Art Scam Going Around Again!

Thought I would post this, just in case there are artists out there that are not familiar with this scam. I received an email the other day that went like this:

Hi,

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

Rave on and white peony

I will appreciate an urgent reply.

Best Regards,

Betty

This is a scam, she wants you to give her your information, she will arrange for pick up of the paintings and wants to forward you a cheque. She gives you a big story about how she is in the middle of moving to South Africa. The short of it is they send you a cheque for too much money, says it was done in error and could you please send the difference with the shipping company. They get your money, their cheque eventually bounces, leaving you out the difference. Unfortunately this scam has been around for a long time, If you are not sure insist that they pay using paypal and you will include shipping (plus handle the shipping) in the price….you will never hear from them again. If you want to see more on this goto wetcanvas.com and search email scam in the forum section.

15 thoughts on “Art Scam Going Around Again!”

  1. Just came here from Sheilas blog, good that you have put this out there. I have had some similar emails over the years. Like you say, always best to stick with paypal, I would never accept cheques off anyone for my art.
    Incidentally if you sell anything on eBay these people are also on there. Of course once they win something their eBay account mysteriously disappears… that doesn't stop them contacting you though wanting to give you more money without a confirmed address!

  2. The scammer does not tell you they are sending extra money, you receive it and they say it was an error, could you please send it back with the shipper. I read your latest post, what a great experience, I would say they were angels. It is so nice to hear!

  3. Thanks for sharing, Krista.
    I never thought to do that..I just delete most emails whose name I do not know. Why would some people think we would be happy to claim money that we did not gamble on, like some of the lotteries or inheritance from non relatives stuff???
    They get our names pretty easy, I think. I agree with sonja, if they cannot use proper language then, um, isn't that a clue?
    If you want to read about nicer people in this world. See my recent post.They are out there..Let's find and applaud more of that.

  4. i am sorry, but how can anyone with their instinct and professionalism in place fall for something so obvious? for starters, the language (or rather lack thereof) and tone of the address smacks of insincerity. i too got such an email recently and laughed my head off. they try to project sophistication when in fact they are so transparently uneducated. they must think that artists are really gullible. perhaps many are? and who would send out a finished piece of artwork prior to clearance of a cheque?? really, one must wonder and be astonished.

  5. Thanks for the heads up Krista! I am amazed at how many different ways people try to scam! I tried to follow you the other day buy my server wouldn't let me…tried again today and voila! You do wonderful work and I'm anxious to see what you do with the fish…really touches on my art teacher creative meter!! Happy Painting today to you!

  6. It is sad that there are people out there like this. I hope no one falls for this. I knew as soon I got the email, because I had read about it before. (thank goodness)

  7. Yes I know this one…I received a cheque here for too much money. It was quite obvious to me that this was a scam. I'm not sure how they received my mailing address though. Anyway, I have a built in radar for these kinds of things, thankfully! 🙂 There are some people who may not so, it's good you have posted here.

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