Betty Thobela: Art Scammer

Only Andrew Wodzianski could deal with a perspective art scammer in such a funny way; start reading and learn how to deal with a scammer:

From: "Betty Thobela"
Sent: Sunday, October 10, 2010 11:12 PM
To: info@wodzianski.com
Subject: Artworks Inquiry..

Hi,

Hope this message finds you well.
I saw these creatives works on your web site and i will like you to
get back with more details if they are still available for purchase.
Red 1 and Friday, December the Eleventh
I will appreciate an urgent reply.
Best Regards,
Betty.

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Betty,

Thanks for the inquiry.
Red 1 and Friday, December the Eleventh are both available.
Prior to quoting you prices, its nice to know how you discovered the images. Several clients find me through sources that I need to thank & recognize.

I look forward to hearing from you. Best of Mondays,
Andrew

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From: "Betty Thobela"
Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 1:50 AM
To: info@wodzianski.com
Subject: re: Artworks Inquiry..

Hi Andrew ,
Thanks so much for your response to my query about those creative works. I first heard about your work at an exhibition in AAF Contemporary Art Fair, NY.
Anyway , i will like to proceed with the purchase of both pieces . Can you pls confirm the actual size and price of the two pieces so i can know how best to proceed. I will also like to know what inspire you to make the pieces.

I will look forward to hearing from you soon .

Best Regards,
Betty.

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Betty,

AAF! While I was absent from this year's festivities, I do plan on representation in Miami this December. If you plan on attending any of the Florida fairs, please let me know. I should be able to get you a ticket to at least one of the events.

Red 1 is $1,500 USD. Its 54 x 36", oil on canvas, unframed. Its heavily influenced by Freud's psychoanalytical interpretation of Perrault's "Little Red Riding Hood," in additional to my overarching interests in disguise, and horror. Friday, December the Eleventh is 3,500 USD. Its 34 x 48", white titanium oil on tinted canvas, unframed. Its influenced by Hitchcock's "Psycho."

When you reply with a delivery address, I can quote you shipping costs.

Best,
Andrew
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From: "Betty Thobela"
Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 2:24 PM
To: info@wodzianski.com
Subject: re: Artworks Inquiry..

Hi Andrew,

Good to hear back from you. Yes, i will like to proceed with the purchase of Red 1 . I think it is a lovely work and i hope to give it a good home.

I am presently away in London for my twin sister's wedding even though it comes at a time when i was preparing for a big move and also expecting a baby but it means so much to her. I should be back in few days.

Meanwhile,i will like you to forward your mailing address and phone number so i can inform my husband still shutling between our home in New Jersey and Jo'burg, SA on where to forward the payment . He has just been transfer to head the IT section of their head Office in Jo'burg.

I can also forward your contact info to the local cartage company that will be moving all our house decors so they can get in touch with you to arrange shipping details. They can arrange FedEx pick up of the artwork from your studio.

I will look forward to hearing from you so i can know how best to proceed. Cheers.

Best Regards,
Betty.
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Betty,

Brilliant!

Congratulations on your sister's wedding. Matrimony is an important institution and one that I plan on making correct in my fourth attempt. And congratulations on what I presume to be your husband's promotion! South Africa is a wonderful country, even with the security concerns. William Kentridge is a favorite artist of mine.

Unfortunately, I cannot disclose my residential address or my private phone number. To make a long story short - I'm temporarily residing in a half way house in Mid-Atlantic as part of a witness relocation program. I'm typing you for a computer terminal at a public library. I'm restricted to internet communications as my primary source of correspondence.

Also a unfortunate (and related) coincidence, I am not legally allowed to have affiliation with FedEx. Making another long story a bit shorter - the agreement is part of a settlement that dealt with an art fraud / theft case I experienced in 2004.

Regardless of these situations, they won't bar us from your purchase of Red 1. We just need to take a few particular steps. Trust me, its safer for both of us.

What I need you to do:
1) Send $1000 USD to an escrow account I have established. I use a secure, and bonded internet service called Paypal. My account is through the following address; wodzianski@rocketmail. This money will serve as both a retainer and deposit. Upon receipt of your $1000, I'll pack and ship the painting via a third party agency to your New Jersey (cheaper) or South African (expensive).
2) Send your preferred mailing address.
3) Your remaining balance, plus cost of shipping will be due upon delivery. Again, Paypal will be our intermediary. While $500 USD will pay the balance of the painting, an additional fee will be added for shipping and handling. I can send you a precise estimate with your delivery address.

If its easier for you, I can send a Paypal invoice to bet.bela00@mybest.com

Apologies for having to take these specific steps, but the US Government, IRS, FBI, and my legal counsel would be pretty upset with me if I did anything less.

Thanks in advance for your understanding and I can't wait to list my work as being part of a South African collection!

Best,
Andrew