Sir SCAMS-alot

I got this wonderful email last month from a Betty Davies saying she wanted to purchase 2 pieces off my website.  She said she's in London right now but moving to Johannesburg.  She wanted to have her shipping/moving company take care of the transport (STRIKE #1).  I didn't hear from her for weeks, which is not a big deal a lot of time sales never go through.  Then she emails me again saying she's been in the hospital but she still wants the work.  Several emails later she said her husband has sent the check via Royal Mail, something about her twin sister helping her... she has some disease.  Usually it's not this convoluted, sales either go through or they don't.


After the check's in the mail I get constant emails from her asking me if I've gotten the check yet.  Most people aren't so eager or worried.  I got said check a week later for almost 3 times the amount due in a fishy envelope without a return address (STRIKE #2).  The post mark was crude... really anyone can buy a UK stamp and Par Avion sticker.  There was a piece of white paper folded with the check that had some ink traces on it.  They could wait for the ink to dry?!  SRLY, stop being so eager guys and go back to Scamming 101.  I give your efforts a -D.


The check was shit-tastic to say the least, with ink rubbing off where it was folded (look at the "B" in Bank).  Real bank checks will never do this.  This was done on your average laser printer.  You can get these blanks at any stationary/office supply store.  There was no watermark or hologram, although I wouldn't trust those either.  It's just more expensive to fake.  This was a real low-budget, bottom feeder, unsophisticated effort.  Also note how the word "Cashier's Check" is crooked and off-center.  I hate to see such low standards, next time reprint the check. 


Seeing the check was STRIKE #3.  I knew it was a scam, but their follow up email to me confirmed my findings.  They wanted me to cash the check and give the moving guy the "leftovers" with was double the amount due.  I hardly call that leftovers.  I had a good laugh... I was going to string them along a bit and try to find out as much as I can, but I'm too busy right now... no time for fun.  I've included some info below of names, contact info and other aliases they've used.  I did some quick digging on the internet.  If I find out more I'll continue to update this post.

I have to say it's really low trying to scam artists.  It's like robbing from an orphanage.  POST AWAY internet posse!  Leave no RAT HOLE unturned!  If you get their emails play with them a bit, let them chase those wild geese.  You're not a victim, this is good free entertainment.   Tell them you didn't get the check and have them send you another one.  See how many checks they'll send you before they figure it out.  Mail them a rock as your art piece.  Send them their own checks in the mail.  Or better yet, stop responding to their emails for a few days and let them sweat it out.  So many tricks, so little time.

DO NOT CASH THE CHECK!  It's a fake and won't go through.  The bank will charge you a fee as well.

These are posts about the same scammers:
http://stopartscams.blogspot.com/2010/06/artist-experience-barbara-santos-scam.html
http://lyndatouart.net/2009/12/artists-beware.html

NAMES THEY USE:
Betty Davies
David James
James Carter
Dolphin Movers
Vonnie Taylor
Jeff Harrison
Susan Davies
Fabrice Simmons

This is their contact infos:
David James dolphinsmovers1@yahoo.com
Betty Davies bet.dav001@mybestmail.com
**look for similar emails with other numberings i.e. bet.dav002@mybestmail.com

Jeff Harrison
7301 6th Ave
Tacoma WA, 98406

James Carter
Dolphins Movers
The atlantic House
48 Caledonian Road, Kings's Cross
London D47 BT
UK
Agent No..206-338-3153

743 Passaic Ave
Clifton, NJ 07012

12 Dennis Street
Nelson Mandela SQUARE
Joannesburg, 4005 JB
South Africa