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Beware of art-collecting scammers

bamcat.jpgBruce Andrew Mckay (previously) has posted an article describing his encounters with some scam artists disguising themselves as art-collectors, shortly after being posted here on Drawn!. It’s a variation on the Nigerian e-mail scams wherein you are sent a cheque for an amount greater than the actual purchase price of the art for sale:

I provided the total price plus an estimate of my shipping costs (I always allow for insurance and shipping costs in my totals). Several hours later I received a reply approving the price and an enthusiastic green light to proceed with the transaction however I need not worry about shipping because it’s all arranged and paid for. I provided my contact details and waited for the check to arrive. The next week it shows up in a (clue number 3) envelope with no return address. The check itself was for $9900 – $2900 more than the quoted price (clue number four). Receiving a check for a larger price than you expected is the single biggest red flag to look out for. He gave me some double talk about his accounting department screwing up by sending me the extra money meant for his shipping company – BUT – I could straighten the whole mess by sending the $2900 overpayment via Western Union to his shipper.

  • http://www.alidasaxon.com/ Alida

    Oh yes, someone attempted that on me a few months ago. Requested a lot of art, said they were decorating a home in South Africa and were in a hurry too, and wanted to send on a check for the total art costs and shipping. I was to pass the money on to the shipper. I dropped it right there, and I’m always suspicious of money orders especially, since banks will often give you the money quick, but the MO doesn’t *actually* clear (or in this case, bounce) until a few weeks later. After you’ve sent on your own real money.

  • http://www.alidasaxon.com/ Alida

    Oh yes, someone attempted that on me a few months ago. Requested a lot of art, said they were decorating a home in South Africa and were in a hurry too, and wanted to send on a check for the total art costs and shipping. I was to pass the money on to the shipper. I dropped it right there, and I’m always suspicious of money orders especially, since banks will often give you the money quick, but the MO doesn’t *actually* clear (or in this case, bounce) until a few weeks later. After you’ve sent on your own real money.

  • http://www.alidasaxon.com Alida

    Oh yes, someone attempted that on me a few months ago. Requested a lot of art, said they were decorating a home in South Africa and were in a hurry too, and wanted to send on a check for the total art costs and shipping. I was to pass the money on to the shipper. I dropped it right there, and I’m always suspicious of money orders especially, since banks will often give you the money quick, but the MO doesn’t *actually* clear (or in this case, bounce) until a few weeks later. After you’ve sent on your own real money.