Is this a scam?

Question

I've been looking for a job and found this job at a site...ok to the details of this worl. This guy lives in the UK...an artist. He sells paintings to the US and wants a representative (me) to collect the money that is sent in my name. I would deposit it in my bank, deduct 10% for myself, and send the rest back to him through Western Union. Sounds cool but what do you guys think? I had to fill out an employment form also through email but it does sound a bit fishy to me. Maybe I eat tooo much fish.

Holly crap lol I filled the employment form and everything...help me? Lol aah i'm screwed.

I didn't give him anyting personal like my accounts or any payments. He said he has a way of getting the money back if I do run with his money. I just gave him my address and agreed to do what he said. Nothing else....

Hey c'mon now...I'm 18 and don't have any experience in the business world. I do know if it's a scam when he asks for my credit or bank information or for me to pay him first. Crap he told me the first check is on its way...I emailed him and told him I'll be going on vacation and to cancel it. ....help plz?!

And where would I report it to? Phone number or website? I know nothing about this =(

Answer 1

It is just a variation of the famous Nigerian scam. They just are changing the details to make it not as obvious. Stay away from it, or you'll end up on some talk show talking about being scammed. Good luck with a better job opportunity.

Answer 2

Usually, if you question if something is a scam, it probably is.

Let's say buyer Bob the Buyer buys the painting for $1,000. You then check the check, deposit it and send $900 via Western Union to Pat the Painter. Well, Western Union is immediate payment transfers, so Pat the Painter gets his money. But unfortunately, checks (especially overseas checks) take 7-10 days to clear. Well, lo and behold, the check bounces because Bob the Buyer has insufficient funds.

You will try to call Pat the Painter, but can't get through to him. and Bob the Buyer cannot be located as well either. Ta-da! You lost $100 plus the bank fees and they have lost nothing.

Usually the first one or two transactions for a hundred or so goes okay to win your trust, then they will hit you with a big one for a few thousand or more, if they think you can afford it (which they will know by your application).

Question why he needs someone he has never met to do this for him. Why should HE trust YOU, since you could take his money and run. It doesn't make sense for him and it shouldn't for you.
RUN, RUN RUN. Hopefully you didn't put anything in the application that they can use to try identity theft.

Answer 3

TRUST ME IT'S A SCAM!! you can report it to the authorities.there is also a few more out their similar, a guy inherits a lot of money from the U.S. and wants you to send him the funds. Think about it if he is selling art work he would be dealing with the art stores or have his own agent. and if that was true they would wire the money directly to his account because the banks will be able to do the money difference.Also why would he send his painting and trust them to give the money to some one else?? Art Dealers do not work that way, call one your self and asked them. they will tell you the same thing. anyway report him before he rips someone else off.

Answer 4

Don't touch it. If it smells a little fishy now, just wait, in time it will stink to high heaven. This man could have the money sent to a dollar account in the UK. It sounds like a money laundering scheme to me, but it could be many other things. Stay safe and out of trouble. If he subtly threatens you again, like with "I'll find you if you run", tell him you have notified the authorities. Then, just watch, he'll turn tail and run.

Answer 5

This sounds very dodgy. I work in a shop where I have had these artist people in trying to sell paintings and I wont touch them.

Sounds like a scam and all the responsibility for the money would be with you, I guess.

Answer 6

well you could ask for refrences for 1 thing. The next thing is does he ask you for money up front for you to be employed with him? Thats a sure fire scam everytime. Is he asking you for your account numbers from credit cards or bank accounts? Another scam...Also if you collect the money in your name who's paying the taxes? do some investigating before jumping in with both feet.

Answer 7

Scam??! No!! No way baba!
It is true that usually artists sells pictures through a legitimate and licensed distributors. True, but, you know, in art as in art, beauty is the eyes of the beholders.
Rule is that there are no rules.
That`s art.
This is business however. if I understand correctly, the deal is that your are making money without working for it or taking any stakes. Well.. rule in business is - yeah, right....were do I sign!!
Cheers.

Answer 8

it sounds like a scam to me...also you said you filled out an application?he has your personal information now.if he sells his paintings here why cant they just western union him the money?i hope you didnt give him your social security number

Answer 9

Eek! Yup, you've been scammed! There is a saying about how if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Especially if this guy is asking you to pay him up front!

Answer 10

You better check with the Secret Service before you do it!They might know him, or the might be looking for him" It's a scam!!