I think I might have just got scammed

[GL]

Two "art students" from Israel came into our offices trying to show off their warez. They were all oil paintings on canvas. They were selling for $200-$250 but I got them down to $180 (big whoop). They all looked original. I don't know what it is but I feel I may have got scammed.

 

[GL]

The sales tactics were high pressure and when I tried to defer purchase (I really was interested), they would give me neither a name or number to contact them. The work is great (but I would like to verify authenticity that it's not a ripoff of a "real" work). Something just has raised my alarms.

 

[GL]

In any event, I got suspicious towards the end and told them I was very much interested in purchasing more but I would like to wait for my paycheque. I gave them my name and number (they wrote my name in what looked to be Hebrew but not the numbers...any Jewish people think this is normal?). If they're truly scam artists they'll bite again and I'll have verified if I got ripped off by then.

 

[SaX0N]

did they feal hot to touch?

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

how will you verify that?

 

[Russ]

GL,

Do you like the work? Does it give you pleasure when viewing it? That's really the only thing that matters.

Unless by scammed you mean stolen merchandise?

Russ, NCNE

 

[Tauren]

I don't understand the problem. If you like them and you feel you gat a decent price, I'd say you did O.K.

 

[GL]

Well they could be stolen, there's really no way of me verifying that. That was my first suspicion. There was one painting that looked strikingly similar to one that I've seen. It's not the product that has me concerned but the whole atmosphere around me buying it - i.e. had to buy today, no contact info so I could arrange to purchase tomorrow.

 

[Viper GTS]

How big are they? How many? Were they $180 apiece, of for all of them?

$180 isn't much, & if you're happy with them don't worry it.

Viper GTS

 

[SaX0N]

sounds awful suspicious, did they ask you if you wanted to buy any cheap TV?s or stereos while you were at it?

 

[GL]

I actually bought this for my boss when my work term ends. I don't want to hand him a gift that's stolen or a rip-off of a more famous painting. FYI, it's a black and white oil on canvas painting of Paris (Eiffel tower in background, older-period buildings in front). When I get home I'll scan in what I can. If it's an original I think I did a good deal and I'll buy again.

 

[Jokeram]

did they write right to left or left to right? I believe Hebrew goes from the right to left.

 

[Ameesh]

<< GL,

Do you like the work? Does it give you pleasure when viewing it? That's really the only thing that matters.

Unless by scammed you mean stolen merchandise?

Russ, NCNE >>




i agree!

 

[amdskip]

lol @ Jokeram

 

[GL]

I gave the girl my name and it looked like a single symbol more than a word. Then she wrote my cell number left to write but in std numbers. I just don't understand why they wouldn't give me a name or phone number - even after I handed over the cash and told them I wanted to call them to buy more. Wouldn't that sound a bit suspicious?

 

[GL]

If anyone can recommend what type of frame I should put this thing in, I'd really appreciate it. I suspect the two kids, having travelled from Isreal just don't have a single phone number they can be reached at. They're probably using the money to fund their trip which would explain their high pressure sales tactics.

 

[GL]

Although something just doesn't ring right with the deal, as I said the actual paintings are really great (don't look like student's stuff). But I respect copyright law and wouldn't want to buy a copied work. I'll keep you updated to see if they call later this week - they're probably just enterprising entrepreneurs; and if so my hat goes off to them (great idea to go on a trip and make money).

 

[Crackers]

yeah. most likely they are selling their work illegally (i.e. under the table) and don't want to leave a paper trail. $180 for art work is a good deal.