Hi Kathleen
I unfortunately got my hopes up for a few minutes in these dry and difficult times that this was a genuine enquiry but noŠ its a scammer. Its hard to believe they will actually spend the time looking up obscure specific individual works. Here's another name for your scammers list with email thread:
Geoffrey
From: Alvin Folkman [alvin.folkman@gmail.com]
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2014 12:00 PM
To: Geoffrey
Subject: WORK DESCRIPTION
Hello,
Thanks for taking your time to reply back! Here are the list of works
needed:
DESCRIPTION:
' name of piece ' (charcoal study )
48" X 60" CHARCOAL ON PAPER ..............:QTY:1
Meanwhile, don't worry about the shipping cost actually i have my personal
shipping agent in USA that will come for the pick up of the package in your
destination and i have inform them about this and they told me the best way
to come for the pick up is for you to email me with the information needed
below,
* Your Name and Address ?
* Time the package will be ready for pick up with your convenience
time and date?
* Contact Person for the pickup arrangement ?
* Telephone Number ?
* Weight of the package and how many boxes are they ?
* Total cost?
So, please kindly get back to me with this details along with the
total of my order.So I can instruct my p.a to process a cashiers
check/personal check to you for the payment of the work so that my mover
can have it picked up along with my properties that are to be moved to
Sweden.
Best Regards
> From: Geoffrey
> Date: Friday, May 2, 2014 6:01 AM
> 02/05/14
> 07:01:06 AM
> first_name : Alvin
> last_name : Folkman
> email : alvin.folkman@gmail.com
> phone : 6789234567
> message :
>
>
> Hello,
>
> My name is Alvin Folkman. I found your profile on the internet. I
> am interested in purchasing your work for the decoration of my
> guest room at my new residence in Sweden. Would appreciate if you
> can send me few pictures of the works you have available for sale
> so that I can make an easy choice of mine. Better still, send me a
> web link where I can have a view of your recent works.
>
> I look forward to read back from you.
> Thanks.
> Alvin
>
>
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Scam Email: Corbett Bonilla
Below is an example of how scammers are using skype. Skype doesn't make them any more legitimate. In fact, you will discover scammers always some some made-up reason for why their camera on skype is NOT working but okay to text back and forth - keeping them anonymous and as slimey shadey as hiding behind disposable email address and fake names.
Do not use skype to sell things. It's usually scammers.
Email message attached from "Corbett Bonilla"
Do not use skype to sell things. It's usually scammers.
Email message attached from "Corbett Bonilla"
Dear Bill,
I have received your email and the information concerning the cost and
the method of payment that you choose.
Concerning the shipping and delivery I will handle the delivery and
pay the delivery fees by adding it on the same Cashier's Cheque which
am going to issue.
My concern about appointing a good secure shipping company for the
delivery is because I want the delivery to be save to my destination
here in Glasgow England without any damages or lost of art which has
already happen in the past by using FedEx and UPS.
We will need to discuss the sending of the cheque directly to you for
the payment of the painting in order for the pickup to take place. We
need to appoint a time and date for Skype communication. My Skype id
is corbettbonilla add me on your Skype list or send me your Skype id
and I will add you.
Please email me back with the below information for the Cashier's
Cheque to be issue..
Name on Check:
Full Address:
Phone Number:
If you don't have Skype id kindly go to www.skype.com and register
with them and download Skype. I will be available on Skype tonight
night from 8:30 pm England time.
Note: I will handle and appoint a good secure shipping company that
will come for the pickup and the shipping fees will be added.
Best Regards
Corbett Bonilla
Scam Email: Thanh Nguyen
hello
i wish i had come across your site earlier! ive been working on an art sale with a "thanh nguyen" with the email "mrknumb@gmail.com" . i researched him, his company, the bank the check was sent from, etc. i didnt know to look up art specific check fraud, so i wasnt aware this was an ongoing problem. anyways, i stopped the process before anything could happen. heres the original message:
"--
Hi there,my name is Thanh im an art collector from Hawaii ,was
browsing through the internet and my eyes caught this particular work
on the subject,will like to have it for my new apartment probably this
month.please let me know if the piece is available and if yes let me
have the detailed price and more information about it.kindly reply me
with your phone#.
Regards."
and a few later to discuss shipping arrangements:
"Hello,Thanks for the details which Ive noted down and have also
forwarded it to my shipper.He's due in the US sometime next week and
will definitely be getting in touch with you for the pickup.The truth
is,i would have handled this much differently if i would be at home
but Im a bit pressed for time myself. Im moving to Cairo this month as
im being transferred.As it is, I'm sending you an overdraft which will
include my shippers fees as well.He has asked for an upfront before
coming and since I have no access to a lot of cash, Im trying to kill
two birds with a stone.So, once you've received and cashed the
check,deduct your funds and PLEASE help me send the remaining funds to
him(shipper).I'll forward his contact details to you once you've
received the payment.Now I'm concluding you are a responsible person
and I can therefore entrust you with this arrangement.Ill let you know
Immediately the check is sent out
to you so you should be looking out for it.P.S:I`ll require that a
reconfirmation of your address is done for me now. I await your reply."
then this after receiving a check
"Yes you got it Rebecca,Im so glad you finally received the payment,the
payment should clear to your account within 24hours.
Below is the shipper's information in sending the remaining fund via
Western union;
Curtis A Westbrook
6232 Greenwood Pl
Huntsville Al 35702
Once you have the money sent, do email me all the necessary
information which will be needed for the collection of the money I.e;
Sender's name
Amount sent after Western union charges
MTCN#
Once he receives the money, he will get in touch with you and set up
the best time and date with you for pick up this week.
Thanks for your help and understanding and I await your quick response."
yikes! another to add to your list! thanks!
i wish i had come across your site earlier! ive been working on an art sale with a "thanh nguyen" with the email "mrknumb@gmail.com" . i researched him, his company, the bank the check was sent from, etc. i didnt know to look up art specific check fraud, so i wasnt aware this was an ongoing problem. anyways, i stopped the process before anything could happen. heres the original message:
"--
Hi there,my name is Thanh im an art collector from Hawaii ,was
browsing through the internet and my eyes caught this particular work
on the subject,will like to have it for my new apartment probably this
month.please let me know if the piece is available and if yes let me
have the detailed price and more information about it.kindly reply me
with your phone#.
Regards."
and a few later to discuss shipping arrangements:
"Hello,Thanks for the details which Ive noted down and have also
forwarded it to my shipper.He's due in the US sometime next week and
will definitely be getting in touch with you for the pickup.The truth
is,i would have handled this much differently if i would be at home
but Im a bit pressed for time myself. Im moving to Cairo this month as
im being transferred.As it is, I'm sending you an overdraft which will
include my shippers fees as well.He has asked for an upfront before
coming and since I have no access to a lot of cash, Im trying to kill
two birds with a stone.So, once you've received and cashed the
check,deduct your funds and PLEASE help me send the remaining funds to
him(shipper).I'll forward his contact details to you once you've
received the payment.Now I'm concluding you are a responsible person
and I can therefore entrust you with this arrangement.Ill let you know
Immediately the check is sent out
to you so you should be looking out for it.P.S:I`ll require that a
reconfirmation of your address is done for me now. I await your reply."
then this after receiving a check
"Yes you got it Rebecca,Im so glad you finally received the payment,the
payment should clear to your account within 24hours.
Below is the shipper's information in sending the remaining fund via
Western union;
Curtis A Westbrook
6232 Greenwood Pl
Huntsville Al 35702
Once you have the money sent, do email me all the necessary
information which will be needed for the collection of the money I.e;
Sender's name
Amount sent after Western union charges
MTCN#
Once he receives the money, he will get in touch with you and set up
the best time and date with you for pick up this week.
Thanks for your help and understanding and I await your quick response."
yikes! another to add to your list! thanks!
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Scam Email: Paul Newman
The use of a famous name like Paul Newman doesn't make this any less of a scam.
Kathleen, Thank you for your post about scammers trying to buy artwork. I have received an email before from someone saying that they were in the process of moving from California to Africa and listed several piece of art work that they wanted to purchase. The way it was worded from the beginning made me question it. However, recently got another email that I think should be added to your list.
[mailto:paulnewman946@gmail.com] "do you still have this artwork for sale? (a specific piece was mentioned). I responded, "Hi Paul. I do still have this piece. Feel free to give me a call. (Telephone number included). Thank you for your interest in my work. Laura.
He responded, "Thanks for the message, I am very happy to know that the item is available for sale. i must tell you that my wife browse through the net and saw your artwork ( Title of Artwork 24" x 36" Acrylic on Canvas $300) now, and we are very much interested in the immediate purchase because we need it for our new apartment,we will like to buy it before someone else requested for it, and I know this is worth more than the price, So i agree your selling offer I agree that After payment clears, Then shipping agent will do the pick up of it and collection at your location. I will be paying through a Certified Bank Check so once you have it clear and you have your funds at hand the shipping agent will be coming to pick it up. Here is the information needed, Kindly Text me Your,
Full Name:
Home Address
Cell phone number
total cost
kindly get back to me So that i can proceed with the payment arrangement and relay it to you, consider it sold and get back to me with the details of yours in which the Check will be written,i await your quick response...
Thanks & Regards
So I responded, "give your full name and address. So I can calcuate shipping)
They responded, "Kindly text me your...." (Above information)
I wish I had come across your blog the first day that I tried researching this!!!!
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Scam Email: Steve Borgatti
How many years have I been doing this blog. How many personal emails have I sent for years before I started the blog. Really, this scam has changed VERY LITTLE since it began. Why? Because it is still working for the scammers. Because they are still making money. If it wasn't, it would have changed long ago.
It's simple:
1. DO NOT use wire transfers very ANY reason in your business dealings. Period. This one tip will destroy the effectiveness of 99% of this type of scam. They need you to wire your good money to them so they can disappear with it without a trace - before you've discovered their payment is a faked check or stolen credit card or faked paypal payment.
2. DO NOT do any one any favors in selling your work. Don't forward money for them to some non-existent shipper. Let them pay their shipper themselves (there is no shipper so the scam will end here).
3. DO NOT accept overpayments. Just don't. If a buyer overpays, offer to void their check and have them send a check of the right amount (and remember, no favors for forwarding money to a non-existent shipper) or if it's a credit card - call the card company first and verify that the card number matches the billing address (it almost never does), and if it's a paypal payment - actually manually log into your paypal account in a brand new browser and double check that they've paid anything at all. What scammers do with paypal is they fake a payment confirmation email and hope the victim never logs into their account (in time) to check.
And this bit about moving to Russia or moving to Malaysia or they are at sea or in Afghanistan or out of the country for some other odd reason...huge tip-offs that a scam is in progress. It helps setup why they are asking you wire them (or a shipper) money. But don't do it.
Okay, here's another one I receive today:
It's simple:
1. DO NOT use wire transfers very ANY reason in your business dealings. Period. This one tip will destroy the effectiveness of 99% of this type of scam. They need you to wire your good money to them so they can disappear with it without a trace - before you've discovered their payment is a faked check or stolen credit card or faked paypal payment.
2. DO NOT do any one any favors in selling your work. Don't forward money for them to some non-existent shipper. Let them pay their shipper themselves (there is no shipper so the scam will end here).
3. DO NOT accept overpayments. Just don't. If a buyer overpays, offer to void their check and have them send a check of the right amount (and remember, no favors for forwarding money to a non-existent shipper) or if it's a credit card - call the card company first and verify that the card number matches the billing address (it almost never does), and if it's a paypal payment - actually manually log into your paypal account in a brand new browser and double check that they've paid anything at all. What scammers do with paypal is they fake a payment confirmation email and hope the victim never logs into their account (in time) to check.
And this bit about moving to Russia or moving to Malaysia or they are at sea or in Afghanistan or out of the country for some other odd reason...huge tip-offs that a scam is in progress. It helps setup why they are asking you wire them (or a shipper) money. But don't do it.
Okay, here's another one I receive today:
Hello Kathleen, my artist husband was almost scammed. I was suspicious and finally went to the Internet to do some research and found you. Please add the Steve Borgatti name to your list of despicable characters. I'm going to make a donation to you!
At the very bottom is the scammer's message. When mail is sent to my husband's art address, a blind copy goes to my Gmail account so I copied the header info.
Thank you,Nancy
Delivered-To: twohadaways@gmail.com[Links to mailto:twohadaways@gmail.com]
Received: by 10.170.118.80 with SMTP id k77csp28622ykb;
Sat, 5 Apr 2014 07:41:26 -0700 (PDT)
X-Received: by 10.140.33.244 with SMTP id j107mr2728669qgj.81.1396708873079;
Sat, 05 Apr 2014 07:41:13 -0700 (PDT)
Received: by 10.224.79.80 with HTTP; Sat, 5 Apr 2014 07:41:13 -0700 (PDT)
Date: Sat, 5 Apr 2014 15:41:13 +0100
Subject: Payment and pick-up...
From: Steve Borgatti (analytictechnologies01@gmail.com)
To:
Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary=001a113aa9803c108704f64ca0df
--001a113aa9803c108704f64ca0df
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hello Mrs. [last name],
Hope you are good. I'm just reading your email now as I have been so busy.Thanks for the details which I've noted down and I hope to visit your studio with my wife in the nearest future after our anniversary. Also in order not to leave any clue to my wife for the surprise, I've contacted a client of mine to issue out a check which will include my shipping agent fees to you, so please you may have to help remit the balance to the shipping agent as soon as the check clears your bank. I would have handled this much differently if I'd been at home but am a bit pressed for time myself and do not have access to a lot of cash over here to expedite this transaction... trying to kill two birds with a stone.
Moreover, they are not sending any bill or hold you responsible for the payment of the contract between us. all I'm asking from you is a favor to help me send the extra funds on the check to the shipping agent who will be coming over to your location to pick-up the piece and have it delivered safely to me at my residential address.
Mrs. [last name], I want you to understand that I'm concluding you are a responsible person and I can therefore entrust you with this arrangement.please i 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,
Steve.
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Hello
From: Steve Borgatti (analytictechnologies01@gmail.com)
Date: Thu, April 03, 2014 9:33 am
To:
Dear [last name], Thanks for the message, I must tell you I am very much interested in the immediate purchase of the piece to surprise my wife. I can be reached at (323) 374-5218 (feel free to leave a voice mail or text message if am not available but E-mail would be the fastest way to reach me though).If you'd like to know, I'm relocating to the Russia 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 come to purchase the piece myself but, I'm currently out of the country on a conference trip 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) 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.
-------- Original Message --------
Greetings!
My name is Steve Borgatti from Nevada. 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.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Scam Email: Cynthia Roberts
Hi Kathleen
Thank goodness I found your website! I had a bad feeling about this whole situation and I was obviously right. I feel such a fool to have been taken in by them.
I am now going to cease all communication.
Thank you for caring and I feel as angry as you do. I have sent all info to the police fraud site. Let's hope they can be caught and stopped for good.
I've included the email thread for you to read.
Kindest regards
Caroline
------------/
Hello Caroline,
I appreciate you keeping in touch, following on my previous email, please be informed that i would be happy to wait until the cheque has duly cleared your account before pick up arrangement commences. Since the shipper will be picking up other items for me which i have already paid for before i got message about my son's illness in Canada, else i would have paid you in cash via royal mail. Do let me know if i should issue out the cheque as proposed, so i can do that today or first thing tomorrow morning.
Respectfully,
Cynthia
Subject: Fwd: Artwork
From:
Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2013 13:19:52 +0000
To: robert_c734@hotmail.com
Hi Cynthia
Following my last email, my Accountant has expressed concern at my agreement to pass on funds to your Shipper and has asked that you make only the payment to me in the sum of £1050 to cover cost of artwork and that you make payment to your Shipper directly without my involvement.
Please confirm this will be ok
Kind regards
Caroline
Begin forwarded message:
From: Roberts Cynthia (robert_c734@hotmail.com)
Date: 15 December 2013 13:42:01 GMT
To:
Subject: RE:
Dear Caroline,
Thanks for your response to my purchase inquiry. I love your pieces of art and must tell you , you are good at what you do. I am collecting these items for personal use as I am an avid fan of art paintings ,sculptures and antiques.
Presently i am out of town spending sometime with my son who was recently diagnosed with Cancer but there shouldn't be a worry as my shipper can come for pickup from you after payment has been finalized and fully cleared your account. I will be sending payment in form of a certified cheque of £2,000 and will need your mailing address where the cheque can be mailed to. You are to deduct the cost of your piece and disburse the rest to my shipper who will handle the pickup of the piece(s) as well as my other furniture's for my newly acquired property in Kent.
For invoicing/filing purposes, my contact information is as detailed below:
2405 Queen st E,
Toronto, Ontario.
M4E 1H6.
I look forward to doing business with you.
Kind Regards,
Cynthia Roberts.
From:
To: robert_c734@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: RE:
Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2013 08:01:26 +0000
Hi Cynthia
Thank you very much for your interest in my work. I have just recently sold "The Long Day", however the rest are still currently available. A couple of the pieces are lodged with a local gallery, but I can retrieve them for you quickly.
The costs on the SAA website are for mounted pieces only, therefore, please see below the mounted and framed prices as you have requested. The frames are not all the same, they are either white or silver and are chosen to suit the subject matter:
Mounted & Framed
LANDCRAFT £200
LITTLE HOUSE £150
Please let me know if you would like to go ahead with these purchases and when you would like to collect them, so that I can make arrangements to retrieve the relevant pieces from the Gallery.
I would prefer if you could pay directly into my bank account on-line, if possible?
I look forward to hearing from you again soon and thank you once again for your interest and support.
Kind regards
Caroline
----- Original Message -----
From: Roberts Cynthia (robert_c734@hotmail.com)
To:
Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2013 1:13 AM
Subject: RE:
Landcraft
Little House
Hello Caroline, Please let me know if the above piece(s) are still available. Calculate the total cost mounted & framed and let me know as quickly as you can, Payment will be by certified cheque, i can make arrangements for pick-up once payment clears your bank if that's okay with you.
Best Regards,
Cynthia Roberts.
Thank goodness I found your website! I had a bad feeling about this whole situation and I was obviously right. I feel such a fool to have been taken in by them.
I am now going to cease all communication.
Thank you for caring and I feel as angry as you do. I have sent all info to the police fraud site. Let's hope they can be caught and stopped for good.
I've included the email thread for you to read.
Kindest regards
Caroline
------------/
Hello Caroline,
I appreciate you keeping in touch, following on my previous email, please be informed that i would be happy to wait until the cheque has duly cleared your account before pick up arrangement commences. Since the shipper will be picking up other items for me which i have already paid for before i got message about my son's illness in Canada, else i would have paid you in cash via royal mail. Do let me know if i should issue out the cheque as proposed, so i can do that today or first thing tomorrow morning.
Respectfully,
Cynthia
Subject: Fwd: Artwork
From:
Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2013 13:19:52 +0000
To: robert_c734@hotmail.com
Hi Cynthia
Following my last email, my Accountant has expressed concern at my agreement to pass on funds to your Shipper and has asked that you make only the payment to me in the sum of £1050 to cover cost of artwork and that you make payment to your Shipper directly without my involvement.
Please confirm this will be ok
Kind regards
Caroline
Begin forwarded message:
From: Roberts Cynthia (robert_c734@hotmail.com)
Date: 15 December 2013 13:42:01 GMT
To:
Subject: RE:
Dear Caroline,
Thanks for your response to my purchase inquiry. I love your pieces of art and must tell you , you are good at what you do. I am collecting these items for personal use as I am an avid fan of art paintings ,sculptures and antiques.
Presently i am out of town spending sometime with my son who was recently diagnosed with Cancer but there shouldn't be a worry as my shipper can come for pickup from you after payment has been finalized and fully cleared your account. I will be sending payment in form of a certified cheque of £2,000 and will need your mailing address where the cheque can be mailed to. You are to deduct the cost of your piece and disburse the rest to my shipper who will handle the pickup of the piece(s) as well as my other furniture's for my newly acquired property in Kent.
For invoicing/filing purposes, my contact information is as detailed below:
2405 Queen st E,
Toronto, Ontario.
M4E 1H6.
I look forward to doing business with you.
Kind Regards,
Cynthia Roberts.
From:
To: robert_c734@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: RE:
Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2013 08:01:26 +0000
Hi Cynthia
Thank you very much for your interest in my work. I have just recently sold "The Long Day", however the rest are still currently available. A couple of the pieces are lodged with a local gallery, but I can retrieve them for you quickly.
The costs on the SAA website are for mounted pieces only, therefore, please see below the mounted and framed prices as you have requested. The frames are not all the same, they are either white or silver and are chosen to suit the subject matter:
Mounted & Framed
LANDCRAFT £200
LITTLE HOUSE £150
Please let me know if you would like to go ahead with these purchases and when you would like to collect them, so that I can make arrangements to retrieve the relevant pieces from the Gallery.
I would prefer if you could pay directly into my bank account on-line, if possible?
I look forward to hearing from you again soon and thank you once again for your interest and support.
Kind regards
Caroline
----- Original Message -----
From: Roberts Cynthia (robert_c734@hotmail.com)
To:
Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2013 1:13 AM
Subject: RE:
Landcraft
Little House
Hello Caroline, Please let me know if the above piece(s) are still available. Calculate the total cost mounted & framed and let me know as quickly as you can, Payment will be by certified cheque, i can make arrangements for pick-up once payment clears your bank if that's okay with you.
Best Regards,
Cynthia Roberts.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Scam Email: Luiza Kwiatkowska
Scammers are not above grabbing the names of real people online and using them for their own criminal purposes. Also notice how, in the below scam, the scammer begins by asking about PayPal (thus trying to establish some credibility with their victim) but then switches, using some trumped up story, to what they actually need for their scam to succeed: a wire transfer via some service like Western Union or MoneyGram.
Hello Kathleen,
Well, it's the first time it's happening to me. I'm glad I found your site, thank you for doing this. The name was not on your list, it's luiza kwiatkowska, e-mail luiza.kwiatkowska@o2.pl. When I look for the name on the internet it seems to be a renowned graphic designer and illustrator in Poland but I'm pretty sure it's not her...
She contacted me via a website where I sell some artwork. In her profile at that site, she mentions she
is from Miami.
Here's the conversation (and LOTS of warning signs). I replied to her first e-mail only, to see if she was serious. And then her second e-mail just raised some major suspicions and was just plainly ridiculous. I didn't reply to her and I'm going to delete the e-mail :
*luizakwiatkows*
offers 600 CAD on your artwork Modèle au corbeau
Hello,
I have read very about your item.
Am okay with the condition of the item. But before i proceed with the payment i will to ask about the item..
I have a private shipping company that will come for the pick up of the item in your location
Do you accept PAYPAL as you mode of payment?
What is the final price of the item without shipping cost?
Get back to me in my private mail at : luiza.kwiatkowska@o2.pl
Best Regards
My reply :
Hello,
> I have a private shipping company that will come for the pick up the item in your location
We are in Montreal, Canada. I can have the painting available at my usual gallery here at a time of your choice.
> Do you accept PAYPAL as you mode of payment?
Yes, you may address the payment to [paypal e-mail]
> What is the final price of the item without shipping cost?
600$ is fine.
Thank you for your interest.
Hello
I'm about to make the payments when i had this little problem with the picking up agent of the Item,I think you remember what i said in my previous mail that I'm working presently on the sea,so i tried to secure booking with my pick up agent,but they asked me to pay first before they can make the booking, and they only accept Western Union Money Transfer for payments and they don't accept PayPal or bank transfer, So i tried to send the money online but it's not going through and i am on the sea, there is no way i can find a western union agent to make the transfer to my pick up agent, so i wanted to ask if it will be OK for me to include my pick up agent's fees together with your payments through PayPal,So you will help me wire the pick up fee to them via western Union Money Transfer immediately i pay you,i don't mean to bother you I'm sure you understand that I'm presently on the sea and there is nothing i can do to that,The bottom line is after I have made the payments via PayPal,you will help me wire my pick up agent fee to them through western union money transfer, I just wanted to seek your consent before going ahead with the payments,I will be very happy if my offer is given a favorable consideration,Respond as soon as possible so that i can send out your Payment.
Regards.
Hello Kathleen,
Well, it's the first time it's happening to me. I'm glad I found your site, thank you for doing this. The name was not on your list, it's luiza kwiatkowska, e-mail luiza.kwiatkowska@o2.pl. When I look for the name on the internet it seems to be a renowned graphic designer and illustrator in Poland but I'm pretty sure it's not her...
She contacted me via a website where I sell some artwork. In her profile at that site, she mentions she
is from Miami.
Here's the conversation (and LOTS of warning signs). I replied to her first e-mail only, to see if she was serious. And then her second e-mail just raised some major suspicions and was just plainly ridiculous. I didn't reply to her and I'm going to delete the e-mail :
*luizakwiatkows*
offers 600 CAD on your artwork Modèle au corbeau
Hello,
I have read very about your item.
Am okay with the condition of the item. But before i proceed with the payment i will to ask about the item..
I have a private shipping company that will come for the pick up of the item in your location
Do you accept PAYPAL as you mode of payment?
What is the final price of the item without shipping cost?
Get back to me in my private mail at : luiza.kwiatkowska@o2.pl
Best Regards
My reply :
Hello,
> I have a private shipping company that will come for the pick up the item in your location
We are in Montreal, Canada. I can have the painting available at my usual gallery here at a time of your choice.
> Do you accept PAYPAL as you mode of payment?
Yes, you may address the payment to [paypal e-mail]
> What is the final price of the item without shipping cost?
600$ is fine.
Thank you for your interest.
Hello
I'm about to make the payments when i had this little problem with the picking up agent of the Item,I think you remember what i said in my previous mail that I'm working presently on the sea,so i tried to secure booking with my pick up agent,but they asked me to pay first before they can make the booking, and they only accept Western Union Money Transfer for payments and they don't accept PayPal or bank transfer, So i tried to send the money online but it's not going through and i am on the sea, there is no way i can find a western union agent to make the transfer to my pick up agent, so i wanted to ask if it will be OK for me to include my pick up agent's fees together with your payments through PayPal,So you will help me wire the pick up fee to them via western Union Money Transfer immediately i pay you,i don't mean to bother you I'm sure you understand that I'm presently on the sea and there is nothing i can do to that,The bottom line is after I have made the payments via PayPal,you will help me wire my pick up agent fee to them through western union money transfer, I just wanted to seek your consent before going ahead with the payments,I will be very happy if my offer is given a favorable consideration,Respond as soon as possible so that i can send out your Payment.
Regards.
Scam Email: Andrew Hembree
Hi Kathleen,
Thank you for doing this. I received a similar email back in August which is what made me suspicious of this one. It was a different name, Steve Levitt, but the phrasing was almost word for word the same. The first one I received is on your list, but this one is not. In August I did not respond, but this time I wrote back and said I was in contact with the Federal Trade Commission. It will probably not do any good, but it made me feel better.
Thanks again,
Elizabeth
On Dec 2, 2013, at 5:46 AM, andrew hembree (andrewhembree01@gmail.com) wrote:
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 sale.
Peace and blessings
Andrew
Thank you for doing this. I received a similar email back in August which is what made me suspicious of this one. It was a different name, Steve Levitt, but the phrasing was almost word for word the same. The first one I received is on your list, but this one is not. In August I did not respond, but this time I wrote back and said I was in contact with the Federal Trade Commission. It will probably not do any good, but it made me feel better.
Thanks again,
Elizabeth
On Dec 2, 2013, at 5:46 AM, andrew hembree (andrewhembree01@gmail.com) wrote:
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 sale.
Peace and blessings
Andrew
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Scam Email: Max Gardner
Dear Kathleen,
This is the first email from a series from this person.
It is definitely a scam.
Please post his name on your site.
Any further advice for how I can report this, etc… would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve
Begin forwarded message:
> From: Max Gardner [maxgardner402@yahoo.com]
> Subject: artwork
> Date: September 3, 2013 4:13:18 AM EDT
> Reply-To: Max Gardner [maxgardner402@yahoo.com]>
> Hello,
>
> My name is Max Gardner. I found your profile on the internet. I am interested in purchasing an artwork from you for the decoration of my guest room at my new residence in Munich, Germany. Would appreciate if you can send me few pictures of the works you have available for sale so that I can make an easy choice of mine. Better still, send me a web link where I can have a view of your recent works.
>
> I look forward to read back from you.
> Thanks.
> Max.
This is the first email from a series from this person.
It is definitely a scam.
Please post his name on your site.
Any further advice for how I can report this, etc… would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve
Begin forwarded message:
> From: Max Gardner [maxgardner402@yahoo.com]
> Subject: artwork
> Date: September 3, 2013 4:13:18 AM EDT
> Reply-To: Max Gardner [maxgardner402@yahoo.com]>
> Hello,
>
> My name is Max Gardner. I found your profile on the internet. I am interested in purchasing an artwork from you for the decoration of my guest room at my new residence in Munich, Germany. Would appreciate if you can send me few pictures of the works you have available for sale so that I can make an easy choice of mine. Better still, send me a web link where I can have a view of your recent works.
>
> I look forward to read back from you.
> Thanks.
> Max.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Scam Email: Simeon Ducroux
Thanks for your Art Scam blog. My partner, Liz, received one of these emails yesterday. Your blog helped us confirm our suspicions that it was a scam.
Thank you so much for combatting this scourge!
Kind regards
Brian
Email attached below.
From: Simeon Ducroux [simeonducroux690@yahoo.com.au[mailto:simeonducroux690@yahoo.com.au]]
Date: 26 augusti 2013 13:02:09 GMT+01:00
Subject: Re: Craft Purchase
Reply-To: Simeon Ducroux [simeonducroux690@yahoo.com.au[mailto:simeonducroux690@yahoo.com.au]]
Hello ,
You must have devoted so much time and effort to create this pieces that i am about to purchase because i can vividly see the uniqueness of the pieces. Your work also have a pleasant and a suiting feeling, I am so sure it will bring comfort and happiness into my life. The piece listed below are the one's i will be purchasing.
[ name of six pieces and prices were inserted here]
Payment for those pieces will be made by cheque from bank in Europe and the money can be withdraw from my account, i will be issuing €7,920 to cover the cost of the piece and shipping of your work.
I have some Furniture to be picked up from a store in Bremen,so you will deduct your fee from the payment issued to you and have the rest disburse to the shipper that will come over to your location to pick up your work and have it delivered safely to me at my residential address in Sydney,I would inform the shippers about it after have heard from you.They will just come over to your area to pick-up the piece and then have them delivered to me.Before i can proceed to issue to you the cheque i will be needing your contact details and phone number to write and send the cheque to you.The address written below is my address for shipping.
Thanks
Simeon
My address
29 O'Connell St,
Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
Email:simeonducroux690@yahoo.com.au[http://yahoo.com.au]
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Scam Email: Cindy Dickson
It's when scammers make lame mistakes that most people get suspicious that the purchase is not actually for real. This scammer using this fake name made several mistakes, but the obvious one that tipped the scales for the artist was saying they do not use PayPal. Then the artist got suspicious. But some scammer say they use PayPal and then send a faked payment confirmation email hoping the artist will not manually check their account before wiring money to a non-existent shipper. So be careful. And google things that don't make sense.
On Aug 1, 2013, at 5:58 PM, Cindy Dickson [cindy.dicksonshop@gmail.com] wrote:second email:
Good Day,
I am Cindy Dickson from Norway, I want to informed you that your items are most creative & desirable, so much talent! I am interested in purchasing some of your unique items to my shop in Norway,but before i do i want to inform if i can make the payment with my credit card because presently my best form of payment is via credit card,that is where i put all my money for any international transaction.So kindly reconfirm your website/contact details and get back to me with it so as to know if I'm right with the site.
Concerning the shipment,my shipping company will be coming to pickup the items because i already have some merchandise with them in which they will be shipping together to me here in Norway.So you don't need to be worried about the shipment nor handling fee.
Cindy-Za-Dicksonshop
Niels Juels gate 43
0257 Oslo,
Norway.
phone: + 47 20 13 31 00
fax: + 47 23 28 49 51
Email: cindy.dicksonshop@gmail.com
Best Regard,
Cindy Dickson.
On Aug 2, 2013, at 12:14 PM, Cindy Dickson [cindy.dicksonshop@gmail.com] wrote:third email:
Hello Carmen,
Thanks for getting back to me with a feedback,So below here is what i need.
[Name of Painting]
Qty….1 $3000
[Name of Painting]
Qty….1 $3800
[Name of Painting]
Qty….1 $1800
[Name of Painting]
Qty….1 $3200
[Name of Painting]
Qty….$700
Please kindly calculate the total cost of the items,so that you can get the order processed for me.i will email you my Credit Card account information for the payment of the order.
Concerning the shipment, i will be having my shipping agent coming to pickup the order directly from you because i already have some large merchandise with them in which after picking up the items they will then deliver it to me here in Norway.So i want you to get back to me with the size and weight items.
Regards,
Cindy Dickson.
On Aug 7, 2013, at 2:03 AM, Cindy Dickson [cindy.dicksonshop@gmail.com] wrote:fourth email:
Hello Carmen,
Thanks for getting back to me with the total, i will like to know cost of each one of the listed work i've selected.
Regards,
Cindy Dickson.
On Aug 8, 2013, at 8:49 AM, Cindy Dickson [cindy.dicksonshop@gmail.com] wrote:
Carmen,
Concerning the payment,i will like to inform you that i DON'T use Pay pal for payment,so it will be best if you can look for a colleague that has manual terminal charging machine so as to assist you in charging my credit card details.If it's okay by you kindly get back to me so as to know if i will be proceeding with the order or not.
Thanks,
Cindy.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Scam Email: Frank Bernard
Here is the text of yet another scammer with another fake name and disposable email account:
Hi Cheryl,
Good to hear back from you.I will like to proceed with the purchase of the piece. I think it is a lovely work and i hope to give it a good home.
I will be leaving soon to Bermuda for a Reform Project Work even though it comes at a time when i am preparing for a big move to Toronto but it means so much to her (My Wife) and i should be back in few days.
Meanwhile, i will like you to forward me your Full Name,Full Mailing Address And Phone Number so i can inform my Financier Assistance on where to forward the payment Via a Certified Check.
He will have Payment Handled Immediately i have instructions given to him since his in Canada Handling Official Duties and can handle the shipping as well just to ease your stress and make things faster for the delivery and us.
The shipping address is Below...
Mary Simmons
1008 Washington street,
Beaufort,29902 South Carolina USA.
I will look forward to hearing from you so i can know how best to proceed. Cheers.
Best Regards,
Frank Bernard
inc.inwent@outlook.com
Hi Cheryl,
Good to hear back from you.I will like to proceed with the purchase of the piece. I think it is a lovely work and i hope to give it a good home.
I will be leaving soon to Bermuda for a Reform Project Work even though it comes at a time when i am preparing for a big move to Toronto but it means so much to her (My Wife) and i should be back in few days.
Meanwhile, i will like you to forward me your Full Name,Full Mailing Address And Phone Number so i can inform my Financier Assistance on where to forward the payment Via a Certified Check.
He will have Payment Handled Immediately i have instructions given to him since his in Canada Handling Official Duties and can handle the shipping as well just to ease your stress and make things faster for the delivery and us.
The shipping address is Below...
Mary Simmons
1008 Washington street,
Beaufort,29902 South Carolina USA.
I will look forward to hearing from you so i can know how best to proceed. Cheers.
Best Regards,
Frank Bernard
inc.inwent@outlook.com
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Scam Email: Don Fisher
On Jul 19, 2013, at 5:30 PM, Don Fisher wrote:
--
Hello,
These particular artwork of yours that you have for sale, is it still available and detailed price.
Don.
From: Don Fisher [bestofdonfisher@gmail.com]
Date: July 20, 2013 2:45:51 AM PDT
Subject: Re: Payment...................
Hello,
Thanks for your prompt reply.
Unfortunately, Im on my way to Mexico on an official trip(I'm a marketing Executive) and wont be back for another two weeks, I would have come to inspect the piece personally. Im taking your word for true on It though.
I'm okay with the price $2,000, I think it worth it anyway. If you'd like to know, Im relocating to the South Africa soon and I'm trying to gather some good stuff for my new abode. Im buying yours amongst others,quickly! before someone else grabs it.So, I'll arrange to send you payment ASAP.
However, I'll have to notify my shipper who's helping me move my stuff to get set for the pickup of the piece from your place as I MIGHT be delayed depending on how things goes.
Thanks,
PS: In the mean time, kindly get back to me with your Full Name,Contact Address and also your phone# so I can get a check prepared and have it sent out to you ASAP.
Don.
--
Hello,
These particular artwork of yours that you have for sale, is it still available and detailed price.
Don.
From: Don Fisher [bestofdonfisher@gmail.com]
Date: July 20, 2013 2:45:51 AM PDT
Subject: Re: Payment...................
Hello,
Thanks for your prompt reply.
Unfortunately, Im on my way to Mexico on an official trip(I'm a marketing Executive) and wont be back for another two weeks, I would have come to inspect the piece personally. Im taking your word for true on It though.
I'm okay with the price $2,000, I think it worth it anyway. If you'd like to know, Im relocating to the South Africa soon and I'm trying to gather some good stuff for my new abode. Im buying yours amongst others,quickly! before someone else grabs it.So, I'll arrange to send you payment ASAP.
However, I'll have to notify my shipper who's helping me move my stuff to get set for the pickup of the piece from your place as I MIGHT be delayed depending on how things goes.
Thanks,
PS: In the mean time, kindly get back to me with your Full Name,Contact Address and also your phone# so I can get a check prepared and have it sent out to you ASAP.
Don.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Scam Email: Brandon Domergue
This is one of those scammers who were too lazy to even pretend to be sending the request to one person - they just dumped their scam list into the TO field under "undisclosed-recipients". Lazy.
They ask for the website link, which doesn't make sense to us artists, but they do this because when they send out hundreds of thousands of these, they have no idea who is who when potential victims reply. And they want to personalize the email more for those who actually reply. But for us, asking to buy art and also asking for our website is a total red flag that tips us off it is a scam.
They ask for the website link, which doesn't make sense to us artists, but they do this because when they send out hundreds of thousands of these, they have no idea who is who when potential victims reply. And they want to personalize the email more for those who actually reply. But for us, asking to buy art and also asking for our website is a total red flag that tips us off it is a scam.
From: Brandon Domergue [brandondomergue@yahoo.ca]
Date: 4 July 2013 23:20:41 BST
To: undisclosed-recipients: ;
Subject: *Purchase Request*
Good Evening,
I am interested in purchasing some of your art work for my self and my budget is between 1000£-2000£ i will like to know if you have works in this category or above.If you do kindly send the images of those ones in this category or website link to the ones in the category.I await to read from you soon.
Regards
Brandon
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Scam Email: Steven Leavitt
Hi Kathleen,
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
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.
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