Tucker John from NC

I have received emails like the one below many times, yet today, I thought I post one of them, the most recent one. Funny how these people don't even bother to use a spell-checker....

Hi Tucker John from NC.
I'm so sorry she doesn't have her own laptop.
Glad that she enjoys art.
It's not a bad thing. You don't have to confess. And, I'm not a priest. But, thanks.
Which artwork piece are you interested in?
Hello? Do you hear me?
Do you have any question?
What are we even talking about?
Would you like to hear back from me?
Hello?
Do you have a phone number?
Who are you?
Tucker, are you an algorithm? Hello?





It's true! Someone could find my paintings on my website. It's possible that they would like to add them to their collection. And it would be wonderful if they wanted to surprise a loved one. 


Usually, I'm writing a courteous response and direct people to my website where they can choose their favorite piece. 


Here in this case, I chose to not respond at all.


What are the indicators that it's a scam?


1) The name could be the first indication. While it's not John Smith, Tucker John or John Tucker is not the most ingenious creation. (I don't mean to hurt anybody's feelings! If any of you have one of these names, please don't take it personal!)

2) The signature leaves a lot to be desired. No phone number, no contact info, no business name. Just 'Tucker'.

3) The many mistakes.

4) Funny how they always see their wife spot the artwork on their laptop. And then, these women without their own laptop always leave traces .... It's a bit too cheesy, like pulling teeth.... 

5) And they always have a wedding anniversary coming up. It's so classical. So boring!

6) Let me ask you: Are you convinced by the story? Why do they even have to tell a story? They can simply  go to my website (where they found my email address), pick a painting and contact me for pricing. Or ask questions about shipping.

7) There is not one question in this email. 


How this will usually unfold is that the artist writes back, politely, and asks what painting they are interested in. Usually then, these scammers engage you further, never really talking about the art. The emailing goes back and forth, until they agree to purchase a piece, by CHECK. They will overpay, meaning sending too much money with the check and ask for reimbursement of the overpaid amount, with cash.


Of course, the check will bounce. And, if the artist paid a cash amount to the scammer that money will be lost. 


An indicator is, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.


In my case here, nothing sounds too good, it is poorly written, maybe translated by an algorithm into English.


So, Tucker will not hear back from me. 


What can you do when you receive a scam email?


Before replying to any of theses emails, before exchanging art or money, or sending money to someone who you don't even know, use your common sense, ask questions. 


Don't deviate from your usual method of payment; explain politely that you’re not willing to take payment through cashier’s checks or postal money orders, which are more open to this sort of art scam. Often the nature of the art scam will center on the method of payment suggested by the scammer – if you stick to your normal method, something you know to be safe, they may be forced to give up.


NEVER accept over-payments. You’re selling, they’re buying – no money should be leaving your account. Make it your policy not to work this way.

Google the email address, or name, or even a passage of the text. As these scammers send so many art scam emails, their address gets to be known as one associated with the art scam they’re running.


Don’t ship your artwork unless you’re sure the payment has cleared. Any serious art buyer would be happy to wait until the payment has cleared.