Scam Email: Martin Cheng

I got two of these scam emails one after the other. You can see from the headers that they are just using other people's compromised servers to send out their emails and that is why it is so hard to catch these criminals. They do reference credit cards as their payment form, so I would have to believe these scammers have a ready set of thousands of stolen credit card numbers.

From: Martin Cheng (greatwallcontractors1@hotmail.com)
Reply to: greatwallcontractors1@hotmail.com
Return Path: (psikolo1@host.instantdeliver.net)
Subject: Great Wall Contractors Inc

Second Spam email (sent 2 minutes after the first)

From: Martin Cheng (greatwallcontractors1@hotmail.com)
Reply to: greatwallcontractors1@hotmail.com
Return Path: (www.wildfire1.co.uk@mx3.genesisgroupuk.com)
Subject: Great Wall Contractors Inc

Body of Email (same in both emails):

Hello,

  My name is Martin Cheng .I am in the Manager of Great Wall Contractors Inc which is located in China.We will like to make order for some products in your company to our company at:

Martin Cheng

Great Wall Contractors Inc
RM307-330, Office Building, No.2 Tiantaiyi Road, Science Town, 510663 Guangzhou - PRC
tel +86 20 3831657 -

greatwallcontractors1@hotmail.com

  We will want you to send us your company website or send us your products price list so we can send you the full details on the products we are interested in.

  I will also want to confirm if your company do accept Credit card as means of payment.I will await to hear from you asap.

Regards,

Martin
Cheng

Great Wall Contractors Inc

Scam Email: Michael Gray Designs

Kathleen:

Here is my correspondence with someone not on your list.  But clearly a scam as I got further into it.  He wanted to send me more than three times the price of the work.  He even has a website.  Yuck.

Thanks for helping us stay on top of this.

Best,
Fran
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael Gray [michaelgraydesigns@aol.com]
Date: Fri, May 17, 2013 at 12:16 PM
Subject: Artwork Purchase
To: michaelgraydesigns@aol.com

Hi, I saw a few of your art pieces and I'm interested in purchasing one or two of your pieces . Could you please let me know your available pieces,a price list and payment options .  I'm an art lover/collector and I'm collecting for my personal collections.****
Regards.

 *Michael Gray
michaelgraydesigns@aol.com
*www.michaelgraydesigns.webs.com*

Scam Email: Maurice Pierrez

Hi Kathleen ,

I'm certain I have a scammer knocking on my door. I googled 'artist scammers' and your site came up. I looked through and it was outrageously accurate in its content of what they do and thats why I'm now certain this guy is up to no good. He has all the box's ticked. I'd just like to give you his details for inclusion on the scammer list. Here is his name ( which he constantly changes and mis-spells ) and email address...

Maurice Pierrez or sometimes Maurice Pierre

And the email is...     mauricepierrez@yahoo.ca

I hope you can include it in your list soon as I'd like to send him a reply with a link to your page. Can you please confirm if you are ok with this ?

Thanks and keep up the good work.
Alan

Scam Email: Helen Carzola

Hi, Kathleen,

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

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

Regards,

Chris

Scam Email: Ronald Walker

Kathleen,

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

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

Hi,

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

Ron.

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

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

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

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

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

Ron.

Scam Email: Lisa Giroud

Kathleen,

Must be a scam. Thank you for your work:

Lisa Giroud [wilzcharlespp@gmail.com]

8:37 PM (12 hours ago)

Hi,

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

"Magnified #2   and    Sophie on the Grill

I will appreciate an urgent reply.

Best Regards,
Lisa Giroud.

Scam Email: Betty Hammond

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

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

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

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

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

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

Regards,
Betty.

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

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

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

Scam Email: Carol Grant

Hi Kathleen,

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

Katy

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

Hello,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Regards,
Carol
  _____ 


Begin forwarded message:

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

Hello,

Thanks for your prompt reply.

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

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

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

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

Regards,
Carol
  _____ 

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

Hello,

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

Regards,
Carol

Scam Email: Robert Crandal

Hi Kathleen,

This person is making his rounds with many of my artists and colleagues as well.

*ROBERT CRANDAL* - robertcrandal.ltd@gmail.com

Below is my correspondence.  (I deleted my name and the requested artist's name from the correspondence) You may add to list and share, please do not share any other identifying info.

Your blog is great. Thank you.

John

On Wed, Mar 27, 2013 at 1:51 PM, robert crandal [robertcrandal.ltd@gmail.com]
> wrote:

> Hi,
> Thanks for the details,I am on my way to Indonesia for a conference and
> might not be back till after 2 weeks, Would have come to inspect and
> purchase the piece personally,as a matter of fact am relocating to
> Johannesburg and am trying to gather some good arts for my new home. am
> buying yours ( artist's name and price ) quickly! before someone else grabs
> it, I'll arrange to send you payment ASAP.
>
> However, I will have to notify my shipper who is shipping my belongings
> from the States to get set for the pickup of the piece at your place as I
> might be delayed in Indonesia, you don't need to worry about shipping
> though.
> Thanks,
>
> PS: Kindly get back to me with your contact details so I can get a
> certified check prepared and sent out to you ASAP.
>
> On Wed, Mar 27, 2013 at 1:49 PM, John wrote:
>
>> Hello, Robert:
>>
>> Thank you for your interest.  The price for *(Artist's name and title*is $).  This painting is available.
>>
>> The other panel, (title) is its compliment as the artist created them
>> together.  They are being offered as a pair for ($) if you are
>> interested.
>>
>> Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
>> Thank you.
>>
>> On Wed, Mar 27, 2013 at 1:56 AM, robert crandal

>>[ robertcrandal.ltd@gmail.com] wrote:
>>
>>> Hi,
>>> My name is Robert. I recently visited your website and found your Work
>>> of arts to be appealing. I am very impressed with it and would be
>>> interested in purchasing it for my apartment I am moving into this month.
>>> Please do provide me with the price and details if it is available.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Robert Crandal
>>>

Scam Email: Johnny Williams

Hi Kathleen,

Here is another scammer for you, who can't spell his own name or the town he is "in":

"Johnny Williams" [johnnywalkerwilliams@yahoo.com]

Hi there,

I am a chief librarian in a private library here in Spain and we are looking at equipping and beautifying our Library with artworks of diverse artist in order to lecture and broaden our student’s horizon on art and culture when they come to the library to study and read books on art and culture and to show art interests. Such things as stylistic preferences and I hope you will help us tailor our mailings to meet our specific needs
We will be glad if you can assist us with how to purchase the artworks from your website and we shall make payment immediately with charge card (Visa or Master card) either one you prefer for the purchase before you send the artwork to us.

We anticipate your kindness in assisting us with the purchase.

Sincerely
Jonny Williams

SANTA COLOMA DE GRAMANET 56
BARCELONA
SPAIN
ZIPCODE 08921

Thanks for keeping your list,
Rachel

Scam Email: Jose Santos

Copying this to you and wondering....It seems to be in the scam mode. 

Please advise.
Mary

FROM: jose.santos481@yahoo.es
SUBJECT: YOUR PAINTINGS

Hello,

I have seen some of your paintings online and recently visited your website and I am very impressed by the wonderful pieces you have on display. I will like to buy paintings from you, can you get back to me with the price range of your paintings, the shipping cost to this address Palestine Rd. Corner PR Fahad Street, PO Box 6448 Jeddah, 21442 Saudi Arabia, Falastin, Jeddah 23223, Saudi Arabia, and lastly hope you accept (Credit card) as a method of payment.

Kindly get back to me asap.

Best Regards.

We have sent emails back and forth as I'm a sculptor not a painter. I suggested that he look at my website. He requested prices, with shipping, taxes, etc. for a few pieces. I' m pretty lazy so quoted prices without packing, taxes or shipping and wrote that he should let me know, before I began to check out shippers, whether he was interested. He emailed again and asked for quotes with shipping. See below

Hello Mary,

Thanks for your understanding and detailed emailed about what you do, find below the works i would like to purchase from you [he lists the pieces, then he continues...]

I would say one of the greatest invention is the internet, with the help of the internet the world is a global village.

I am currently on the oil rig in the middle of the sea of Manifa typing this message, I love art works collections alot, that is why i have decided to open a gallery of my own as I would be retiring soon, so it is really good i met you as you have beautiful and wonderful works, since its a gallery I intend open I should have a special sections for sculptures so i would like to do business with you and will want you supplying me sculptures for my Gallery occasionally.

For a start kindly get back to me with the total cost of the works I have chosen including shipping cost and I can make payment hope you accept credit card as a method of payment as that is the most suitable for me.

Await your next email!

Regards,
Jose.

I writing again here. By the way I also talked with the credit card company to find out how to set up extra security. But I was still worried about credit card theft being used for this purchase.

So before this goes further, is this a scammer?  

Thank you for your assistance, in advance.
Mary

Scam Email: Michelle Barry

Nothing too unusual about this one. It's a bit brief but you can tell it is a scam by the poor English and the set up about moving (which will lead into the rest of the scam in subsequent emails, about a mover coming to pick it up and sending a cashier's check, etc).

From: michelle barry [michelle.barryllc@gmail.com]
Date: March 1, 2013 4:47:06 AM EST
Subject: Lemon Oil on Canvas

Hello,
Am Michelle from Florida, I was browsing through  your work of arts on your website and i found this  artwork  interesting , I believe you've devoted so much  time and effort to create it. i will like to acquire it for my new apartment this month.
please let me know if the piece is available, shoot me an email with the details and price. I awaits your response
Regards.
Michelle.

Scam Email: Lisa Wallcott

Last email sent to me

From: Lisa Wallcott [edwedg18@gmail.com]

Hope this message finds you well. I am very sorry for the late response but it has been a very busy time for me with loads of things on my plate. Anyway , i will like to proceed with the purchase of both works. I think they are lovely works and i hope to give them good home.

I am presently on my way to Bermuda for my Sister's wedding even though it comes at a time when i am preparing for a big move to Saratoga Springs, NY but it means so much to her and i should be back in few days.

Meanwhile, i will like you to forward your mailing address and phone number so i can inform my husband on where to forward the payment . He can have one of his PA handle the payment asap. I can also forward your contact info to the local cartage company that will be moving all our house decors so they can get in touch with you to arrange shipping details. They can arrange FedEx or UPS pick up of the artworks from
your studio.

I will look forward to hearing from you so i can know how best to proceed. Cheers.

Best Regards,
Lisa.

Scam Email: Mathew Rudy

Hi Kathleen,

I´ve found some information for your site about following: He seems to be active again. Thank you for the information. They sent me following email:

eMail : rudydorothy97@yahoo.com

Greetings .

Am Mathew Rudy,

Am interested in buying artworks from your esteemed organization for my new apartment and you still have for sale and i will be glad if you can Send me recent art work you have for sale with the asking prices,also i will like to know if you will accept BANK DRAFT(CHECK) as means of payment Kindly arrange to send me (rudydorothy97@yahoo.com), by e-mail more information on all artworks you have in stock Looking forward to an early response

Regards,
Mathew Rudy
TEL:+447520234467
66 Chiswick High Rd,
London W4 1SY, UK.
rudydorothy97@yahoo.com

Scam Email: Tyler He

Hi Kathleen, just got this yesterday after responding to his initial email with a list of three galleries that have my paintings. So this "guy" is very active as I see his name is already on your list. By the way, great job you are doing to get everyone alerted to these scams. I actually did a commissioned painting for some supposed client last year ( it was my first experience with these type of scams) and when it was done the person ( whose name I can't remember right now) disappeared from email and I could not contact her.
David

Begin forwarded message:

From: tyler He [he.tyler@yahoo.com]
Subject: Hello
Date: February 22, 2013 2:55:08 AM EST
Reply-To: tyler He [he.tyler@yahoo.com]

Hello David,

Thanks for the message, Hope  you are doing  great.Please let me have the asking price, I must tell you I am very much interested in the immediate purchase of the "Evening Light. I'm okay with the price $2,500, I think it worth it anyway.

Unfortunately,  I am on voyage to Philippines at the moment as I am a civil marine engineer and due to the nature of my work, visiting of website are restricted, but i squeezed out time to check this advert and send you an email regarding it:-). I wont be back for another couple of weeks, I would have come to purchase the piece personally.

If you'd like to know, I'm relocating to the Philippines soon and I'm 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, my shipper will handle it.I'll 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,
Tyler.

PS: In the mean time, 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 you ASAP