Got an email today from a man who said he wanted to buy a surprise painting for his wife. He wanted me to email him pictures and prices for my art. Didn’t smell exactly right so I referred him to my website, stating everything was there and I don’t do private sales. He came back and wanted me to pick a painting and email him pictures. I gave him the same response except to say he should let his wife make the choice. It all smells like 3-day old fish to me? Anyone else experience this? Or know what’s going on?
It’s the classic scam. He’ll want to send you a check for more than the amount of the painting and then have you send him a refund. He’ll hope you do before you his bad check clears.
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Thank you. I knew something was off, but I couldn’t figure it out. What you said clears things up. Glad I didn’t bite.
A man tried the same scam on me a few years ago. I dealt with him in the same way you did.
If it smells like a fish….
I’ve been plagued with scammers and catfishers lately. Makes me super cautious. You’re right…pass on the questionable.
If it feels bad, assume it is bad.
Because I found agonising about this sort of thing so stressful, I took to adding a little Terms of Business text box under my e-mail signature (only for selective use, of course!). Item 1 = paintings will be despatched to the buyer’s preferred address by the agreed shipping method upon receipt of cleared funds. Accepted payment methods: bank transfer, Stripe. Strictly no cheques, no cash.
What you say after that is a bit academic - I think I included stuff about supports/materials/sizes and whether it was or wasn’t framed. But the main point was just to slip in item 1😊
I really like your idea. Have decided I will let anything that can sell, sell through DPW. Saves me a lot of hassles and negotiations.