Scam Email: James Harry

Here is a classic series of emails that went to an artist who forwarded it to me. Notice how he carefully presents each part of the scam in subsequent emails until he finally reveals the core of the scam: overpaying (with what will turn out to be a stolen credit card number) and asking that the overage be forwarded to his shipping company (who does not exist). He had not yet mentioned the "shipper" would then require payment via Western Union but that would most certainly come in the next email - had the artist not gotten suspicious and began searching online and confirmed it was a scam.

"Kathleen thanks for your info on the Internet. I came so close to getting ripped off. Here is the conversation from a so called " hotel owner" in London. did a search on his address and it is a car dealership. Plus could not find the hotel on the Internet. 

 

Then I came across your blog. 

 

Thank you,

 

Diane"

First Email:

From: "Mr.james Harry" [mr.jamesh@yahoo.com]
Date Sent: Dec 15, 2011, at 4:35 AM

Hello,

I am Mr.James Harry, i want to buy painting works for hotel installation/decoration mostly for these places; guest rooms, hallways, and the reception.  I would prefer contemporary  abstracts and figurative styles. oil on canvas and water color.
Could you please let me know if you have some works available for sale,also get me the price details for the works. i am going to pay you with credit card.
Kindly get back to me for more details.
Thanks.

BEST REGARDS,
MR. JAMES HARRY.
Owner lewis Hotel & spa
20 Radley Mews
Kensington
London
W8 6JP
+447011130170

Second email:

From: "Mr.james Harry" [mr.jamesh@yahoo.com]
Date Sent: Dec 16, 2011, at 11:44 AM

Hello Diane,
Thanks for your reply. I like some of the works here, they will make a nice fit for the decorations. I will take 3 works . Please do know that i made arrangement with a shipping agent that will come for the pick up. he is going to do the shipping with other items too. he will contact you immediately we are through with the payment.
I will like to see these works hanged in my hotel As soon as possible.

Please confirm the grand cost of the following Works for payment.

pink ladies $475.00
spring tulips &1,200 and hamony $1,500  Total = $3,175

Looking forward to your urgent reply.
BEST REGARDS,
MR. JAMES HARRY.
Owner lewis Hotel & spa
20 Radley Mews
Kensington
London
W8 6JP
+447011130170

Third Email:

From: "Mr.james Harry" [mr.jamesh@yahoo.com]
Date: December 17, 2011 12:30:17 AM CST
Subject: Payment Arrangement
Hello Diane,
Sorry i did not tell you how I got your contact, it was through the net. I was looking up for an Art gallery to request for artworks for my hotel renovation and i came across your contact.
YES I love the works. I am going to send you my credit card details for the payment proper.
once you are in receipt of it, you are authorize to charge my credit card,i will send it together with the three digit number and expiration date , or even the scan copy ,then you charge the card,  it will reflect and confirm the total amount of $8,500.00USD in your account, then deduct $3,175 as full cost of the works, and transfer the balance of $5,325  to my shipping agent for the pick up and shipping of the works and other materials. I will forward to you his Information details immediately i receive your confirmation with this.
Confirm and get me these details for the payment

NAME, PHONE  NUMBERS FOR SECURITY REASONS AND YOUR GALLERY ADDRESS.

NOTE ,i will pay,any expenses or fees incurred for the charges.
I am looking forward to your urgent confirmation ,

BEST REGARDS,
MR. JAMES HARRY.
Owner lewis Hotel & spa
20 Radley Mews
Kensington
London
W8 6JP
+447011130170