New Artist Scam

[Jean Kelly]

The ones we get are already quarantined by the server. We can open them without actually getting them into e-mail. I would prefer not getting another one, but my husband thinks they are a riot! He can have a laughing fit for 15 minutes after reading a new version! So if it makes him happy, who am I to complain! I'd like to see you try to hold them to a contract, but figure it would just waste your precious painting time. Keep the brush in your hand and stop surfing until the cash (and I mean "CASH") is in your hand. Sorry to yell there!

Jean

[Cynthia Daniel]

They are getting more sophisticated. Usually improper grammar is a giveaway, but they communicated in a much more sophisticated way than most. Another usual clue is that the obviously have no idea that the artists on this site do portrait commissions. Again, they are getting more clever. However, the UK address is usual and very often it's from a yahoo email address.

I did actually sell a painting to Dubai once! I was not so informed about the scams at the time, so happily it was legit.

[Debra Jones]

No update on the check yet!

I agree, Cynthia. The back and forth I did with my Thai client worked out great! He even paid the extra Paypal charges for a secure payment. But this is nothing like that. The impression of talking to a brick wall is what did it.

I wonder if I should send him a letter from a lawyer to say he needs to start sending the money pretty soon? HA!

dj*

[Cynthia Daniel]

Whoaaa, here's a new one, using the name of a well known and respected artist! Will they never stop? Kirk Richards sent out to his mailing list that this was a scam:

Hello,

I am in a hurry writing you this mail. I traveled to UK wales for an urgent function and i got mugged at a gun point. It was a terrible experience. All cash and credit cards were stolen away from me. I reported to the police they asked me to wait for 2 weeks to carry out investigations. I am totally freaked out here.
Right now, my return flight leaves 24hours from now. I am only telling you this because i do not want you to panic at all. just keep it the way have told you till i return back home.
I am seriously having problems in settling my hotel bills which i have to clear before i can leave the hotel to avoid further embarrassment and to get a taxi down to the airport. Just wondering if you could loan me 1,800Pounds to settle my bills and to get a taxi down to the airport. I promise to pay back when i return back home today.
Please you can help me send the money to my name and my present location because i am only left with my passport to pick up the money.

Name: Stephen Gjertson
Address: Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL28 4EP UK

Do let me know if you will be going to the western union outlet right now to send the money to my name and my present location and please dont forget to get back to me with the transfer details which is the senders information and the MTCN number.

I await your urgent response.
Thanks so much and sorry to bother you.
Stephen Gjertson