in photography back in the 1990's. I don't consider myself a
>>>>>> serious traveler, but when I am able to make trips, I try to take as many
>>>>>> images as possible. These images from Greece came around because of the
>>>>>> landscape itself; the desolate rocks contrasting with the beauty of the
>>>>>> sunset. Greece itself is very inspiring; I draw a lot from the philosophy,
>>>>>> the poetry and the ancient dramas. A lot of who we are, as people in the
>>>>>> West, comes directly from the Greek thinkers. I try to pay them some subtle
>>>>>> homage, particularly in the titles. I'm glad that you enjoy them!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> As payment goes, it might be better to send a PayPal, if possible?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Let me know what you think, and thank you again for your interest in
>>>>>> my work!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> All the best,
>>>>>> Christy
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Wed, Mar 14, 2018 at 2:22 PM, Megan sweet [sweermeg09@gmail.com]
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Hi Christy,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Apologies for not getting back to you sooner,It's nice to hear back
>>>>>>> from you. I will like to proceed with the purchase of the 2 pieces (Buried
>>>>>>> in the Sky & Beginning and End), would mind telling me what your
>>>>>>> inspiration behind this piece. I think it is a lovely work and I hope to
>>>>>>> give it a good home. I am presently away on vacation but I should be back
>>>>>>> in few days. Pls confirm it listed price
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 19621 Doris Lane
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> N. FortMyers, FL Lee 33917
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Meanwhile, can you please confirm your mailing address and phone
>>>>>>> number so I may inform my husband on where to forward the payment. I can
>>>>>>> have him send the payment asap. About shipping, you can handle it from your
>>>>>>> side to my mailing address above, either by USPS, or FedEx, UPS postal
>>>>>>> service
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I will look forward to hearing from you so I can know how best to
>>>>>>> proceed.
>>>>>>> Cheers.
>>>>>>> Megan
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On Fri, Feb 2, 2018 at 4:49 AM, Christy
>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Hi Megan,
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Thank you for your kind words! Here's a link to my Saatchi page:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Most of the works are for sale. I am open to discussion about
>>>>>>>> process if you see something you really like.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> All the best,
>>>>>>>> Christy
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> On Thu, Feb 1, 2018 at 4:47 AM, Megan Sweet [vinesdd494@gmail.com]
>>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Hello,
>>>>>>>>> I came across your web page , I like your inspiration as an
>>>>>>>>> artist. How about you email me your recent work on sale for me to look
>>>>>>>>> through?
>>>>>>>>> Cheers,
>>>>>>>>> Megan
>>>>>>>>>
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Megan sweet [sweermeg09@gmail.com]
Date: Mon, Apr 23, 2018 at 7:57 AM
Subject: Re: Artwork
To: Christy
Dear Christy,
I am so excited and can't wait to have the piece in our home. I hope to
give it a very good home and enjoy the piece for many years.
Regarding the check, Just find out my husband made a terrible mistake and
overpaid you because he didn't have full details of the transaction, been
busy when he sent it. I am very sorry for the confusion but I will like you
to go ahead and deposit the check, deduct the cost of the piece inclusive
the shipping . I spoke with my husband and he will like you to send the
difference back to his chief accountant. Pls get Two (2) Money gram or post
office (USPS) money orders of (1) $1000 USD each & (1) $400 totaling $1400,
you might be required to pay extra fee for the purchase of the money orders
and money orders should be left blank, include purchase receipt and use
FedEx Overnight. The money orders should be sent to the address below.
Attn: Mr Karl
9915 198TH ST
HOLLIS NY 11423
-3321
FedEx or UPS First Overnight delivery cost about $45. Overnight shipping
FedEx charges can be deducted from the money remaining. I'll appreciate if
you take care of this as soon as possible and advise with the tracking
number. Please acknowledge this email. Thank you.
Cheers,
Megan
On Fri, Apr 20, 2018 at 2:40 PM, Christy wrote:
> Good afternoon, Megan,
>
> I hope that you are enjoying your Friday?
>
> I just got your check and was rather astonished to see that it was 4 times
> the expected amount! I was going to send your prints, but now I feel that
> we should resolve this. Here are some ideas:
>
> 1. I can destroy the check and you can send me another for $800
>
> 2. You can choose 6 more prints. This would give you 3 more in each
> series, or from different ones. Whichever you like best, of course.
>
> 3. I can have the images matted and framed, but I'm pretty sure that,
> even with shipping, it would not cost $2400, so you could either choose an
> additional 2 prints or I could destroy the check and you could send me a
> new one for the new amount.
>
> Please let me know what you would like to do.
>
> All the best,
> Christy
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 19, 2018 at 10:31 AM, Christy
> wrote:
>
>> Hello Megan,
>>
>> I am sorry that you were struggling with your health! I hope that you are
>> feeling better.
>>
>> Thank you for sending the check and the tracking info. I am planning to
>> send your prints either today or tomorrow and will send the shipping
>> information when I do.
>>
>> Thank you again for your interest in my work!
>>
>> All the best,
>> Christy
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 19, 2018, 9:51 AM Megan sweet [sweermeg09@gmail.com] wrote:
>>
>>> Good morning Christy,
>>> Hope this message finds you well. Apologies I have not been able to get
>>> in touch for a very long time as i have been battling with health issue.
>>> Just to confirm that payment was sent by my husband on Tuesday via USPS
>>> with tracking number 9405503699300216219950 and he was advise you will have
>>> it deliver today or latest Friday please be on the look out for it. Kindly
>>> acknowledge receipt of this email as soon as possible.
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>> Megan
>>>
>>> On Thu, Apr 5, 2018 at 12:52 PM, Christy
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi Megan,
>>>>
>>>> Thanks so much!
>>>>
>>>> I'll get the prints ready to send to you!
>>>>
>>>> On Thu, Apr 5, 2018 at 9:09 AM, Megan sweet [sweermeg09@gmail.com]
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Hi Christy,
>>>>>
>>>>> Awesome , the price is okay for the piece . May I confirm if payment
>>>>> could be mailed to you by check to your address, Unfortunately I'm unable
>>>>> to complete this transaction by credit card or Paypal . If you can email me
>>>>> your full name,address for payment that will be helpful
>>>>>
>>>>> Thank you
>>>>>
>>>>> On Fri, Mar 30, 2018 at 7:45 AM, Christy
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Hi Megan,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Now I must apologize to you!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I have been thinking a lot about this, as I did not have prices
>>>>>> listed on Saatchi. Is $400 per print an acceptable amount for you?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> About the pieces; I started combining negatives when I first started
>>>>>> working in photography back in the 1990's. I don't consider myself a
>>>>>> serious traveler, but when I am able to make trips, I try to take as many
>>>>>> images as possible. These images from Greece came around because of the
>>>>>> landscape itself; the desolate rocks contrasting with the beauty of the
>>>>>> sunset. Greece itself is very inspiring; I draw a lot from the philosophy,
>>>>>> the poetry and the ancient dramas. A lot of who we are, as people in the
>>>>>> West, comes directly from the Greek thinkers. I try to pay them some subtle
>>>>>> homage, particularly in the titles. I'm glad that you enjoy them!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> As payment goes, it might be better to send a PayPal, if possible?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Let me know what you think, and thank you again for your interest in
>>>>>> my work!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> All the best,
>>>>>> Christy
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Wed, Mar 14, 2018 at 2:22 PM, Megan sweet [sweermeg09@gmail.com]
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Hi Christy,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Apologies for not getting back to you sooner,It's nice to hear back
>>>>>>> from you. I will like to proceed with the purchase of the 2 pieces (Buried
>>>>>>> in the Sky & Beginning and End), would mind telling me what your
>>>>>>> inspiration behind this piece. I think it is a lovely work and I hope to
>>>>>>> give it a good home. I am presently away on vacation but I should be back
>>>>>>> in few days. Pls confirm it listed price
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 19621 Doris Lane
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> N. FortMyers, FL Lee 33917
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Meanwhile, can you please confirm your mailing address and phone
>>>>>>> number so I may inform my husband on where to forward the payment. I can
>>>>>>> have him send the payment asap. About shipping, you can handle it from your
>>>>>>> side to my mailing address above, either by USPS, or FedEx, UPS postal
>>>>>>> service
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I will look forward to hearing from you so I can know how best to
>>>>>>> proceed.
>>>>>>> Cheers.
>>>>>>> Megan
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On Fri, Feb 2, 2018 at 4:49 AM, Christy
>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Hi Megan,
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Thank you for your kind words! Here's a link to my Saatchi page:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Most of the works are for sale. I am open to discussion about
>>>>>>>> process if you see something you really like.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> All the best,
>>>>>>>> Christy
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> On Thu, Feb 1, 2018 at 4:47 AM, Megan Sweet [vinesdd494@gmail.com]
>>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Hello,
>>>>>>>>> I came across your web page , I like your inspiration as an
>>>>>>>>> artist. How about you email me your recent work on sale for me to look
>>>>>>>>> through?
>>>>>>>>> Cheers,
>>>>>>>>> Megan
>>>>>>>>>
Scam Email: Renata and Robert Dennis
Hi Kathleen -
In the spirit of trying to keep scammers from taking the joy of receiving an actual purchase order for our art, here an email I received that looks pretty fishy to me - down to the email address:
Renata [info9842@gmail.com]
May 7 (1 day ago)
to bcc: me
*Good Day,How is everything with you? I picked interest in your artwork and
decided to write you. I will like to know if your artwork can be purchased
and shipped internationally?.I can email the artwork of interest and
payment will be completed in full once you confirm my purchase order with a
quotation.Kindly let me know when you are in office and ready to take my
artwork order also let me know if you accept either PayPal / Stripe
International Payment or Visa Card or Master Card for payment?Furthermore
you can email me your recently updated website or art price list in your
response.Best Regards.*
------
I responded confirming that I did ship worldwide and for her to go to my website and click on the "Buy Art" link where most of my pieces (with the exception of two new original works) are available for sale direct from the website. She then responded with a link to the exact 2 pieces that are not
available for sale online. Adding more "weird" to this interaction, I noticed that at the bottom of her message, there seemed to be another email from a "Robert" (same period after the name that "Renata." uses) requesting nanny services (LOL):
--
Hello,
My name is Robert Dennis from Kansas, I will like to know if you
render nanny service? If yes kindly get back to me 7858160171.
Where you locate?
Regard.
Robert.
----
So yes, even as I write this I see scam written all over it. Thank you for your site and consider this my contribution in the fight against these idiots who rather spend time and energy trying to make money on honest people who are trying to spend their time and energy being honest abiding citizens with a dream to live of what their passionate about!
Thank you
In the spirit of trying to keep scammers from taking the joy of receiving an actual purchase order for our art, here an email I received that looks pretty fishy to me - down to the email address:
Renata [info9842@gmail.com]
May 7 (1 day ago)
to bcc: me
*Good Day,How is everything with you? I picked interest in your artwork and
decided to write you. I will like to know if your artwork can be purchased
and shipped internationally?.I can email the artwork of interest and
payment will be completed in full once you confirm my purchase order with a
quotation.Kindly let me know when you are in office and ready to take my
artwork order also let me know if you accept either PayPal / Stripe
International Payment or Visa Card or Master Card for payment?Furthermore
you can email me your recently updated website or art price list in your
response.Best Regards.*
------
I responded confirming that I did ship worldwide and for her to go to my website and click on the "Buy Art" link where most of my pieces (with the exception of two new original works) are available for sale direct from the website. She then responded with a link to the exact 2 pieces that are not
available for sale online. Adding more "weird" to this interaction, I noticed that at the bottom of her message, there seemed to be another email from a "Robert" (same period after the name that "Renata." uses) requesting nanny services (LOL):
--
Hello,
My name is Robert Dennis from Kansas, I will like to know if you
render nanny service? If yes kindly get back to me 7858160171.
Where you locate?
Regard.
Robert.
----
So yes, even as I write this I see scam written all over it. Thank you for your site and consider this my contribution in the fight against these idiots who rather spend time and energy trying to make money on honest people who are trying to spend their time and energy being honest abiding citizens with a dream to live of what their passionate about!
Thank you