by Les Anderson

I came across an article on Pat Quinn's blog about an artist scam. Please beware. Following is an example of an email sent by a scam "artist" under the name of Nicole Danes:

From:       Nicole Danes
Date:        May 7, 2009 10:45:58 AM EDT
To:            Whomever
Subject:  artworks purchase

Good day to you.

I am so excited that I came across of your work on internet search,I am interested in purchasing these creative artworks from you.....................

Construct Series 7,Construct Series 1,Slab,juncture and evanesce

Let me know their various prices.and how much discounts are you going to give?I will be happy to have these selected artworks hanged in our new home in South Africa. As well, I want you to take out the shipping cost.I have been in touch with a shipping firm that will be shipping other house decoratives.

We are traveling from our Dallas home to our new apartment as soon as possible.On Paying for the artworks,I will be glad to pay you with a Money Order or Cashier`s check in US funds that can be easily cashed at your local bank,please let me know on how to proceed for the payment of the creative artworks.

I will await your advise on how to proceed.Have a wonderful day.

Take care,
Nicole Danes

There are others out there. Pat Quinn has a list here.

Art News Blog has a similar list here, and a good article with an archive of Art Fraud and Stolen art News.