Patt,

There is a way - if you are using Outlook express, right click on email, choose 'Properties', and then "Details'. It contains the e-mail header (usually hidden from a user) with the path (each step labeled "Received") e-mail went through... Find the last "Recieved" - it is the one you want to look at. It contains computer's IP or name.

You can use something like http://www.geobytes.com/iplocator.htm to find the location by IP.

Patt,

Thank goodness you weren't suckered into this. I counted once and I get over 70 scam mails per week. I don't mean spam, I really mean scam. Many are nearly identical to this one you received. Don't let them fool you. They are not even from UK but are routing their scam spam through that region (you'll notice the bad grammar, obviously english is not their native language).

Other tip offs to scam mail are -
There seems to be a complete lack of interest in the work itself. The author is only interested in payment and shipping details.
There is usually a sense of urgency or certain circumstance where they need the item shipped right away (they are in the process of moving, they have a baby due in 2 weeks - yeah, right)

They always offer to have their shipper contact you to arrange details.
These are just a few - the list goes on. I have seen so many of these I am just sick to death of them. I am just sorry that there are trusting people out there that fall for these theives and liar's hateful tactics.

To protect from scams like this, I would recommend using wire transfers under the following conditions:

1 - set up a bank account with the minimum deposit needed to keep the account open. This will be used only for your wire funds receipt account.

2 - If possible have restrictions put on the account that no wire transfers out of the account are to be permitted. This is an additional safety step as you will have to provide this account number to the sending party. If they are crooks, this will keep them from doing a reverse transfer.

3 - As soon as the money is received, remove it from the account and put in your normal bank account. Leave only the minimum deposit in the wire mail account

Richard and Heidi,

I appreciate all that you have said. Richard, I had already checked with my bank and they gave me the same advice that you gave here. Very good idea.

Heidi, everything you said rang a bell with me. That, I suppose, was the basic reason that I wrote here on the Forum. I felt Red flags up immediately but then I was told that I was too timid and skeptical old sad thing of "maybe they are right, maybe it IS ok?"

Well, my gut told me it was not right. I have written one last email telling them that they should wire me and for them to let me know and I will give information. Thus far-------I have heard nothing. Just as I had thought.

Thanks to you all for all of the support and ideas. I really did know not to jump in with both feet and throw "common sense" away but that old " I wish it was so" had definitely crept in. :thumbsup:

Patt, don

The following is another recent example of this type of scam:

The e-mail address was: [email protected]
Titled: ART ORDER

I get a lot of that kind of email too.

Mike and Heidi

You both are absolutely correct. I will say that I absolutely was not sold on it being authentic at all. Deep down , of course, I wanted it to be but my gut told me forget it. I think the hubby was just wishful thinking and was wanting me to test this person ---not send any painting----get the money, yadda, yadda yadda. Personally, I am happy to say that I had to just let them know that "if" there was to be a transaction, then it would be my way. I haven't heard another word.

End of story.

I want to thank all of you for your support in this. It always helps to put it out there and see how others respond about situations. That is why this Forum is so great and other reasons too of course.

A sigh of relief :)

New twist on the same old scam
 

Just a heads up for those of you who teach. I regularly get the usual scam mail where someone wants to "buy" a piece of your art, but lately, I have been getting the same sort of scam mail from these same types of idiots similar to this example:
______
My name is Wang, I have a son who is interested in learning modeling the head structure and facial features with you, So i mail to confirm if you can teach my son .

I will like you to tell me your qualifications and how many years you have been teaching modeling the head structure and facial features.

Moreso, i will like you to tell me how much it will cost me for 6 months and your phone number for easy communications and your mailing address where the payment will be send to.. As i'm ready to make all neccessary payment as soon as possibe.

Thanks and hope to here from you soon.

Wang Williams.

NB: He is a Beginner...

--------

Common tips it is a scam -
No information or contact address included
Broken english
Will be from a free account - usually Yahoo
Want your phone number
Have no idea about price, but ready to pay right away
No mention of your work, or how they found you
No dates mentioned
Usually do not address you by your name

Of course the scam will be the old counterfeit check, want your account number to "wire" you the money (and drain your account), or they will cancel right away due to some unforseen emergency and want you to send the money back right away (before the bank determines it is a bad check).
Anyway, teachers beware.