BEWARE OF EMAIL SCAMMERS OF ARTISTS!!!

This past week I have received two emails, apparently from overseas, with interest in purchasing from my website. Red flags have been flying and I've been skeptical from the beginning about the legitimacy of this inquiry. This morning I received a call from another artist, Deborah Carlson, who also received the same two emails, verbatim, except using her name and items from her website.

Here are the texts of the emails so that if you've also received one of these, you may compare them.

>>Hello,
I am Veronica smith, an American but presently reside in Australia for some reasons.I will like to place an order for some items from you, but I will like to know what you have available in stock .Let me have your website address so I can review the products you have presently in stock at the moment and if there is any special pricing I need to know about. Lastly regarding payment I will be sending you my credit card for the full payment charges for my order .In order to avoid any form of delays can you let me know the type of credit cards you accept? I hope to hear from you as soon as possible so we can proceed with the Order.
Thanks with Regards.
Veronica.<<

>>Hello Ginny,

Sorry for the delay in my response, Here is my order :

AI 45-809
26" x 32" Claybord Panel
QTY:1

AB 48-809
11" x 14" Claybord Panel
QTY:1

Please get back to me with the total cost for this order so that i can make my payment via my USA issued credit card.like i stated in my previous message I am an American but I reside and work here in Australia and I want these products here.
Do not worry about the shipping , I will make arrangement for the pick up of these items from your place thru my shipping agency.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW THE GRAND TOTAL WEIGHT OF THESE ITEMS FOR SHIPPING REASON.
Veronica.<<

Both Deborah and I, in our reply to the first email asked, "You need to be more specific about what you are looking for before I can tell you what is available. What kinds of items or products are you looking for? How do you know that I have goods for sale?"

Know we all need sales, right now, but mistaking these emails for legitimate buyers can only cause more stress and loss, which we DON'T NEED.

Replies

S. Michelle Babcock March 24, 2010 at 12:03pm

I'm surprised how many Babcock's have flown into mountains in Africa and left a fortune behind. Grins.

William S. Eickhorst said:
Michelle is right on the money - most of these email scams originate from other countries and their use of the English language is a dead give away! I get these all the time and as soon as I get them I hit delete. I have already "won" several billion dollars on email lotteries - funny, but before email, I never won anything. :-( Why is it that if I won 500,000 English Pounds, that I am contacted via email rather than by registered mail or by phone?
Garden Deva Sculpture March 22, 2010 at 8:25pm

We get these all the time!!
S. Michelle Babcock March 12, 2010 at 9:36pm

I got on of those last week. A big clue is their English.I just delete.
Alison Thomas March 12, 2010 at 12:12pm

I got this one too. I don't pursue any overseas sales or even answer the emails.
Linnea Lahlum March 12, 2010 at 11:31am

This is an old, old scam. They must be trolling websites and sending out blanket e-mails hoping for a hit.

This reply was deleted.