Why do scammers prey on artists? Are artists an easy target? Does ego, flattery and desperation come into play? Are artist so eager to sell their work they are susceptible to these scams?
The typical art scam comes out of the blue, claims want to purchase your work (often sight unseen) and they want it fast. The catch is they want to have it shipped using their own shipper.
HOW THE ART SCAM WORKS – The way it works is the scammer sends you a bogus bank check for an amount way over the agreed upon amount. Then they say they made a mistake and ask you to return a few hundred dollars of shipping costs. The scammer is betting that you will send them money before the check they sent bounces like a rubber ball.
Art scammer Flouton (Flouton roger jerome” rogerjerome81@gmail.com) sent me this email today:
“I am interested in your artwork,i will prefer any original works that are available,I will want any attachment of your recent or available art work so can choose one best work for me and i will need it along with there prices
Will await your message and if you can provide me with your website i will be glad.
thanks Flouton
Stringing him along in his own broken English:
“Yes, Flouton will you provide your list of preferred sizes and
subject matter. Perhaps will you send list of rooms you are
decorating. Will you accept limited edition print? “
“Thanks for replying back and happy new year.,I have view your website,i found this work interesting(Bark Blocks),How much are you asking for it and is it available?Will you accept bank check?,,I wish to have this work ASAP.
please write me back asap.
Thanks”
BTW – I don’t have anything called “Bark Blocks”.
“We just finished up a successful holiday season so supplies are limited. I do have one copy left of the attached. Will you accept?
The piece is called “Dead Body Found In Drainage Ditch” 30×40 inch printed on canvas. Limited edition of 25. This last one is number 18/25.
The price is $1,250. Signed and numbered with artist embossed stamp.
Let me know if you will accept. It is a large canvas print so shipping will be around $350 depending on location.
Provide your shipping address for final shipping cost.”
“Thanks for replying back and happy new year.,I am interested in (“Drainage),How much are you asking for it and is it available?Will you accept bank check?,,I wish to have this work ASAP.
please write me back asap.
Thanks”
and this one:
“thanks for the details,I wish to have this artwork at that price,Could you send me your full name as you want on the check and your mailing information so that I can send out your information for bank check payment instruction asap,The artwork will beautify my new and i am happy you want to sell it to me,You don’t have to worry about shipment,my Mover will handle it. I hope this goes well with you.
please write me back asap.
Thanks Flouton”
Classic scam technique! – The check will arrive with some overage for the shipper and they will ask me to send the difference back ASAP (before the check bounces). The scammer doesn’t care about the artwork, only the few hundred dollars they might get you to refund them.
“This is getting too complicated. I have a van. Why don’t I just
have my driver deliver it to you? I do this all the time.
Let me know where it is going and I can give you a shipping
estimate. “
Hello? Hello? I never heard back from “Flouton” again.