Brillant idea, there is so much crap out there among the good stuff!
 

Here is another address. She tried to scam me a few months ago:

tina_brown100@yahoo.co.uk

Her email starts off:

"Hope this message finds you well ,I came across your web page while searching for good artworks and I will like to buy some of these creative artworks directly from you which i think will be perfect for my walls.................."
 

Thanks Sheree, I added her to the list.
 

hi! here's another lisa benson's email add: lisa_benson10@yahoo.com


and really, she claim she's from london, their english language is really below normal standard! so guys, do take note of this too!
 

Lisa Benson must use a lot of different emails.
 

Thanks a lot for this post, I indeed used Google to get this list, and 'swane mackerel' with it.
 

Hey, I am not on the list and I have been trying to scam my art for the last 30 years.
 

Huh, David, I can think of few very well known artists that should be on the list too..lol.
 

This is a great iniciative. Keep it up.

Ren
 

Hi there
I just got this one from Mr Hyslop with a different email which you may like to add remystore333@yahoo.com.
Cheers
Bryce Brown
 

I also got this one from Mr Hyslop using remystore333@yahoo.com.

Marc Dalessio
 

Here's one I just got from a MR Henry Matt.. The email he used was henrymatt27@googlemail.com


Email Subject: ART ORDER ENQUIRY

Hello sales,

Am MR Henry Matt i live in united kingdom,Am very much happy when I came across your item,i will like to order for some ITEMS in
your store and i will be paying by casheir check or money order,so kindly get back with your website address,so that i can choose the items needed.

Henry
 

here's one a whole group of woman artists got from Bikram Shrestha
at sbikram81@yahoo.com:

Subject: Artworks Enquiry...

Hello,

I came across some of your masterpiece while surfing the internet at http://www.xxxxx.com website and I am interested in purchasing some of your artworks for our new apartment in Malaysia. I will like you to send me some pictures of your recent porfolio so I can select from your stock. Also let me know the price range of your artworks.

I will look forward to hearing from you soon.

Regards,
Bikram.
 

What do these preople do... copy and publish your art...or what?
 

what's actually the story after you recieved these email? art work delivered and you never get the money? it'd be helpful to know :)
 

They send you a cheque/check that is more than the agreed upon amount. Then they ask you to send them back the extra amount while you are still waiting for their check/cheque to clear, which turns out to be fake.

It's an added bonus if they also get your artwork, but that's not what theyre after. It's your money theyre after.
 

Why don't you add Charles Saatchi to that list? Everyone remember getting that message from his assistant when he opened yourgallery? HA ha.
 

Sounds more like spam than scam Anon. I doubt that Saatchi would have to stoop to the levels that these cockroaches operate on.
 

I don't know. Hirst has had some negative things to say about him. On a serious note, someone really needs to make a website that exposes all this stuff. There are a lot of fake galleries as well.
 

Do you verify that all of these people are scammers before listing them?
 

As much as possible Anon. I havent been asked to take any names down yet, so it seems to be working.

Also, I dont plan to list galleries, collectors or any other scammers in the art world as I just don't have the time.. and honestly couldn't be bothered.

I just created this post as it doesnt take much effort to maintain and it helps a lot of new artists coming to the internet.
 

OK - i almost got taken... Nicole Roane... sappy story with lies and drama included. Check written for $3,500 when the artwork only costs $750 total - asked for the balance to be given to the movers....

this was the address given:

2451,Dunlop Circle,Trenton ,New Jersey 08611.


While our new address in SA is....


Nelson Mandela Resolt,
Railway Housing Ave,
BLK 25,15,
Joannesburg,
405LA,South Africa.

the check that came in the mail wasn't signed either.
 

Lucky you Nicole. You just saved yourself almost $3000!
 

Hi, Nicole Roane strikes again. She tried to scam me. But HA!HA! sweetheart to bad!!!!! I have informed many artists of these scams since I am very very widely associated with different organizations with artists. Along with alot of local, county and federal authorities. The only onei have not contacted was international which this unfortunately is. WHAT SCUM!!!! Well someday they will get theres. Also Shereee Rense sounds like the same line I recieved.
 

Here is a recent scammer who seems to be targeting artists in Canada:

Anderson Wuouth andersonwuouth@yahoo.se Hirsackerstrasse 64
Postfach 324
CH-8810 Horgen
Switzerland
 

I just got 2 emails from Anderson Wuouth as well! I thought his emails seemed really suspect as his english was all over the place. I just got a bad feeling. He asked me today to send him prices of all the work on my website and i had the good sense to google his name because I felt so strange reading his emails. Luckily i came across this and many other blogs warning me that he is a scammer! Thanks everyone!!
 

Anderson Wuouth has tried to strick again. It looks like he has a new address, anderson_wuouth@yahoo.se
15 GREVILLE STREET
LONDON
GREATER LONDON EC1N 8PQ
UNITED KINGDOM
Thanks you saved me alot of time trying to put his rather large package together. That's what made me think, this can't be real!
 

Kate or Janet Locke seem to be coming up. They have tried to scam a couple people including me. She gave the same address as Nicole Roan. Is there any legal action that can be taken against these people to stop them?
 

Here is another name to add to the list..Betty Locke {bet-loc001@yahoo.com}
'She' uses the same language that Sheree Rensel posted earlier.
I felt this was bogus from the sencond email and allowed the creep to continue to send posts. Last night's supplied a FedEx tracking number which I checked out by using FedEx tracking sytem directly. The track indicates that there is a priority envelope due at 10:30am today. Gives you the feeling that this is legit.
 

Ok, I fell for this scam to the point of depositing the check in my account. (I'm kinda broke right now!) But when they wanted me to western union the extra money for the movers the very next day, it didn't feel right. I had googled the name Kat Locke throughout the whole transaction and found nothing, but when I googled her 'moving company' express movers, I found out the pathetic scam. I'm worried now that these people have my address. Has anyone ever heard of these guys actually picking up the artwork? I don't want to be found dead in the gutter over a couple paintings...
 

Help.

I got taken by this scammer and sent the money.

I'm filing a fraud report with Western Union and with the FBI. Is there any way of recovering my money?

Thank you,

Best,

Angela Hunt
angela.n.hunt@gmail.com
 

First time i visited this blog and will read some more on this site, really good idea by the way!

I seriously cannot believe that this type of scam is going on it is so unethical!

Just a thought but perhaps you shouldnt give specifics about how this scam is carried out as it may give more scammers the idea? but then guess its a catch 22...

Good stuff
David Price
Canvas Art Land - The Home of Good Canvas and contemporary art
 

Thanks for this!
About four years ago I received my first "scam check"-- sending me extra money for a painting-that I then had to give the movers. I didn't do anything with it. Just contacted the "buyer" and asked where they wanted me to return their check to. Never heard back again and I let it go.
This summer, I was sent a "good check"-- it had been written out from someone's social security check. I assume some elderly person got scammed and now it was being sort of laundered and padded (via the movers story) through me. I contacted my local police. They asked for all emails and the check. The police seemed intrested and were helpful giving me advice on how to protect myself from fraud etc. Seems internet scams and frauds are being taken seriously.
 

I received a similar email for a painting worth about $400. a Linda Macon who was "convalescing in London" sent through her husband a check for 2,200$ and disregarded any attempts on my part to correct the sum. That's when I became suspicious as she instructed to use Western Union to forward the "excess".

These are the addresses "she" gave and "her" email.

lindas_maicon@yahoo.com
2451,Dunlop Circle,Trenton ,New Jersey

> Nelson Mandela Resolt,
> Railway Housing Ave,
> BLK 25,15,
> Joannesburg,
> 405LA,South Africa.
 

I was in a Yahoo chat room last night and was contacted by a Nigerian fraudster that was trying to recruit me for "employment". I know all about the Nigerian scammers, as I am a member/volunteer on www.fraudwatchers.org.
This is how the very short "chat" went:

millersartrecruitment2009: HI
richard_xxxx4: yes?
richard_xxxx4: what do u want
millersartrecruitment2009: AM HERE FOR BUSINESS
richard_xxxx4: what it is
richard_xxxx4: well, tell me
millersartrecruitment2009: FIRST OF ALL WATS UR NAME AND WHERE ARE U FROM
richard_xxxx4: bye
millersartrecruitment2009: WHY?
richard_xxxx4: tell me what your business is
millersartrecruitment2009: OKAY
millersartrecruitment2009: AM MILLERS MORGAN BY NAME
millersartrecruitment2009: AND AM FROM UINTED KINGDOM
millersartrecruitment2009: I WORK IN A FABRICS COMPANY IN UK
millersartrecruitment2009: AND WE SUPPLIER OUR COSTOMERS OUR GOODS IN US
richard_xxxx4: why are you (((SHOUTING))) at me
richard_xxxx4: YOU ARE VERY RUDE!!!!!!!
richard_xxxx4: bye
millersartrecruitment2009: no
millersartrecruitment2009: am not shouting at you
millersartrecruitment2009: so we need someone that can help us receive payment from our clients in us
richard_xxxx4: ok. now tell me about your business
millersartrecruitment2009: okay
richard_xxxx4: tell me what this is all about ... from the beginning, please
millersartrecruitment2009: we need someone in usa that can help us receive payment from our client in us
millersartrecruitment2009: in USA
millersartrecruitment2009: and anypayment u receive %10 will be urs
millersartrecruitment2009: here is our website www.millers-art.co.uk
millersartrecruitment2009: hello
BUZZ!!!
millersartrecruitment2009: r u there?
BUZZ!!!
BUZZ!!!
BUZZ!!!
BUZZ!!!
-----------------------------------
As you can see, he got his "scam" slightly mixed up with a fabric company, that is also a very common scam technique used by them.
 

I am being scamed right now by Janet Vida - jan.vida01@yahoo.com
so she is still active
" I will like to buy some of these creative artworks "
the sane talk as tina_brown100@yahoo.co.uk
 

Bettt locke: bet_loco1@yahoo.com
Scammer!
She has sent two emails with interest to buy art. Her 2nd email was signed Janet.
I looked her up and found this.
Her email was identical to many of the others from this site.
Just wanted to give a heads up.
 

January, 2009
Received emails through my web-sites email contact on purchasing art work. Here is the contact the woman used. The scam using this alias is still going on.

Janet Vida
jan.vida01@yahoo.com

2451,Dunlop Circle,Trenton ,New Jersey

Nelson Mandela Resolt,
Railway Housing Ave,
BLK 25,15,
Joannesburg,
405LA,South Africa.
 

Had the same email scam from a Janet Locke.
 

now its ja.vid01@yahoo.com or firstatlantic.shipper@yahoo.com for Janet Vida or Jeff Roane or First Atlantic Shippers or David James at 23 Adebayo Street, Off Oceanview Park Lagos, Nigeria or Victoria Hedges at 48 Caledonian Road, King's Cross London D47BT - they are all SCAMMERS!!!!

KARMA...
 

We don't want to believe that everyone from South Africa is a scam artist, but just keep your wits about you. The only people who profit on scams are the ones who are scamming. At work, I often get the solicitations that start off with a request for catalog, pricing, and web site. I might add that my company web site is part of my email address, like it is with most business emails - thus it's clear that I've received a mass solicitation or a bona fide message from an imbecile. Either way, I'm not taking the bait.
 

I just got an email from a Janet Vida looking to buy 2 of my pieces. After she came back with this long story about a wedding and a traveling husband, and moving from one location to another. And, all being in a rush to get the transaction in progress. I knew it sounded fishy. So I told her that I would do business with her as soon as I received a check in American dollars, and the check clears, I would ship to wherever. So far I have not heard back. Obviously, after reading about them on your blog, she is a fraud. I feel so violated, and hurt.
 

Also got an email from jan.vida01@yahoo.com with this exact same fictional story-London wedding, husband travelling, SA move, etc. You'd think they would at least come up with something different. I can just picture a few scum sitting in a room dreaming up these scams...
 

I am another would-be sucker who also got an email from Janet Vida. Same mo, same story: wedding in London, moving to Joberg, SA, etc. Also added in that she's expecting a baby (did she use that one on you?!) My husband, on a suspicious hunch, googled her and found this website. Luckily I haven't yet received any bogus check, so it ends here!! She had better not @#$% contact me again!!
 

I am another one receiving email from Janet Roane...I received an bogus enormous check today and am taking it to my bank with all the emails....not sure if the Attorney General can do anything or not, but it would be nice to stop them.
 

I think this was a scam email
'Hello to you out there. I am so excited...interested in purchasing some creative artworks...let me know their variuos prices and how much discounts are you going to give?....hanged in our new home in South Africa. As well I want yyou to take out the shipping cost. I have been in touch with a shipping firm..
it was from Mr Raymond
 

Looks like Nicole Ruane is now going by Nicole Danes. Thank you for the heads up!

Here is our contact address:

Nelson Mandela Resolt,
Railway Housing Ave,
BLK 25,15,
Joannesburg,
405LA,South Africa.

I'm playing along to see what happens!
 

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.....................

bach","blueprint for success,swerm at work and Mod Podge"

Let me know their various prices.and how much discounts are you going to give?I will be happy to have these selected artworks hanged 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 Dallas 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,
Nicole Danes


"Nicole Danes" nicodanes@live.com
 

I got a similar message from Nicole Danes nicodanes@live.com of South Africa.
 

From: nicodanes@live.com
the above email address is another scam artist: Nicole Danes. According to Google, this is the name of some fictional person on TV .
I just got this today and could tell it was a scam from the spelling mistakes .
Sigh, sorry to hear of people being taken in...

SM
Boston
 

Using Pay Pal will eliminate this practice of sending bogus checks. It has saved me several times
 

These have been around for years, and there is an easy solution.

Anytime something like this is found in your email inbox-delete it and move on.

I have a set up where I send a notarized document with the agreement spelled out completely. Payment is due PRIOR to any work sent out via Fed-Ex or UPS; price of shipping included.

People that fall for this, I'm sorry to say, really needs a reality check.

Dar
 

Hello to downunder:
Here are some news for your list of Art Scrammers. We had earlier this year an attack from Dubai with a cheque higher than agreed. But we've been smart enough as not to send the money. Now we received the following e-mail. The most funny thing is that this scrammer is not even interested in paintings itselve.
Please note that also galleries are target of scrammers.
From Munich with best regards

His address for your list:

davidmal113@yahoo.com (alias name: David Malone)

Hello,

I was just looking through an art web site and came across your Gallery. Hope you are good today ? My client is presently converting his Home to a guest house for Commercial purpose and would like to have some of your Renown works in the Guest House.

I tried to search for your detailed website so I can select some art works but could not get any web page that would assist me.
Firstly Kindly make a selection of some of your works two frammed painting of about 90 x 120 cm or more which will be at the reception in the Apartment, so We can discuss and make payment.

Perhaps we can buy more works for each room.

Hope you accept credit card as means of payment?

Thanks and have a great day as I look forward to hear from you.

David Malone.
 

I wish I hadn't deleted the information from my e-mail, otherwise I would have another to add to your list. I'd managed to almost get scammed on my first attempt to sell my work online. Nearly cost me $2500.
 

Please be careful posting this information - the scammers are now using the names of real artists, and their reputations are being hurt.
 

I had the same scanners, the same emails, the same lies with different names. when i got the check with extra money and I realized something was wrong and It was a scam. I advised to the bank for the false deposit and they said me that this happens everyday. i did not paid anything but they called me twice. Now they have my address and number... I will denounce to the police.

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....................

Let me know their various prices.and how much discounts are you going to give?I will
be happy to have these selected artworks hanged 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 Dallas 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,
Caroline Lewis
------
Thanks for your response to my inquiry regarding your creative works of art,I`ll
love to proceed with the purchase of the artworks.And as I stated earlier from my
first email to you,I`ll be handling shippings and handlings myself.

Therefore, I`ll want you to get back to me with your physical mailing address so
that my hubby who has been shuttling between Jo-burg and our Dallas Home since he
resumed as the Head IT section for the organisation he works in Jo-burg,SA will make
out the payment to you as soon as possible.

Regarding shipping,I`ll forward your contact information to the shipping company
contracted to handle all our house decoratives and other house wares to get in touch
with you and make shipping plans with you.They can arrange for FedEx pick-up right
from your studio/residence.They are also been charged to handle insurance and other
logistics involved with the shipments.


I`ll look forward to hearing back from so I`ll know how best we can proceed.


Sincerely,
Marge Westerman

PS:Sorry about the name to which the first email was signed,my twin sister wrote the
message on my behalf hence while it was signed Caroline Lewis

Here is our address in Johannesburg:

Nelson Mandela Resolt,
Railway Housing Ave,
BLK 25,15,
Joannesburg,
405LA,South Africa
--------

Good day,I have received a communication from Mrs.Marge Westerman that we should
work with you to ship some artworks from you to her new house in Johannesburg,
South Africa when you two are through with the transaction, as she advises.


I will like you to give me the kind and nature of the things she wants to ship so as
to send in my charges to her. I will like to have your studio address as well, so I
can make arrangement with any nearby FedEx Agent that will be coming for the pick up
once you and Mrs.Westerman are through with the transactions.


Thanks. I will appreciate your earlier reply.


Yours,
Mr.Steve Edwards
For:Boundless Shipping And Logistics Services Ltd
 

Another name to add to the list. . .
Janet Gillian
(jann.gill001@gmail.com)

Seems like the same scenario--I googled the movers when I got the message from them, and found this blog. Never got the check.
 

I now have the check, from Lowes, issued by Wachovia.

Does anyone have advice on how to find the right people to contact?

THanks!
Sarah
 

Sarah, personally I would just throw it away and be thankful that you didnt get ripped off.

Good luck if you choose any other path though as you may need it.
 

Merci pour ce blog qui me permet d'être méfiante avec un "acheteur" potentiel...
J'ai traduit son mail et je l'ai trouvé trés... directif dans sa façon de faire alors que les personnes étrangères posent souvent la question "comment vous payer ?", là, c'est directement, je vous paye de telle et telle façon et nous procéderons comme ça, sans liberté pour l'artiste. Aussi, j'en déduis qu'il s'agit d'une arnaque et vos commentaires me le confirment...
Bonne chance à tous les artistes du monde,
Tatieva

"""E-mail : michael_evra@yahoo.com

Am so excited that I came across your work on internet search,I am interested in
purchasing some creative artworks from you kindly let me know their various prices.and
how much discounts are you going to give? I will be happy to have these selected artworks
hanged in my new home in Australia. As well, I want you to take out the shipping cost.I will
be in touch with a shipping firm that will be shipping the works to my house to decorative,
We are traveling from our home to our new apartment as soon as possible.On Paying for the
artworks,I will be glad to pay you with Bank draft in Euro fund if that can be easily to
cashed at your local bank,please let me know on how to proceed, Have a wonderful day.
Take Care,
Michael"""
 

I've also been a target for these spammers. Here is the 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....................


Sous-bois,Varennes,Monhegan Island 4 and Le vent des îles


Let me know their various prices.and how much discounts are you going to give?I will be happy to have these selected artworks hanged 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 Dallas 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,
Laura Martins
l.martins@live.com
 

Here is the e-mail I received. When I Googled the name nothing came up. It wasn't until I Googled the shipper's name (Boundless Shipping and Logistics Svcs.) that the first four entries read "art scam."



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....................

"Addison's Walk", "Omelette", "Kentucky Memory" and "Blues and Roses"


Let me know their various prices.and how much discounts are you going to give?I will be happy to have these selected artworks hanged 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 Dallas 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,
Laura Martins
 

Janet gillian has contacted me. Her "twin" sister had a wedding in London, she is having a baby and "almost" miscarried! Husband taking an IT job in SA, and they currently live in NJ. UPS has the "check" being delivered Monday. I am going to the police and saved all the emails.
 

Hmmmm.....Are people so desperate for attention that they allow their common sense to vaporize for the chance of a sale. Taking a business course may help many an artist. But in all seriousness...when ever it concerns money we should stand back and survey the reality and ethics of what is the worst that can happen and then try to talk to someone else.
Even the most intelligent and smartest can get scammed. It is the street smarts in all of us and when dealing with money...no one is our friend...it is just business. We make a product that has value only when it is sold...that is the reality of our world.
So be careful out there...and let the little birdies fly away...to make room for new ones to roost.
 

Here are some more names to add to the list of scammers:

Valenetine wolly new as of 8/18/09
(val.woll01@gmail.com)
Janet Gillian -
(jann.gill001@gmail.com)
"her" husband Jeff
Jeff Moll - name on check
James Carter for Expressmover aka
Jeff Carter
(aexpressmover@yahoo.com)
Francis Morgan - chief accountant
at Expressmover to receive wire
transfer
 

hahaha .... this is too funny. Where do they find these stories? Book of scamming 101 -"scamming Templates" chapter?
 

May as well add Betty Moore bet.moo01@gmail.com to the list.

Thanks for doing this.
 

Betty Moore
bet.moo01@gmail.com
 

I very much appreciate this list. I received an inquiry this morning from someone on your list and now I know why. I should say, however, that artists have to watch their galleries too. I once was in the stable of a very popular gallery that didn't inform me when they sold works. When I called to say I wanted to move a piece to another gallery, I was told the piece was "out on loan", then that it had been sold but they didn't have the money yet because it would come from MasterCard (?!), and eventually they cut me a rubber check. I took it to THEIR bank, not mine, until it cleared. But Internet sales -- do Paypal and save yourself heartache.
 

Just got an e-mail from
Valentine Wolly,
Who is an actual artist. My google search looked good until page three, when your blog came up with her name.
Here's the e-mail.

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


Steppin’ Out and Marsh II

I will appreciate an urgent reply.

Best Regards,
Valentine.

Thanks for this site, it quickly confirmed my suspicions.
Jeannette
 

Valentine Wolly strikes again. NJ lady, IT husband, the whole bit. Thanks to BgArt News Blog and google for saving my time (though my ego is a bit deflated...)
 

Valentine Wolly just tried to scam me here in Little Rock, AR...Very same MO....almost identical wording...will report to the Arkansas Artist Registry....thanks for your list of Artist Scammers.
Gretchen Jarman
 

I just got request for art for Cecile's new apartment in South Africa and it looked a little strange to me. I am glad that I googled the phrases and ended up on this site. Great work!! Artists beware of emails from
Cecile Bakermans scercilebakermans2009@gmail.com
 

Hello Artist.
I am so excited that I came across your work on internet search,I am interested in purchasing some creative artworks
from you let me know their various prices.and how much discounts are you going to give? I will be happy to have these selected artworks hanged in our new home in united kingdom. 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 decorative, We are traveling from our home to our new apartment as soon as possible.On Paying for the artworks,I will be glad to pay you with Bank draft in Euro fund if that can be easily to cashed at your local bank,please let me know on how to proceed, Have a wonderful day. Take Care,
Jerry........

Same form of e-mail!!
privatetrade30@yahoo.com
 

The same guy as the one who posted above me A guy called Jerry with the email, privatetrade30@yahoo.com I told him to annoy someone else.
 

Great blog. I got someone using Valentine Wolly's name, as well.

Same lazy stories about the twin sister's wedding, the near-miscarriage, and the big move to Jo'burg, SA.

I wouldn't be too surprised if MY name starts appearing in similar scams, now... Although I've got a man's name, so maybe I don't fit into the tired old stories they use?

Be sure not to lambaste the names they use -- just be aware of the tactics.

Great blog -- my bullshit meter was on "auto" with all my e.mails to this person, and when the "shipper" used the same peculiarities of speech as the prospective "buyer", my alarms went off. I checked the address of the shipping company, and this is what I found:

http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/directory/1153/22805.php

:P
 

Hi Everyone:

I'm in NYC and I too have received the whole email story bit from Valentine Wolly. I feel like an idiot, mostly b/c she now has my cell number and address.

what should i do.
signed,
naive artist
 

Thank you for this list. I found a fraudster too. Also thank everyone for the helpful comments. I'm glad I googled his name.

Original mail:
JERRY privatetrade30@yahoo.com

Hello Artist.
I am so excited that I came across your work on internet search,I am interested in purchasing some creative artworks
from you let me know their various prices.and how much discounts are you going to give? I will be happy to have these selected artworks hanged in our new home in united kingdom. 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 decorative, We are traveling from our home to our new apartment as soon as possible.On Paying for the artworks,I will be glad to pay you with Bank draft in euro fund if that can be easily to cashed at your local bank,please let me know on how to proceed, Have a wonderful day. Take Care,
JERRY........

N:B...(Personal website needed)
 

Another one from Valentine Wolly! Exact same emails: "in London, pregnant, almost miscarried...blah, blah, blah"

Never felt right to me! I kept google-ing the name with nothing suspicious until tonight! Thank You!

and everyone needs to remember to pay attention to their gut!
 

We got the same e-mail from someone using the name: Melody Moore mel.mo010@gmail.com
 

another one for valentine wolly here. She contacted both me and my wife separately about our works, for some reason she only followed up with my wife. Went as far as getting the check from her, but we did not deposit it. The whole thing was fishy from start to end so we were being extra cautious.
Same MO as listed here.
Thanks
 

Hello,


I was just looking through an art web site and came across your Gallery. Hope you are good today? My client is presently converting his Home to a guest house for Commercial purpose and would like to have some of your Renowned works in the Guest House.

I tried to search for your detailed website so I can select some art works but could not get any web page that would assist me.
Firstly Kindly make a selection of some of your works two framed painting of about 90 x 120 cm or more which will be at the reception in the Apartment, so We can discuss and make payment.

Perhaps we can buy more works for each room.

Hope you accept credit card as means of payment?

Thanks and have a great day as I look forward to hear from you.



Westly Bruce

wbruce115@yahoo.com
 

Thanks for this helpful website! I got this mail today from "Jerry Morgan" with the same text (how unimaginative!) :

jerry morgan [privatetrade30@yahoo.com]

Hello Artist.
I am so excited that I came across your work on internet search,I am interested in purchasing some creative artworks from you let me know their various prices.and how much discounts are you going to give? I will be happy to have these selected artworks hanged in our new home in united kingdom. 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 decorative, We are traveling from our home to our new apartment as soon as possible.On Paying for the artworks,I will be glad to pay you with check in euro fund if that can be easily to cashed at your local bank,please let me know on how to proceed, Have a wonderful day. Take Care,

JERRY....
 

HA! That Westly Bruce clown just tried to pull my chain. He also uses :wbruce116@yahoo.com. I got the same exact email.
 

you can add "Janet Moore" to this list:

jan.mo010@googlemail.com
 

Kudos:

jan.clark010@googlemail.com
--
Hi,


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


[Redacted titles]



I will appreciate an urgent reply.

Best Regards,
Janet.
 

I'm really glad i'm skeptical by nature. Here's the info on the woman who contacted me. thanks for the website.

"Monica Earley" earleymon@yahoo.com

Nelson Mandela Resolt,
Railway Housing Ave,
BLK 25,15,
Joannesburg,
405LA,South Africa.

16240 Preston Road Dallas, Tx. 75252
(206-600-7831)

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......................
Let me know their various prices.and how much discounts are you going to give?I will be happy to have these selected artworks hanged 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 Dallas 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,
Monica Earley
 

You can add Janet Moore to your list:

jan.moo010@googlemail.com

Twin sister marries in London, near miscarriage. Dolphin movers handling move from

269 Park Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071

to


BLK 30AB10
Nelson Mandela Way
Joannesburg
807LA, South Africa

mover is:

James Carter
dolphinsmovers1@yahoo.com

Don't be taken. Thank goodness for a vigilant lawyer husband. Paypal for me from here on out.
 

Hello,

I am searching for artworks/web site and came across your gallery. I am presently converting my home to a guest house for commercial purpose and would like to have some art works in the reception and rooms of the guest house. The work would be unmounted (unframed) so it will be rolled and shipped in a tube. Preferable oil / water painting / prints of photography, landscape or anything to portray hospitality. Also aboriginal arts are OK.

Kindly make a selection of some of your works viz 2 works which will be at the reception of the guest house and 10 works for the rooms in the house which has a cream colour background.

IMPORTANT: I am hoping to work on a budget of 4,000 Pounds for the 12 works excluding its shipping so you will have to select works which the available funds can get. Again, hope you accept credit card as means of payment so we can discuss further and make payment? Thanks and have a great day as I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards
James Howard
66 Montana Gardens,
London. SE26 5BG.

from: howlink_22@msn.com
 

I got this last week

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.....................

Training Day,Morning Ride,Lunch in Portland,regon,Cannon Beach Oregon and Rye Patch Aiken, SC


Let me know their various prices.and how much discounts are you going to give?I will be happy to have these selected artworks hanged 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 Dallas 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,
Monica Earley


earleym@live.com

thanks for the blog-it helped
 

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.....................

"Untitled (Christmas in Iowa), 2006, c-print,RED ROSES,CHERRY BLOSSOMS,VENICE, 1999,IOWA SPRING and SAND SHOW


Let me know their various prices.and how much discounts are you going to give?I will be happy to have these selected artworks hanged 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 Dallas 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,
Monica Earley

received today from earleym@live.com

have also gotten the tina brown one in the past.
 

I got the Poor Me, Almost Miscarried a couple months ago. They were going to pick up the big expensive painting until I said it was in storage and they would have to pay to remove it.
 

I got a scam letter from "Monica Earley"... looks like scammers like to use the same email... thanks for the help from this site!

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.....................

Liberty Bridge,Paris Mountain,Red Landscape,Bauharoun's and Main Street

Let me know their various prices.and how much discounts are you going to give?I will be happy to have these selected artworks hanged 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 Dallas 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,
Monica Earley
 

Thank you for your site. These are the names that came up immediately . David James and James Carter, both with Dolphin Movers in London. the initial contact with the pregnant in London at the twin sisters wedding, moving to Jo'burg as she/he put it.

I have been suspicious all along due to poor English, too much familiarity, need for husband to make financial arrangements. Women are perfectly capable of giving you a credit card # or paying with Pay Pal etc.

Anyone who can afford the art wants to protect themselves as well and will use typical secure means and not convuluted payment arrangements.

These posts are very useful. It is important that people recognize scams right away.

Also, the initial contact name was Mary Lee. (lee.mar010@gmail.com) That should be listed as well.

Thank you so much.

Deborah
 

New scam




From: mellisageorge@sify.com [mailto:mellisageorge@sify.com]
Sent: Friday, December 18, 2009 10:53 AM
To: HorizonFineArt@wyoming.com
Subject: Contact Us Generated from Website

Mellisa George

mellisageorge@sify.com



Comments:Good day over there,I saw some of your items and i will like to order them i will like to make payment with my credit card VISA OR MASTER,And get back to me with your WEBSITE,I will be waiting for your sweet reply.You can e-mail me this : mellisageorge@sify.com Mellisa George.

Art Preference:paintings

Contact me VIA: Email
 

I'm so glad I found this post, I knew something was fishy when I received these emails, and as soon as I googled these addresses your post came up.

Here is another name and email to watch out for, it's the same story about having a twin sister's wedding in London, almost having a miscarriage, and her husband relocating to Johannesburg, South Africa, using David James from Dolphin Movers.

Betty Davis
bet.dav010@gmail.com

Here is the recent email she sent me:

"Hope this message finds you well. Thanks so much for your concern and patient regarding the whole transaction. It has been a very difficult time with alot of things on the plate.

Anyway , i will like to inform you that the payment was sent to you by one of my husband's associate on tuesday via USPS and he was advise that you will receive it between today and monday so try and be on the look out for it.

I will also call you later today for more details .


Meanwhile,i will like you to have our both addresses ,you can add it in your mailing list. I will like to hear about your future works and art shows. Our address in the states is...

269 Park Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071

While our new address in SA is....

BLK 30AB10,
Nelson Mandela Way,
Joannesburg,
807LA,South Africa.

Try and acknowledge this email so i can be sure we are on the same page. Cheers."
 

Another name of a scammer is
Rose Cole.
This is an e-mail I've recived recently:
I am so excited that I came across your artworks on internet search,I am interested in purchasing the following works from you (...) from you.

Let me know if the artwork is still available and how much discounts you are willing to give?I will await your advise on how to proceed.Have a wonderful day.
Regards
Rose.

and later:
Sorry for the late reply,we have been busy with our movement to our new home.Well,i will be happy to proceed with the payment of the artwork.I will love to know prices when framed and unframed.Please advise.Regarding the shipment,i will inform our shipping agent that is moving our other home decors to get in contact with you via the shipping arrangement today.

Furthermore,do you do commission works?i will love to have a lovely work for my coming baby.Get back to me with your mailing address and your phone number so that i will be able to make an arrangement for the payment as soon as possible.I will await your quick response.
Regards,
Rose.

And than:
Dear Sir/Ma,
We have been contacted my Mrs Rose Cole to help
ship some of her items with her other house decors to her new
home.Kindly let us know the sizes,weight and name of the item we will
be moving from your place.

Sir/Ma,we will like you to get back to us the location of where we
will be picking up the item as soon as you have Mrs Cole's payment
with you.We will await your quick response.
Fred Anderson for Paramount Movers.

So be careful!
 

Sounds like the mystery miscarriage lady strikes again. She was Valentine Wolley or something like that last time around. I agreed to everything she suggested, then told her the *creative* art was in storage at the university and her appointed trucking company would have to pay then and there to remove it. That was it. Don't you just love her accented style of English, considering she claims New Jersey as her home. I think her destination is a lot closer to home.
 

I was actually sent a check for $6,000 from the miscarriage lady. I know it's a phony, so I wasn't surprised. I called the bank , which is real and the company that it is supposedly written from. They also are real, I think, but I may follow up with the bank checking out the company to see if they are connected with the scam or not. It's so stupid, but Maybe when people receive a check they get excited and fall into the trap?
 

So...if I really did find an artwork online that I wanted to buy from the artist, what is the preferred way to go about it? Is there a safe way whereby we both can feel confident that we aren't going to be ripped off? Short of meeting in person and exchanging cash for art, that is.

Great Blog BTW. You have probably saved starving artists millions of dollars by now.
 

I just got an email from one of the scammers listed.

I could tell it wasn't a serious buyer because he asked for a price list of my art instead of asking about specific ones (all my prices are listed on my website) and his english was very poorly written although he had a very American sounding name.
 

The e-mail address for "Brandon Clem", the scammer is: brandonclem01@gmail.com.
 

It is a great idea to publish scammers..however
The major issue we have found is some galleries withholding payments to artists to fund their own life styles
We are currently owed many thousands from one Queensland gallery and after many months of emails, visits, calls and texts...most unanswered, ignoring our demands for payment... we started to email other artists that were being represented by the gallery...within hours the gallery emailed us asking to stop emailing the other artists and promising to start paying...
This gallery has 2 galleries in Queensland and I wonder if other artists are owed money by them???
Best wishes to all artists..
Brent & Shirley
NakedArt sculptures from live models
www.foreveryoung.co.nz