Artists Beware – Scam Alert

“She” claims she is pregnant -AGAIN- and that her husband has been in Jo-Burg, South Africa, for many months. She loves my art, which she has viewed via the Internet through Arts on Union, and wants to buy four pieces. Her shipping company will handle packaging and other logistics from my location. Oh, and she just was released from the hospital, where she took bed rest because of the stress of her hubby being away for months, caring for a small child and being pregnant with another.

Her grammar is poor, but that’s because she not a native speaker of English. Since they are moving from Seattle to Jo-Burg, she wants to get the art sale accomplished and the art shipped ASAP. Her hubby will mail me a check ASAP.

I was skeptical of this email from the start, but we decided there would be no harm in further investigating her order, providing I did not divulge my account numbers and other important personal information. Actually, my partner, Jay, thought it best for me to behave like a businessperson and check this out. I procrastinated and hollered about it being a “scam.” But, pursue it like a businessperson, I did, using caution.

“She” did not balk at the cost of the art – somewhere around $1,400 plus sales tax. She did not complain when I said her money must clear my bank before I would allow for packaging and shipping.

A Walk in the Woods - mixed media on canvas

Meanwhile, I talked with other artists who had been similarly scammed.  AND, on Monday, I learned that this same “woman” was scamming a colleague who lives in the township next door to me. My colleague received, almost word for word the same emails as those sent to me. That’s when I decided enough was enough. No more game.

So, I sent “the buyer” an email that accused of her of being a scumbag and a fraud and I warned “her” that I would be watching my accounts and all other property. End of conversation, right?

Oh, heck no! This morning, here is what I received via email:

One,he erroneously included The Shipper`s payment with your payment as he could not really understand what my arrangements were with you and two,while in Seattle,he misplaced your mailing address to mail the payment,and he was also unable to see me since I was in the hospital for bed rest as advised by the doctors because of my new baby.The payment was sent via UPS with tracking number:J2283026797 and according to him the payment should be delivered to you today.

Therefore,upon arrival I`ll want you to deposit the check and once processed by your bank remove your asking price and forward the rest of the money to the Freight company from which arrangement will be made for the shippings of our housewares from Seattle and to also pickup my shipments from you to be shipped to Jo-burg.

I`m very sorry for the inconvenience,I was in the hospital for bed rest as advised by the doctors as I`m carrying another baby that is almost due so it was never a deliberate thing.I hope you understand what I`m going through to with my husband away and still carrying another baby.I do hope we can finalise the transaction as soon as possible so I can join my husband in our new home.

I`ll look forward to hearing back from you so I can know that you got the email.

Fantasy Garden