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Step 1
Examine any postcards or other mailings offering the chance to purchase a valuable piece of art. In some cases, the postcard will offer the chance to win a valuable piece or a lithograph. Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall and Salvador Dali are artist names that scammers use to try and get buyers.
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Step 2
Call the number on the postcard and speak with the scammer. Some postcards may require that you return the postcard with your contact information; if this is the case, you will be telephoned by the scammer.
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Step 3
Listen as the scammers give you insider information to make it seem like the piece is more important than it really is. It's not uncommon for scammers to claim that the artist is near death and that the piece's value will skyrocket soon. The scammer may also tell you random facts about art investment, a piece's potential for yield and talk about what they have in stock.
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Step 4
Stay alert if the scammer refuses to show you the piece or have it appraised before the purchase. The scammer may claim that he's working on behalf of a client or that the piece is currently under security. Scammers may also guarantee fake certificates of authenticity to help convince you to buy the counterfeit piece.
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Step 5
Feel pressure to buy the piece. Scammers will tell you about other buyers' interest in the piece and emphasize that it's original and valuable.
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Step 6
Resist purchasing the piece. Some scammers may even be willing to take a down payment for it while you inspect it for authenticity. They may request credit card information or wire transfers of money.
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Step 7
Realize that if you purchase the counterfeit piece of artwork and have it appraised by a professional you'll find out that the artwork is only a worthless reproduction.
