Caution: Scam Warning
It has come to our attention that scammers are targeting people selling instruments on our website.
Known Scammers
This list is an effort to warn others that interactions from the names and email addresses on this list are not genuine.
- “Susan Balascio” using the email address sybria42@gmail.com
- Name unknown using the email address sterlingmackinnon323@gmail.com
This list is a joint effort with the kind folks at PianoMart. You may refer to an extensive list of scammers on PianoMart’s website here:
What To Look Out For
For Instrument Sellers:
The scammer will offer to send you payment through the mail, as a cashier’s check or money order. They will intentionally pay more than the cost of the instrument and then ask that you wire transfer the excess payment to them.
In most cases, the email address that is contacting you belongs to someone else and a bad actor has gained control of the email account for malicious purposes.
For Potential Buyers:
If you have any concerns during your interactions with an instrument seller, please let us know at forsale@lutesocietyofamerica.org
Other General Suggestions
When interacting with a potential buyer or seller, please consider the following suggestions:
- Use PayPal or another service that has a dispute process.
- Do not accept checks for more than the purchase price plus shipping.
- Meet in a safe place if meeting in person.
- Consider shipping insurance.
- To minimize spam, use a special email address.
- Consider using a cellphone or a “Google Voice” account rather than a home phone number.
- Consider Zoom or other video connection to see each other and the instrument.
For any other questions or concerns, please contact us at forsale@lutesocietyofamerica.org