ON GUARD - Fraud Spotteer #13 - Art Fraud

ON GUARD Against Fraud - #13
By Laura Quarantiello
® 2004 Tiare Publications
144 words

Art Fraud

A quick and simple telephone con involves art. A telemarketer will
call offering an original painting by a famous artist at a fabulous
bargain price. The low, low price is explained by calling the event
a liquidation sale, a moving sale, a pre-auction sale or anything
else to make you believe that you're getting a real deal. But you're
not. What you will receive is a painting of little value which you
paid much too much for.

Never buy paintings or photographs or other types of art over the
phone; you must see the actual work before you buy. Always check
with a professional, such as an art appraiser. Art fraud is easy to
perpetrate because very few people have a background in art and so
are not able to spot the real thing from a fake. So, two words of
advice: Be careful!

(End)

Laura Quarantiello hates criminals and the crimes they commit. Her
book "On Guard" can help you minimize the risk you family face from
criminal elements. Get more information at:
www.tiare.com/onguard.htm