Is this a scam?

Jean Kelly · 05-05-2005, 12:09 AM

I've been reading this thread with interest and was worried about you too. I'm so glad you posted here and everyone caught the scam before you got stung. I'm disappointed for you also, and wish you a real sale to make up for this bull!

Jean

Richard Monro · 05-05-2005, 06:00 PM

To protect from scams like this, I would recommend using wire transfers under the following conditions:

1 - set up a bank account with the minimum deposit needed to keep the account open. This will be used only for your wire funds receipt account.

2 - If possible have restrictions put on the account that no wire transfers out of the account are to be permitted. This is an additional safety step as you will have to provide this account number to the sending party. If they are crooks, this will keep them from doing a reverse transfer.

3 - As soon as the money is received, remove it from the account and put in your normal bank account. Leave only the minimum deposit in the wire mail account

Patt Legg · 05-06-2005, 09:14 PM

Richard and Heidi,

I appreciate all that you have said. Richard, I had already checked with my bank and they gave me the same advice that you gave here. Very good idea.

Heidi, everything you said rang a bell with me. That, I suppose, was the basic reason that I wrote here on the Forum. I felt Red flags up immediately but then I was told that I was too timid and skeptical old sad thing of "maybe they are right, maybe it IS ok?"

Well, my gut told me it was not right. I have written one last email telling them that they should wire me and for them to let me know and I will give information. Thus far-------I have heard nothing. Just as I had thought.

Thanks to you all for all of the support and ideas. I really did know not to jump in with both feet and throw "common sense" away but that old " I wish it was so" had definitely crept in.

Heidi Maiers · 05-06-2005, 10:11 PM

Patt, don

Mike McCarty · 05-26-2005, 09:42 AM

The following is another recent example of this type of scam:

The e-mail address was: [email protected]
Titled: ART ORDER

Quote:

Hello ,
I am very happy to visit your web site and i am interested in your
beautiful collection of work you have in your gallery.i want to
purphase one ought of your artwork for the presentation to the board of director of our company for the well done job during the last tenure that will be coming up shortly.some of your
product in your website had already sold or not available .
I want you to get back to me with the price of recent artwork that is
ready for sale and shipping cost of this artwork via Fedex or any
shipping method, to this Address below.
i will be looking forward to hear from you asap,
i want you to get back to me so that the
payment shall commence asap.
The artwork needed is- Morgan
pastel on paper, 15 x 20

Best Regards
Number Number 8 LADIPO ROAD

ISOLO IBADAN

Kenya 23701

Linda Murray

Michele Rushworth · 05-26-2005, 11:13 AM

I get a lot of that kind of email too.

Patt Legg · 05-26-2005, 05:53 PM

Mike and Heidi

You both are absolutely correct. I will say that I absolutely was not sold on it being authentic at all. Deep down , of course, I wanted it to be but my gut told me forget it. I think the hubby was just wishful thinking and was wanting me to test this person ---not send any painting----get the money, yadda, yadda yadda. Personally, I am happy to say that I had to just let them know that "if" there was to be a transaction, then it would be my way. I haven't heard another word.

End of story.

I want to thank all of you for your support in this. It always helps to put it out there and see how others respond about situations. That is why this Forum is so great and other reasons too of course.

A sigh of relief