Description

I was contacted by e-mail by Debbie Glazer who claimed to have a baby grand piano held by movers in Little Rock, Arkansas, which had belonged to her late husband. Her husband didn't want it sold but be given to someone who would use it and take care of it. Photos were sent. I was told to contact Steven Brooks at Ascot Movers where the piano was kept and he sent me an e-mail with an invoice from Ascot Movers with a $420 fee for shipping the piano from Little Rock to Lubbock, TX, where I live. At this point the situation gets a little weird because Steven Brooks did not understand financial things to well and could take a credit card over the phone or checks and I ended up sending the $420 by wire transfer from my bank to an account at Blue Ridge Bank in Luray, Virginia, reference number 20221209000763. There is a website for Ascot Movers based in Hartford, CT, but Sonia at the Hartford Better Business Bureau has told me that the website is using the Connecticut Convention Center's address. They then asked for another $445 to pay for storage fees for the piano in Little Rock. Debbie was paying half of the storage fees. I then asked for proof that the piano existed because I had become suspicious. At the point Debbie and Steven became obstinate and negotiations broke down and Steven Brooks stated that he would pay back my $420 on around 12/11/2022. I don't expect to ever see that money again. I must note that my local bank here in Lubbock was no help at all this situation and the Blue Ridge Bank said that they couldn't do anything because Prosperity Bank here in Lubbock refused to send them the proper documentation (hold harmless/letter of indemnity).