Post date: Nov 15, 2011 6:12:06 PM
The following is a copy and paste of an internet scam pitch sent to my website's email address with subject line "Bickham Dickson Park #1" (one of my Plein Air Landscapes). The broken English and poor grammer certainly triggered my alarm bells. It is apparently, a common "cut and paste" technique, and can be found elsewhere on the web by cutting segments and googling them.
Good day,
My name is David osborne, I'm from California and i hope this message finds you well.I was going through your works and my eyes caught this particular work, i will like to have it for my new apartment this month.please let me know if the piece is available, if yes let me have the detailed price and more information about it. i will be waiting to read from you.
Regards.
David.
I replied noting the price of the peice and it's availability (without giving further contact information), and got the confused and amusing followup below.
Hello,
Thanks for your prompt reply.I really appreciate your detailed breakdown and frankness on this.
Unfortunately, Im on my way to France on an official trip(I'm a marketing Executive) and wont be back for another two weeks, I would have come to inspect the piece personally. Im taking your word for true on It though.
Im okay with the price, I think it worth it anyway. If you'd like to know, Im relocating to the South Africa soon and I'm trying to gather some good stuff for my new abode. Im buying yours amongst others,quickly! before someone else grabs it.So, I'll arrange to send you payment ASAP.
However, I'll have to notify my shipper who's helping me move my stuff from the US,to get set for the pickup of the piece from your place as I MIGHT be delayed in India depending on how things goes.
Thanks,
PS: In the mean time, kindly get back to me with your contact address and also your phone# so I can get a check prepared and have it sent out to you ASAP.
At this point I did not respond further. It is my understanding that the "scam" is for them to send a check which will seem to clear, but payment will be cancelled afterall. The sender's email address was davidosborne03@gmail.com
Keep your eyes open, friends...