Being a new seller, I was anxious to hear from a possible buyer named Amanda. She asked for my email address to ask questions about my painting. After we started conversing, she wanted to buy the painting for the asking price of $150.00. I was very happy.
Trouble started and red flags started popping up when she said there was a mess up in the amount of the money order from her uncle and that the money order was for $950.00 instead of $150.00.
She wanted me to send her $800.00 back with the painting. Still being hopeful, I agreed that if the money order cleared the bank, I would send her back the $800.00. Well, the money order arrived from a national recognized bank and it looked really legit.
Still the red flags were flying off in my head and I called the bank to ask questions and sure enough, they said it was a scam and I would be responsible to return the money to the bank once the scam is discovered by the bank.
I tore up the money order and told her not to contact me anymore.
I was disappointed and unhappy that I was almost conned by someone preying on hopeful artists.
So, please be careful and not let your hope for a sale turn into a scam.
