Scam Type
Phishing Scam
Business Name Used
Piano Donation – Moving Fees Scam
Date Reported
December 13, 2023
Postal Code
12564
Total Dollars Lost
$ 0
Scam Description
A note: people frequently want to give bookshelves/furniture/pianos to churches, and we probably receive a call or an email every other month to that effect, so the idea of still another person wanting to donate a piano is perfectly routine, which is what makes the scam even more convincing in this scenario.
The scammer emailed our church with the following initial email:
“I hope this email finds you well. I am currently in the process of moving and have a beautiful Yamaha baby grand piano that I would love to donate.
This piano holds a special place in my heart as it belonged to my late husband, he deeply appreciated the artistry and beauty of music. It would mean a lot to me to find a new home for this instrument where it will be cherished and properly cared for.
If you know anyone who is passionate about the piano and would genuinely appreciate the opportunity to own and play this Yamaha baby grand, please feel free to share my email. I would be more than happy to provide further details.
In addition, I humbly request your kind consideration in mentioning the availability of this piano in the Church newsletter. Your assistance in spreading the word would be immensely appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your help. I look forward to potentially connecting with someone who has the same love and devotion for this instrument.”
After a reply on our part to request further information, we received this reply:
“The Yamaha Baby Grand Piano GC1 model used to be owned and played by my husband who passed away last year, the dimension is “151cm by 146cm” . It was last tuned sometime last year before he passed. She’s about 3 years old and in an impeccable condition.
I moved my properties to Arkansas recently and I don’t think my husband will be happy if I sell this piano, at the same time, I am settling for a home of lesser space, so I’m hoping to give it out to someone who is a passionate lover of the instrument. I wasn’t going to leave it alone in an empty house.
The Piano is currently in storage in Little Rock Arkansas with the movers I employed to move my properties from my house. The movers can deliver anywhere. However, the beneficiary has to pay moving costs. In attachment are the pictures of the piano. I look forward to your reply.”
The idea that someone in Little Rock would try to give away a piano to a church in rural New York State seemed obviously absurd, so I looked around online and found the exact text of the email we had received, with minor alterations, in a dozen different places. Suspicions confirmed, and others in the area alerted.
