"Everybody knows a work of art takes at least an hour!" Lucy to Linus, (Peanuts)

FineArtViews Painting Competition - Twice in the Fav 15%

http://canvoo.com/boldbrush/badge/13203 three times selected for FAV15%, Fine Art Views Bold Brush Painting Competition

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

SCAM Warning

No pics today, just a warning, which I know many of you already are aware of. I received today this email:

Good day to you.

I am so excited that I came across of your work on internet search, I am interested in purchasing these creative artworks from you......................

Hydrangeas, Fruit Bowl and Two Decorative Boxes

Let me know their various prices. and how much discounts are you going to give? I will be happy to have these selected artworks hung in our new home in South Africa. As well, I want you to take out the shipping cost. I have been in touch with a shipping firm that will be shipping other house decoratives.

We are traveling from our Seattle home to our new apartment as soon as possible. On Paying for the artworks, I will be glad to pay you with a Money Order or Cashier's check in US funds that can be easily cashed at your local bank, please let me know on how to proceed for the payment of the creative artworks.

I will await your advise on how to proceed. Have a wonderful day.

Take care,
Rhoda Anderson

Punctuation, grammar, and spelling is just as it was sent to me (except I did put a space between sentences which the sender did not do:-). This email has been going around for months (maybe years) to various artists and some have fallen for it, unfortunately. It is a scam. There is a lot of elaborate back and forth about prices, etc., and you are getting more intimate with the supposed buyer. They send a check for more than you asked, apparently, and you are asked to send the generous shipping fee amount on to their "shipper". Their check, of course, is no good and you are out the money you "return" for overpayment of shipping cost and no shipper shows up to take your artwork. 


I have received this sort of email a couple of times before but never fallen for it, thank goodness. I am SO wary of stuff coming at me through the internet that even when something is legitimate I find myself researching it all before taking any action. It is such a shame we have to be so suspicious but better that than being taken. Even so, I was once taken by an extremely elaborate scheme set up by a con artist back in 1999 concerning a portrait organization & national exhibit - several fairly well known artists besides myself fell for this guy's line. I recently found out he is still out there and working his cons on other artists but due to legal constraints (which frustrate me no end!) I cannot name him. I won't name any of the other artists either as I don't wish to embarrass them. Most of us didn't lose anything but our pride but a few did lose a lot of their artwork to him, particularly an elderly lady artist (well known, now deceased) whom he charmed and took advantage of shamelessly. I guess he sold all her stuff...don't know. I wonder which circle in hell Dante would place him?

5 comments:

  1. Wow, Karen.....this is horrible. Good thing you are aware of it. My hubby and I are often told we are too skeptical but you know my skepticism has never done me wrong. I always say no to inquires over the phone or internet from unknowns even if they say they know a friend of mine. I hung up on someone the other day who said they were from Ebay and needed to talk to my hubby about his account. It wasn't the Ebay we all know and love. Thanks for the informative post.
    Carol

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  2. Don't you just wish these people would do something constructive with their talents?
    They could use that charm for good!

    Glad you didn't fall prey *hugs*

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  3. Excellent post, Karen. My art isn't steal worthy nor do I have money, but still...good to know!

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  4. Carol, it is necessary to be skeptical these days - too many really smart con artists out there! What did Barnum say? "There's a sucker born every minute." Still true. It is important not to let it make one so cynical that no trust is left in one's heart - it has to be balanced - somehow! Yes, Pat, these people are smart enough to be doing something GOOD with their abilities, and Autumn, don't sell yourself or your work short...these guys are after your money (if you have any) in any case and aren't really art lovers.

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  5. Thank you so much Karen for posting this! I just received this email today! I also forward to fellow artist members to let them know as well. Thank you!

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