Description

Contacted our church through our website as a widow who wanted to give us her beloved husband's beloved Yamaha grand piano -- wanted to give it to someone who would appreciate it and make beautiful music with it. When I contacted her via her email address she told me that she didn't want to sell it or leave it in her house (she was downsizing and moving). She asked me (I had told her that I was the music director) about my relationship to music and playing the piano. I told her about how I loved playing the piano and was told by my congregation that my music was very moving. She then told me that we could have the piano but that we'd have to contact a moving and storage company to arrange delivery. I contacted them via email (that's what she suggested) and they responded with a list of prices for delivery and setup that seemed quite high, and wanted us arrange payment in advance: "*COST ESTIMATE: According to weight and Distance. $1,950 (Next day delivery + Setup) $1,220 (3 day delivery + Setup) $870 (6 day delivery + Setup) $730 (9 day delivery + Setup) $620 (12 day delivery + Setup) You are required to get back to us the preferred chosen plan and payment option below to enable us to prepare your moving invoice. *Venmo *Zelle. *PayPal. *Cash App. *Bank Cash Deposit/Wire transfer." That's when I started getting suspicious, did a google search and found out that the "Widow Yamaha Grand Piano Scam" was a thing! They target churches, music teachers, music schools, etc., and make it very emotional and personal. The "widow" when asked by me why she chose our church said that our values were aligned with hers and even got specific. Here is one of "the widow's" emails to me: "Hi, Thank you for your response, the Yamaha Baby Grand Piano GC1 model belonged to my husband who passed away last year, the dimension is "151cm by 146cm". It was last settled last year before he passed away. She is about 2 years old and in immaculate condition. I'm moving my properties to another place and I don't think my husband will be happy if I sell this piano, at the same time I'm content with a house with less space, so I hope to give it to someone who is a passionate lover of the instrument. I wasn't going to leave him alone in an empty house. The piano is currently in storage with the movers I employed to move my belongings from my home. Movers can deliver anywhere. However, the beneficiary must pay the moving costs. Attached are the photos of the Piano, I await your response if you are interested, otherwise I can contact someone else. Cheers, Melissa." Here's another: "Melissa Wood Fri, May 31, 6:03?PM (4 days ago) to me Hi , I wanted to share something special about my late husband's love for playing the piano. It was more than just a hobby for him, it was a passion that filled our home with beautiful melodies and memories. I wanted to also reach out and discuss the possibility of the piano becoming a part of your life. I'd love to hear more about your own passion for music and the role the piano could play in your life. It's important to me that this instrument finds a home where it will be cherished and played with the same love that my late husband had for it. Please take your time to consider this, and feel free to share your thoughts and feelings about the piano. Warm Regards, Melissa." And another response when I asked why she chose our church: "Hi Robin, I reached out to the UU Fellowship of the Peninsula because I've been searching for a community that aligns with my values and provides opportunities for personal growth and connection. Their inclusive and diverse programs seem like a great fit for what I've been seeking." And her response to what I told her about my love of music and abilities and experience playing piano, "Hi Robin, Thanks for sharing about your experience with music and pianos. It sounds like you have a deep connection with your craft and a real talent for moving people with your playing. Your ability to blend classical training with improvisation must create some truly unique and beautiful performances. It's inspiring to hear how music is such a heartfelt expression for you. Keep shining through those keys!" And then, the pressure: "Melissa Wood 8:53?AM (8 hours ago) to me Hi, You need to contact the movers and make an arrangement as regards the moving process. Here is the mover's information: ([email protected]) just let them know that Mrs. Melissa Wood ,referred you with the Reference Code: SEIL132PT. Make sure you send an email for a faster response. Most importantly, provide your delivery address for a delivery quote. I would like you to take some pictures/videos when they arrive at your address. Once you are in touch with the movers kindly also let me know so that I can sign off the piano. Regards, Melissa. Melissa Wood 8:54?AM (8 hours ago) to me Hi , I have provided you with the movers' information. Please contact them as soon as possible to arrange the delivery. I will be traveling to Canada next weekend to visit my son, who just had his first baby in March, and we would like the piano to find its new home before I depart. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing about your musical journey with the piano. Thank you, Melissa."