Message: Hello, How are you doing? I am looking to give away my late husband's Yamaha baby grand piano to a passionate instrument lover, so please let me know if you will take it or have someone who will care for it. Regards, Michelle Albert

Initial email from: [email protected] "The Yamaha Baby Grand Piano GC1 model used to be owned and played by my husband who passed away last year, the dimension is "151cm by 146cm". It was last tuned sometime last year before he passed. She's about 2 years old and in impeccable 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 am settling for a home with less space, so I'm hoping to give it out to someone who is a passionate lover of the instrument. I wasn't going to leave it alone in an empty house. The Piano is currently in storage with the movers I employed to move my properties from my house. The movers can deliver anywhere. However, the beneficiary has to pay moving costs. In the attachment are the pictures of the Piano, I look forward to your reply if you are interested, if not I can contact someone else. Regards, Susie. Our response: "Thank you. If you provide me with the mover’s contact information, I’ll make the necessary arrangements. " Their response: "You need to contact the movers and make an arrangement as regards the moving process. ([email protected]) just let them know that Mrs. Susie Brown referred you with the Reference Code: SEIL132ZA. Make sure you send an email for a faster response. Most importantly, provide your delivery address for a delivery quote. Once you are in touch with the movers kindly also let me know so that I can sign off the piano. Regards, Susie. Our response: I received an initial response from the moving company and sent them $620 to deliver the piano to our theatre. They acknowledged the receipt of that payment and just this morning they emailed asking for an additional $1,086.40 for 112 days of storage fees. Have you already been paying storage fees to them since your move? Your gift is an amazing kind gesture, but I’m not sure we can afford the additional cost of the storage. Please let me know your thoughts. Their response: "Hopefully all is well with you. Apologies for the delay in my response. The piano has been with the movers' for some time now, and it's been a bit costly currently. The moving company is trustworthy and reliable. They assisted me in moving my belongings after my husband's passing. Regarding the piano, I did mention that whoever takes it would need to cover the costs. I can contribute $300 towards it. Let me know if this arrangement works for you, and I'll transfer the funds to the movers. I typically communicate with the company via email or telegram channel. Thank you immensely for your help in finding a new home for the piano. It means a great deal to me knowing it will continue to bring joy to someone else. Regards, Susie. Our response: "Thanks for your generosity! Since we’re a non-profit organization, the moving/storage company has agreed to discount the storage fee by $600. If you contribute an additional $300, that will leave a balance that we can afford. If you can let them know your intension, that would be great. I’ll let them know as well. We can’t thank you enough for your generosity and we promise to give your late husband’s precious piano a good home. Their response: "After much consideration, the company has decided to contribute $600 towards your cause, recognizing your status as a non-profit organization. As a result, your organization is expected to cover the remaining balance of $486. Please let us know if you have any questions or need further assistance regarding the payment process. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Best regards, Anderson Nobilo Storage Department, EM&S Our response: "Anderson, That is so kind, thank you! I’ve been in touch with Mrs. Brown. She has agreed to contribute $300 towards the storage fees as well. I’ve cc’d her on this email. Here’s a portion of her response to me: “I can contribute $300 towards it. Let me know if this arrangement works for you, and I'll transfer the funds to the movers. I typically communicate with the company via email or telegram channel.” That would leave a balance of $186. If you agree to this, I will make the arrangements to send you the balance of $186. Once all is complete, I’ll send you a receipt for your $600 contribution to our theatre that you can use on your taxes. I’ll be doing the same for Mrs. Brown for her $300 contribution. Their response: "Wishing you a wonderful start to your week. We are following up regarding the delivery of your Yamaha Baby Grand Piano. Kindly respond at your earliest convenience so we may proceed with the necessary arrangements. We greatly appreciate your cooperation and remain committed to ensuring a smooth and comfortable delivery experience. Warm regards, Dr. Paul Blitzer Head Office E.M.&S. Express Movers and Storage Inc." No word from them about the delivery. Their next response: Hello, We have just confirmed that the package is being withheld because it was not insured. Insurance is just a 5% refundable fee of the cost of the item being shipped. Please find below the insurance breakdown for understanding PIANO COST $26,050 USD 5% REFUNDABLE INSURANCE COST $1,302 USD N:B Remember the insurance fee is refundable upon delivery. Regards Sincerely, Erin Leyen (Moving Department E.M.&.S) Our response: "Erin, WHAT?? Every time there seems to be more money you’re asking us to pay for a “donated” piano. We’re a non-profit organization without unlimited funds! Why are we just now hearing about this? If the “5% insurance refundable fee” is so easily refunded upon delivery, why doesn’t your company extend the funds? Their Response: "Thank you for your message and for voicing your concerns I completely understand your position, and I appreciate the opportunity to provide further clarity. The 5% insurance fee referenced is a refundable security deposit required by the logistics provider to ensure the piano is protected throughout the transportation process. This measure exists solely to cover potential risk during delivery and is not a fee retained by our organization. It is returned in full immediately upon confirmation of safe and complete delivery. I understand it may feel unexpected at this stage, and I apologize if this aspect was not communicated earlier in the process. Unfortunately, as the fee is held and administered through the delivery partner, we are not in a position to advance it on behalf of recipients even in the case of donated items. We are grateful for the work your organization does and are committed to supporting that mission however we can. Should you need documentation regarding the refund process or further assurance from the logistics provider, I’d be happy to arrange that. Thank you again for your understanding. Sincerely, Erin Leyen (Moving Department E.M.&.S Our response: "Susie, I’ve sent them the $1,302 that they required for “insurance”. They assured me it is entirely refundable if the piano arrives undamaged. It is scheduled to be shipped from San Diego, CA and should arrive on Monday, April 28th." Her response: "Hello, good day. I apologize for the delayed response. I saw your message about the insurance payment. Yes, The moving company is trustworthy and reliable. They assisted me in moving my belongings after my husband's passing. You can count on them. Takecare, Susie. Our response: "Hi Susie, I wanted to keep you posted on what is happening. The piano did NOT arrive on Monday as they indicated in the email below. After it did not arrive, I sent them an email on Monday, Tuesday and yesterday asking what is happening? I’ve had no response. Do you have a telephone contact number for them? I’m getting a little nervous." Her response: "Mmy sincere apologies for late reply to you. I will write to them to get feedback on the delay from their end. Take care, Susie." Our response: "Hi Susie, I appreciate your help! I know you assured me that the moving company was trustworthy and reliable. But truthfully, with no response from them since I sent the last $1,302, I’m getting a little nervous. We’ve sent them $2,408 including the delivery, storage and now insurance fees, with still no delivery of the piano. You were so kind to donate the piano. I just hope we see it delivered soon." LONG story short! WE DID NOT GET THE PIANO AND WE'RE OUT $2,408.

I was forwarded a email from someone who works at our nonprofit, that a lady named Bianca Howard was trying to "gift" her late husband's Yamaha Baby Grand. She directed me to talk to her moving company called Moving Department E.M.&.S. who provided more details, gave delivery options, and had me pay through Zelle, Cashapp, Paypal, or Wire. I thought that was odd. Messages: From Bianca: "Hi ____, Thank you for your prompt response. I wanted to provide a few more details about the Yamaha Baby Grand Piano (GC1 model) that belonged to my late husband. The piano measures 151cm by 146cm and was last tuned about eight months ago, shortly before his passing. It’s just about a year old and remains in impeccable condition. As I prepare to move into a smaller home, parting with this beautiful instrument is incredibly emotional. Selling it doesn’t feel right; it would be like letting go of a part of him. I’m hoping instead to find someone who shares his deep love for music and will cherish it as he did. The piano is currently in storage with a reputable moving company, and they can deliver it to the new owner at their expense. I’ve attached some photos for your reference. If you’re interested in giving this special instrument a new home, please feel free to reach out so we can discuss further. Thank you again. Warm regards, Bianca" From moving company: "As for the piano fitting through the door: most standard doors are typically wide enough for an upright piano, so in most cases, it’s not a problem. We have a professional piano moving team that will handle the entire process, so there’s no need to worry. Please find the payment details below. Kindly proceed with the PayPal Transfer of ($660.00) into our Broker's Zelle Address as stated below. Zelle info: [email protected] Name: Jeri Crawford Payment Reference: *********. Please ensure payment is made within 12 hours. If this deadline cannot be met, kindly verify with us before making the transaction. We also require you to send us a copy of your payment slip or screenshot as proof of your transaction. Upon confirmation of payment, we will promptly provide all necessary details, including your tracking number. Thanks for your understanding; We serve for your comfort. Sincerely, Erin Leyen (Moving Department E.M.&.S)"

Free grand piano ..just pay cost to move it!

I am also a pianist and music director for a megachurch and did not respond to this email I received as follows: "Hello, How are you doing? I am looking to give away my late husband's Yamaha baby grand piano to a passionate instrument lover, so please let me know if you will take it or have someone who will care for it. Regards, Charlotte Hughes."

Contacted our church with the piano donation offer. Pastor and council members became suspicious when no identifying details were provided by “Michelle” or the moving company. Then the movers demanded untraceable payment methods and upfront payment prior to delivery. We are in the process of backing out and will not be giving them any money or any more information.

Thanks for your response, the Yamaha Baby Grand Piano GC1 model used to be owned and played by my husband who passed away last year, the dimension is "151cm by 146cm". It was last tuned sometime last year before he passed. She's about 2 years old and in impeccable 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 am settling for a home with less space, so I'm hoping to give it out to someone who is a passionate lover of the instrument. I wasn't going to leave it alone in an empty house. The Piano is currently in storage with the movers I employed to move my properties from my house. The movers can deliver anywhere. However, the beneficiary has to pay moving costs. In the attachment are the pictures of the Piano, I look forward to your reply if you are interested, if not I can contact someone else. Regards, Michelle. Contact the movers and make an arrangement as regards the moving process. I would like you to take some pictures when they arrive at your address. Here is the mover's information: ([email protected]) just let them know that Mrs. Michelle Albert, referred you with the Reference Code: SEIL132AD. Make sure you send an email for a faster response. Most importantly, provide your delivery address for a delivery quote. Once you are in touch with the movers kindly also let me know so that I can sign off the piano.

I received an email telling me that an unauthorized charge of $1348.73 was attempted to my PayPal account and asked you to click a link to sign into PayPal but it was off a little bit. The phone number they list to call is for a Piano Company in New York.

EMAIL ONE: Hello, I hope you're doing well! I wanted to reach out because I recently moved into a new apartment, and unfortunately, I don't have the space for my piano anymore. It's a beautiful instrument, and I’m really hoping to find a good home for it. If you know anyone who might be interested in taking it, I’d really appreciate it if you could refer them to me. I’d love for it to go to someone who will enjoy it as much as My Late Husband did. Thanks a lot! Best, EMAIL TWO: Good morning, Please accept my apologies for the delayed response — I’ve been busy settling into my new apartment and adjusting to the change The piano is still available and is in beautiful, like-new condition. It was only gently played a few times by my late husband before his passing. One of his final wishes was for the piano to find a loving home where it would be appreciated and well cared for. If you’re still interested, I’d be happy to provide more details about pickup. I’ve also attached photos of the Wurlitzer Baby Grand Piano, which measures approximately 5 feet (152 cm) in length, 58 inches (147 cm) in width, and 39 inches (99 cm) in height. Looking forward to hearing from you. Warmest regards, Nelly Jay EMAIL THREE:Hi Sarah, That’s awesome — I’m excited too! Thanks for keeping me updated. Could you also send me your phone number? I’ll make sure the movers have it so they can reach out to you directly as well. Looking forward to hearing more soon!

This scammer sent to El Paso church email about late husband's Yamaha grand piano to give away to church , local school or someone who will care for it. We received phishing scammer email April 28,2025 and another occasion last year. I Do not trust email from Christa Kersken. There is no phone number to contact or any address. We do not know where this person lives.