This is a project I started because of the increasing number of suspect emails I and others have received. Many of the members of www.sculpture.net, a discussion forum for sculptors, have used that forum to ask others whether the email they received is for a legitimate opportunity. Obviously, sculptors aren't the only artists being targeted, but they are probably receiving similar emails as those sent to artists working in other media. This will hopefully be a central place for all artists to share information regarding online scams and fraud.
This initiative was inspired by the pioneering efforts of Danielle at http://www.bustedupcowgirl.com/scampage.html
After receiving several unsolicited emails from supposed buyers, I had my first lengthy correspondence with one (the full correspondence is in the discussion forum). It was quite a bit of fun, and I'm sorry I'm not as good as Danielle with stringing them along.
Recently, I received an email from someone claiming to be working for the Paris 2007 Contemporary Art Exhibition. The sender, bellamypercival@yahoo.fr, made promises of a $5,000 bursary for attending the exhibition. However, I would have to provide my name, address and phone number to secure a spot. The whole thing smelled more than haggis. I was unable to find any information regarding this “exhibition” through Google, but found a post on www.sculpture.net in which someone else received the same email. Everyone agreed that it was suspect, so I thought I'd try to get Mr. Percival to write himself into a corner. I think he either lost interest or realized that the “Contemporary Review of Art in Paris (CRAP)” exhibition I referenced didn't exist and didn't want to waste his time. The full correspondence is in the discussion form.
