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Email Scam Targets Home Stagers and Decorators

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email scam targets stagers and decoratorsIt can come by email or text. Either way, this scam targets home stagers and designers.

Perhaps, you’re still wondering how many people have heard of home staging. Sadly, here’s further proof that this is a well-established field.

Scam artists have crawled out from under their rocks to see if they can con home stagers into sending them money!

This is a twist on the “send money to a foreign country to rescue a dying relative.”

Or another oldie but goodie, “help a diplomat get millions out of the country and you’ll be rewarded.”

This time with a script rewritten for home stagers, decorators or interior designers who might do work for home owners who are living abroad.

How Scam Targets Home Stagers and Designers

In this scam, the interior designer or home stager is contacted by an out-of-country “homeowner” by email or text. If you’re wondering how they get this info, check the nearly 200 comments on this post.

The sender leads you on about a project, and tries to build a rapport. All in the hopes of tricking you into handing over your money.

For example, in one specific case I’ve heard about, the stager said the man was very vague around details of the home. He wouldn’t answer the stager’s questions.

Instead, he seemed focused on whether or not she had credit card processing abilities.

The stager hadn’t provided an estimate for staging fees. She didn’t have enough information from the “client.” Yet, he told her that she was to charge $16,000 to his credit card. Then keep $8,000 for herself and send $8,000 to his “artist.”

(Appealing to your potential greed for “easy money,” is a major red flag.)

Thankfully, the stager wasn’t blinded by the promised $8,000 fee. When she questioned this arrangement she never heard from the man again.

Beware of schemes like this. There are many variations. They’ll all come down to you needing to send money somewhere. Even though they’re supposedly hiring/paying you.

You’ll see in the comments below that common scenarios include: someone who just had a baby, has a sick relative, or is physically disabled and needs help.

Unfortunately, some people are just too trusting and ready to jump into trying to help someone out. Otherwise, email scams would not be so prevalent.

When your intuition says, “Something doesn’t seem right,” pay attention to that!

Has anything like this happened to you in your home staging career?

Share your thoughts and/or experiences by leaving a comment below.

Find Out How Much Stagers Make Here

Debra Gould
Debra Gould, The Staging diva

Internationally recognized home staging expert Debra Gould created the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program to teach others how to earn a living doing something they love. She has staged millions of dollars worth of real estate and is the author of several best-selling guides. With 30,000+ students in 24 countries, Debra is celebrated as one of the most influential people in the home staging industry. She appears on: HGTV, CBS Radio, CNNMoney, The Wall Street Journal, Woman's Day, House & Home, Style at Home, GlobalTV, This Old House and more.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Leah Fritz, Perfect Place Home Staging says

    What will these scammers think of next! Thanks for the heads up Debra! I have never received an email like this, but I’ll definately keep on the look out. It’s scary to think that anyone would fall for something like this, but it’s sad to say that some people do.

    The only online mess I ever got myself into was a nasty Facebook worm. I guess I can say I learned about Facebook security the hard way. Thank goodness I was able to “kill the worm” on my computer and contain the mess it could have caused me and my business. Now I know it all boils down to using common sense, being smart, and being safe.

    • Julie Williams says

      Thanks for this thread. I just got a text from Wendy Lydia Wilson, (323) 739-2956. I sell mid-century items, so I was suspicious from the start when she said she needed an interior designer and found me on Houzz, since I am not listed as such.

        • Debra Gould says

          “Something didn’t seem right” is your intuition, always listen to that, even when you can’t find outward substantiation. Glad you looked into it 🙂

      • Cjones says

        TOTAL SCAM… GOT THIS TEXT. Greetings, I am Mrs. Wendy Lydia Wilson, I got your contact on houzz. com. Kindly email me at: wendywilson2727@gmail. com I need an interior decorator to do styling (staging) of items we have just ordered in our new apartment we are moving to this January ending. Thank you
        AND Got THIS ONE too
        Hi,I’m Mrs Kate,I got your contact on houzz Kindly email me at kateander5556@gmail.com I need an interior decorator to do styling (staging) of items we have just ordered in our new apartment we will be moving by 19th of January. Thank you.

        • TheNattyDad.com says

          I received identical texts as the ones above. This is the most recent correspondence that I received:

          Thanks for keeping in touch,

          Just to let you know the Drapery installer and Electrician for the light chandeliers, furniture pieces ie.tables, chairs etc have been taken care of and guess your job has been made easier..the furniture movers will assist in the placement of furniture.yours is just to styling (staging) and make sure everything is done effectively.and for the payment, you will receive your payment before then I will try and send you the remaining items that were ordered once I have the list. I have spoken with my husband and he is ready to pay so nothing will be delayed once the items are delivered. I will send you details of the delivery soonest. I hope you will be able to get the work done in a day or so but if not no problem.

          We would like you to be there when the items will be delivered so you can have access in and can start your work at once. The items will be delivered by the movers on 1st week of next Month. I will provide you with more details regarding the delivery. The delivery team will be responsible for carrying all the furniture and other heavy items in so you don’t have to worry about that.

          I need you to email me your payment information (name in full, front door/mailing address in full and a number we can reach you on). I will be waiting to read from you soonest so we can proceed. I hope you will be able to complete the project in a day or 2 days? so i need you to get this updated,okay

          Have a great and wonderful night ahead.

          Mrs.Lori

  2. Heather Stewart says

    Thank goodness I haven’t run into this particular scam yet. Many thanks for sending out the warning, though, Debra!

    You’re so right Leah – using common sense is a great defense!

  3. Debbie Fiskum, The Home Decor Genie! says

    Thanks for alerting us to this scam! They’ll try just about anything to get money. We have rental houses and get a lot of these types of scams from foreigners wanting to rent our property. They always have some game about sending us a check or money order and we send them something back. Yeah, right!!

    Never, never send money to someone who you don’t know, have not worked with or it seems fishy!! Good advice and thanks again.
    Debbie

  5. Katherine says

    I recently ran into a similar scam, but it was on craigslist.com. I posted an item for sale and someone sent a fishy e-mail response back to me. After letting him know that I knew he was trying to scam me, I also let him know that I reported him to craigslist………….I never heard from him again.

    Thanks again Debra for the heads up on this scammer

  7. Teresa Colby-Dokubo says

    Below is the correspondence I had this week with the scammer, “Linda Briley.” Please do not fall victim to this fraud. I sent a final text message to Linda’s #:630-526-8286 this evening, which I stated, “Very clearly you are a fraud, so do not ever contact me again. If you do, I will
    notify the law enforcement agencies.”

    Message from “Linda Briley”…..

    Good Morning,I just received your email really not been easy this days with him and the divorce going on lot of treats here and there from him i hope the divorce will be finalized no later than end of October(i hope and pray for that) currently am in WA with him for the divorce and like i said i hope and pray by October we done with it so we can go our separate ways,hes a cheat lair and very abusive am sorry for typing all this just that i cant take more than what he have giving me the best is just to let it go thou i love him but cant just continue with him anymore, the property address is 101 Bar Harbour Rd Schaumburg, IL 60193 it 2 beds 2 baths 1,450 sqft it a vacant home, i haven’t list the house with any realtor yet i prefer to stage it myself before involving any realtor so i can sale for top dollars as am not new in selling house as i sold our formal house in WA some years back, the house is vacant already just few things left in the house and would like to know if you can meet up with the mover between 29th of August to 2nd of September as he will be coming down to the property to move the few things left there down to WA for me have made up my mind to settle down in WA once the divorce as been settled so let me know what date work for you to meet up with the mover to access the property.i want you to get back to me with rough estimate of what it will cost to stage 2 beds 2 baths 1,450 sqft bedroom apartment with furnitures,artwork, bedding, area rugs, decorations,towel for the kitchen,dinning and other small accessories needed i know the furniture and some accessories will be rented please break what it will cost down for me when you replying me back and also what you charges to stage house per hour i understand you charge for consultation fee which i dont have any problem but would need you to give me rough estimate just to have an idea what it will cost to stage the house and also would like to know what date would work for you to meet up with the mover between 29th of this month to 2nd of September so we can set up the appointment with him for you to get the key and get in to take a good look on the apartment and get to work from there i dont mind making a little deposit to secure the date we choose as i want this done as soon as possible so the house can be in the market planning on selling this myself if possible and also would like to know if you accept credit cards kindly get back to me as soon as possible as i want this done soonest so the house can be in the market to get a nice buyer with top dollars…lol really dont have a time frame yet to put the house in the market i love to take my time to make sure the house is good looking before putting it in the market to get a top dollars like i said i will await your email stay blessed
    From: Teresa Colby-Dokubo
    Sent: Monday, August 15, 2016 6:51:14 AM
    To: Linda Briley
    Subject: Re: Home staging

    Hi Linda,

    I’m available this week on the following days and times:

    Wednesday, 8/17, anytime after 1:00.
    Thursday, 8/18, anytime after 11:00.
    Friday, 8/19, anytime after 1:00.

    Thank you,

    Teresa

    Teresa Colby-Dokubo
    Teresa’s Touch Interiors
    847-917-1028
    http://www.teresastouchinteriors.com

    On Aug 15, 2016, at 5:35 AM, Linda Briley wrote:

    Good Morning,This is Mrs Linda Briley the hearing impaired woman that sent you a text message last week regarding her home staging needs sorry for the late response been going through a horrible divorce the property is located in Schaumburg hope you service that area kindly get back to me via email if you received this email so i can send you an email with address and time to come in to take a look and write me estimate on the staging needs i will await your email stay blessed.
    Linda

    • Debra Gould says

      Anytime a stranger sends you this long and detailed a message, that’s a red flag right there. Then if there’s a sad detailed story with it, another red flag. The third is if there’s some way that you need to send them money. Best to ignore these messages and trash them. Don’t even read them.

    • Leslie Berdahl says

      I received a similar text and email from Ms. Briley. When she finally sent me the address I checked it on the property appraisers site & saw she was not listed as an owner. Further checking showed the property is fully furnished & has been on the market for 4 mths. Sent her a text with that info & that ended that.

    • Michael says

      Sorry this happened to you and im glad you did not fall for this scam. My elderly mother named Linda Briley was scammed by a character by the name of Dwight Woods who she met on Match.com. I have reported it to the authority’s and thank you so much I had no idea this was happening.

  8. Christina Spencer says

    I am So glad I just read this!!! I JUST responded to a Linda Briley here in Florida who said she was hearing impaired! I typed the name in to see if she had any information on her since it seemed so strange – and came right to this post!! UGH wish I wouldn’t have responded to “Linda” wonder the scam could be – I will just delete any further correspondence, so sad we have to be so on guard.

    • Debra Gould says

      Christine, yes I’ve heard of several people who have been targeted by hearing impaired or blind clients supposedly needing home staging. Bottom line, don’t give money to a stranger who out of the blue sends you an email with some long and convoluted story about how you can help them out and make a bunch of money at the same time.

  10. Jonathan Ling says

    Thank you so much for this article, Debra. Thanks a lot, Christina and Teresa, for taking the time to share your story as I have had a similar encounter with “Linda Briley” the “hearing impaired” woman. Glad I haven’t wasted much time on this.

    Pierre Designs
    Bay Area, CA

  11. Rhonda London says

    Thanks Debra!
    I was just texted by this Linda Briley that claimed to be hearing impaired having a needed property in NC. My instinct caused me to research the name as it was an Arizona area code and I live in NC. Fortunately I came upon your site with great information to this scam. Thank you so much!! It is easy to be mislead!

  12. Lisa Glass says

    “Linda Briley” texted me last week and sent me an email this morning. I live in the Charlotte NC area and she said many of the same things that others located across the country have mentioned, such as being hearing impaired and going throught a divorce. I googled her because it seemed fishy to me and I’m so glad I found these posts! Thank you!

    • Debra Gould says

      I’m glad you found me too Lisa!

      I hope you’ve joined my email list so I can keep you up-to-date on all kinds of information and ideas to help you with your own home staging business. If you’re not, please add your information to the top of this page or request the special report in the sidebar.

      Thanks for commenting!

  13. Teri Allen says

    I just got another email from “Linda Briley” too. After several texts/emails the person emailing is asking me to take a $500 deposit via CC for staging, PLUS whatever her mover costs are so I can pay them for her, as a ‘favor’. Says she’s from Chicago, hearing impaired, going thru nasty divorce, and not going to be here to meet the mover. I feel scammed out of my time and good intentions.
    Thanks for the article and community comments!
    Palm Desert, CA

    • Debra Gould says

      Yes that definitely has scam written all over it! You’ll pay her bills and then discover the card she gave you is stolen and it will be charged back to you at a later date.

  14. sylvia mustonen says

    Thanks for this information. Look out for scammer “Linda Briley” , phone number 574 485 0695 and email address of mscodemum@outlook.com. You are great for providing this warning. I am in the Cleveland OH area and her tag line of “stay blessed” seemed so phony to me.

  15. Deidra Biggs says

    Thank you so much for these posts! I live in the Washington DC area. I received 3 emails/texts from “Linda Briley”, hearing impaired and going through a divorce while living in TX. Sounded ok the first email and I was happy to do a visit and proposal for her, but she kept eluding details and this last email had the emphasis on credit card processing, deposits and a favor to pay the “movers”. Fishy. I am a realtor as well, and easily looked up the address she gave for the home and the tax record which did not have her recorded on it. Googled her and to no surprise- SCAM.

  16. Marla Quiett-Weathersby says

    Hi Debra,
    Just wanted to let you know that I received the emails and texts from Linda Briley with the same scam, divorce story and she wanted me to stage her property in Baton Rouge, LA. I received a call from the mover and how to handle the transactions. During the conversation with him my instincts told me something wasn’t right with this staging job. I googled “Linda Briley” and found your letter regarding email scam. I am just starting my business in the Staging Industry and now I have to be aware of potential customers.

  17. Denise Bartlett says

    She has recently contacted me as well. I asked how she heard about me and she never responded. I’ve asked her several other questions that she also didn’t respond to. As others have mentioned, I feel cheated out of the time I have spent responding to her, and for some preliminary work on did on the cost of furniture rental. I thought the whole thing sounded too good to be true, since it was an out of the blue prospective client, I got a bit suspicious when I received 3 calls for a NY phone number, that turned out to be her so closed”mover”. Why would someone from NY be moving furniture out of a Richmond, VA condo, for someone who lives in TX. He also mentioned to me charging her for his services and then paying him with a check. The last contact I had with her was just yesterday, which was before I saw these posts about the scam. Same as all the others have mentioned, the divorce story, needing to pay by credit card, me paying the mover on her behalf, hearing impaired, “blessed” at the end of emails and texts. Glad I saw this before I wasted more of my time with her,

  18. J Williams says

    It was “Bridget Johnson” of the UK for us… Husband Paul… he’s an IT specialist that has landed a new job in the States. Needs staging, etc. etc. Thanks for the heads up, Debra, it sounded fishy from the get go.

  19. Sharon says

    I just received a random text about staging a new townhome for a couple and their 7 month old baby, moving from UK to US. This woman (Wendy Lydia Wilson) found me on Houzz and although a little suspicious, I traded e-mails. I had a check in my spirit about it and in googling “home staging scams”, it brought me here…where many of these stories are vaguely familiar…..UK, moving to states, husband is an IT, random text, not answering my direct questions, etc. This morning (November 6, 2016), I sent a text back stating that I could not help them. That was over 12 hours ago and I’ve not had a response…. I’m amazed at how evil people can be. Amazed. Sadly.

    • Meg says

      I just received a text from the same person with almost the same story. It was such a fishy name I googled it and because of your detailed comment I immediately found this article! Thank you!

    • Nancy says

      1/6/2017 My boyfriend (handyman) just got a text from Wendy Lydia Wilson asking him to email her about installing “electrical appliances” in her new apartment… said she found him on houzz.com. He didn’t even know he was listed there. Thanks for the post, this is clearly a scam.

      • Ellen says

        I’m a wallpaperhanger/painter & I just got the txt & follow up email story from Mrs. Wendy Lydia Wilson on 8/26/17 . Same story-found me on Houzz , single mom,school of the deaf, age of boys etc. Way too much info & not correct English. We didn’t even get to the money scam part. I’ve gotten other txts in the past with guys names & inquiries about doing work for them but they always ask right away do I take credit cards? This one threw my a little because of the Houzz thing but I Googled the name & up it came on this web page ! THANKS for everyone sharing their stories!

  20. JAMIE HOUSE says

    I’m not even a home stager and I get a call along these lines a couple times a week. I notified Houzz and they said they would block the accounts but otherwise didn’t care. Blocking the account doesn’t do anything though. They need to alert people to the scam. It’s annoying to keep fielding the voicemails but I really hope no one actually gets taken by this before Houzz does something about it.

  21. Paula Tomazini says

    Same here. I’m an interior designer and a “Wendy Lydia Wilson” got my contact from Houzz. I didn’t respond because it seemed fishy. I did a bit of research and ended up here on this thread. Thank you all for sharing your experiences so I could confirm my suspicions.

  22. Kelly says

    I also received a text from Wendy Lydia Wilson with the same story. My instincts told me something wasn’t right. She wanted payment info but I don’t take cards at the moment. Very scary this is happening.

  23. Louise says

    +1 (305) 417-4113
    Greetings, I am Mrs. Wendy Lydia Wilson, I got your contact on houzz. com. Kindly email me at:wendywilson987@gmail.com, I need an interior decorator to do styling (staging) of items we have just ordered in our new apartment we are moving in next month. Thank you.

    THIS IS WHAT WAS TEXT TO ME. I took my number off Houzz.

    • Amber says

      I got this same one

      Greetings, I am Mrs. Wendy Lydia Wilson, I got your contact on houzz. com. Kindly email me at wendywilson987@gmail.com, I need an interior decorator to do styling (staging) of items we have just ordered in our new apartment we are moving in next month. Thank you.

  25. Renee says

    continued: She said she got my contact information from Houzz and shared a lot of information about herself–hearing impaired, catholic, husband working abroad in IT in London and moving to Texas, but she was living in Brooklyn with her 2 young children (7 months and 4 years). Her gmail account is morganjessica659@gmail.com and phone number 347-971-3852. She gave me an extensive list of items to be staged, but was very vague on crucial details-location of the new home, name of movers, electrician, drapery installer. It sounded strange, but I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. She shared a lot of information to build a rapport, and always signed emails with some form of “God bless.” This morning, she said she wanted to send me more than my retainer fee so I could pay her movers, though. That was a big red flag. In a contract I drafted but did not sign, she returned it this morning with a signature that was NOT Jessica Morgan. I replied that I would not do anything with the deposit until I have met her in person, and that her story is very similar to scams the FTC warns about. No response yet. I feel violated and taken advantage of–the time I spent corresponding with her in good faith and planning my schedule was time I could have spent on other projects. I have gotten legitimate jobs through Houzz, so I will be much more vigilant with future clients. Hope this information helps other businesswomen!

    • Sylvie says

      I had the exact same contact info/email and story. Haven’t got to more details about the certified cheque. Thanks for this post. Stopping any work on this now.

    • CK says

      I received three separate emails, from Catherine Raeder, Crystal Brooks, and most detail from Theresa Townsend, with the same story of hearing impairment. I told her that I needed to verify it wasn’t a scam and needed to speak with her realtor. She replied with the name of Maria Henry. Very unconvincing reply from her, so I dropped it like a hot potato. I’m very honest and trusting. I’m glad that I’m smarter than I am trusting though. These thieves are PoSs.

    • Judy says

      Hi Renee et al,
      Thank you so much for your posts, because of your detailed information, I have avoided being scammed by “Jessica Morgan”! Here is her email requesting home staging services

      “Good morning Mrs Judy how are you doing today?
      Once again my name is Jessica Morgan ,I am a Mother of two Jason and Smith , they are 3 years and 7+ Months respectively. I attended Florida School for the Deaf where I achieved my highest qualification I attend the catholic and im 36 years old and i am hard of hearing. I work based on the development and counseling of the deaf people in the community, I’m married and I have a two boys 7 months baby and 3 yrs, John. My husband is a Software Developer and System Engineer, We are in the process of relocating to your area with my husband who based in London, UK he just secured a good job here and he’s to resume 17th of February 2017.

      It’s a single family house 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, 2000 sq ft.
      We have ordered for the furniture and home appliances, so all we need you to do is to make use of our supplies to do the interior decorating (furniture and electronics layout, artwork placement, kitchen utensils placements etc) once the orders are delivered. I do not have the floor-plan yet but I will try and get it soonest.
      Below are the items my husband ordered, I’ll see if I can get the rest to you but these are the major ones:
      Belmont Twelve Light Chandelier -3
      Curtain Panels -5
      Floor Pillow – 2
      Window treatments – 3
      Rug for living room 5′ by 6′ in size – 1
      Collage wall hanging picture frame – 2
      Traverse Semi-Flush Ceiling Fan – Brushed Steel 2
      Maroneia TV Stand -1
      3 Piece Coffee Table Set – 1
      Chair and Ottoman Set – 1
      5 Piece Dining Set – 1
      Diamond Upholstery Panel Bed- 2
      Duvet Set – 3
      2 Piece Bath Rug Set
      Cookware Sets
      Bath linens and mirrors
      The paintings have been done so you don’t need to worry about that. Where is your location or city? and I would like to know how much you are willing to charge hourly and if you accept certified check for payment. I would appreciate it if you can get back to us soonest because we really want things sorted before our arrival, our arrival date is February ,15th. and your start date will be 13th
      attached is a picture of me, Jason and Smith
      I look forward to your response soonest.
      Mrs Jessica Morgan .”
      I thought the list of items ordered was weird. But gave this the benefit of the doubt. However on Feb 11, 2017 here is where I became suspicious….
      “Hello Mrs Judy how is your day going ? im sorry for the late response something came up and we will have to postponed our arrival date to 24th and you can start your work on 22nd please let me know if that will work fine for you also im happy to know you want to work for us, you will be given access to the apartment on your arrival day by our agent to show you the layout to the rooms and kitchen she will be with you throughout your work and the mover will be there as early as 8am 22nd, yours is just to styling (staging) and make sure everything is done effectively you will receive the check payment upfront to have you secure for your service before our arrival so we can be absolutely sure of having you decorate the house to enable things go perfectly without disappointment. also We will add some extra funds to your Payment which you will help us get to the mover man for the delivery of the remaining items to avoid delay , and i will provide you with the further instruction as soon as you have receive and deposit the check.but i will like to confirm your information before i proceed to mailing the check. Kindly confirm that the below information is correct so i can forward it to the payroll department for immediate processing of your check. I will look for your email soon to ensure everything is clear so i can forward your information.”

      Again, thank you for posting about these scammers. I hope the detailed emails will pay-it-foward in helping other business women to avoid the same!

  26. Mary Beth says

    Last month and just this week I received the same text receiving contact information from Houzz – different names – Barbara Kirby (barbkirby404@gmail.com, 347-656-6815) and Doran Laurin – both from Canada. As Renee mentioned, there are a lot of details about the location, the furniture, and if it’s okay to send a certified check. The first person was single with two children (about the same ages, 4 years, 7 months) and the second person was married with two children (same ages). First time around I sent a contract and never heard back. This time the similarities were too much the same to be legit. Tried to remove my phone number from Houzz site, but it is not allowing me to do so.

  27. Kimberly Hackett says

    I received a text on 12/23/16 that is strikingly similar to this Wendy person. Text read : Hi, Im Mrs Catherine Raeder, I got your contact on houzz.com. Kindly email me at catherineraeder44@gmail.com. I need a home stager to do some staging of items we have just ordered in our new apartment we are moving to next month. Thank you” …. after a few emails back and forth, she wouldn’t answer specifics about the job that I needed for the supposed “staging day” but had a check “on the way to me” where i was supposed to take some of the money to “tip the movers”. I require deposits for larger jobs so the sending me a check seemed fine but in the most recent email (today 1.9.17) i was directed that the check was arriving today (scared to check my mail 🙁 )) and that i was to send a “screen shot” once i deposited it…..RED FLAG.. also that I was only to deposit “some of the money”…..RED FLAG ..last I checked you have to deposit ALL of a check not “some of it”…I am now unsure of what to do with “whatever” is in my mail box….

  28. Carol Fisher says

    I got the same type of text message from Mrs. Kate Anderson who claimed she got my info from Houzz and asking for help with styling (staging) of items for her new apartment in the Orlando area. Then it changed to buying a home. She also claims to be hearing impaired with a husband in IT from UK . Her phone number came up as 440-481-1267 and her email addr is kateander5556@gmail.com. She wanted to pay me extra in advance to give to her movers. She gave me a general location but no actual address. I asked for the name and number of the movers so I could coordinate delivery times and I asked how I was to gain access to the property since she obviously would not be there or she could pay the movers herself. She never responded to all of the details that I requested, so another scam was thwarted. What a waste of my time.

  29. Shannon W says

    I have now had TWO separate emails from TWO separate scammers – and my husband has had one…. no idea where they got his number…. they got mine off of HOUZZ…… when they listed one address in WATTS!! ha!! also – the wording was identical – I was annoyed by the first and asked questions but gave rates etc…….. unreal…. is HOUZZ going to post a notice?? I tried to take my contact info off of houzz but they insist on having a number….. so I put 555 1212??? and then they can contact me using email….

  30. Laurie Easterlin says

    I got two IDENTICAL emails from the UK woman…husband is a software person…moving to my town…blah blah blah….first one was from Catherine Raeder and the second MATCHING email came today from Alice Smith. I called the apartment complex and the manager had no idea who these people were.

  31. Teal says

    Received Tuesday, Jan 24th as a text message from 669-222-4358
    Hi, I’m Mrs. Mahonne, I’m currently in Florida and in the process of relocating to your area. I got your contact on Houzz and I’ll be needing an interior decorator to do styling (staging) of items we have just in our new house we are moving to next month. Kindly email me at bmahonne067@gmail.com so I can email you with details. Thank you.

    Next email was:

    I really appreciate your response and I’m glad to read from you am moving to 5244 Cangas Dr, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.
    Once again my name is Brittany Mahonne,I attended Texas School for the Deaf where i achieved my highest qualification. I have my own business (Self Employed). I attend the catholic 36yrs and i am hard of hearing. I work based on the development and counseling of the deaf people in the community, I’m married and I have a two boys 7 months baby and 3yrs, Mark. My husband is a  Software Developer and System Engineer, We are in the process of relocating to your area with my husband who based in London, UK he just secured a good job here and he’s to resume first-week in (Feb 18th , 2017).

    • Natalie Vasquez says

      I got this same message then answered with:
      I think I misunderstood. I am assuming that all these products will come in boxes with major packing and assembly. Basically you are asking for our company to be a move in company, right? This is not a service that our company normally offers but has intrigued us. We are willing to help you move into your apartment. The fee would basically be a minimum of $3000 based on your list below with $2500 upfront and balance upon completion.

      As I understand it now, we would be for assembly of items when necessary, Installing window treatments, mirror, etc., placing all the new goods and disposing of the packaging, approximately a 2 day job, maybe 3. Please keep in mind, NO electronics will be activated or programmed in anyway, just merely put on shelf or tabletop. Once I have received your certified check of $2500 made out to Natalie Vasquez Interiors, LLC for our services, we will be in touch to set a date when to schedule a delivery of all the goods and how to gain
      access. Please note: Address below for receipt of payment.Thank-you for considering us for this job….

      Next message from the scammers:
      Thanks for getting back and with your estimate. Am ok with the estimated price I will write you a check for the payment. Please get back to me with your Full name, mailing Address and phone number.
      I got your Information and the payment will be mailed to your address as soon as possible. i want you to know that the Job is fully secured and I agreed to all your terms and i hope you are going to deliver a good job and i believe after this job we can also work together in some other Projects as well. The payment Will be issued out soon and want you to know that the payment for the company who will deliver the supplies will be added to the payment that will be sent to you. The reason for this is that, I want you to have your payment with you first so you can be rest assured the job is ready to get started and secured with you
      The moving company will call you once he’s about to deliver the materials so you can get yourself ready to meet at the house address and have access to the apartment but you will know ahead of time and it will comfortable for both parties.

      My response back;
      I’m sorry but we will not pay anyone for anything. Your funds for us to do any work must be certified and will need 10 days to clear all establishments before any work will be done. All work will need to be
      specified along with each and every item in detail that will be placed in your “apartment”. Just an FYIthe address you are moving to is for sale and is a house with only about 1000 sq ft.!

      The jig is up! Please do not waste anymore of my time…..

      I just received a Cashier’s check for $4550.00…Now I am confused. What is the SCAM?

      • Debra Gould says

        Natalie, to be honest I didn’t read that long message. Skipping to the bottom on your response back, the cashier’s check is very likely fake. The question is what trouble you’d get in for trying to deposit it. Perhaps the deposit would go through and only later it would be discovered, and the money would be taken back out of your account.

  34. Liliana says

    Just received this text from Barbara:

    Good morning my name is Barbara I got your contact on houzz,We are relocating to canada and i will like to know if you are available to do styling (staging) of items we have just ordered in our new apartment starting 24th of February. Require confirming email to (barbkirby404@gmail.com ) if avaiable for more details.

    I thought it was a bit weird so I googled her email and got o this page. I’m glad I did and avoided wasting my time with these people.
    Be-careful everyone!!!

  36. LL says

    I received the same emails. It started 2/9/2017 from “Ruth Maxwell”. I responded to her first message asking where she was located, she sent me the lengthy email that others have posted on this site, listing all of the items they ordered which made me think this was really strange but couldn’t figure out what they were trying to gain if this was a scam. However, I did notice she gave me all kinds of information EXCEPT her location. I emailed back for her to send me her location again. She responded with a very general address that is dead center of my service area (which I show on my website). The address is to a bunch of condos that DO NOT fit the size or description of her house. So I googled the exact words of the initial email and came to this site! My gut instinct was that it was scam right from the start, glad I told her I wasn’t interested in the job and found this website to confirm my suspicions.

  37. Barbara says

    Hi,I’m Ruth,I saw your contact on houzz I need an interior decorator to do styling (staging) of items we have just ordered in our new apartment we are moving to next month. . A Little about me my name is Ruth Maxwell,I attended Texas School for the Deaf where i achieved my highest qualification. I have my own business (Self Employed). I attend the catholic 36yrs and i am hard of hearing…my younger brother lived with us his name is Morgan here’s # (848) 482-8895 he is always available just in case you want to call. I work based on the development and counseling of the deaf people in the community, I’m married and I have a two boys 7 months baby and 3yrs, John. My husband is a Software Developer and System Engineer, We are in the process of relocating to Florida with my husband who based in London, UK he just secured a good job here and he’s to resume on April 24th, 2017

    House description:-
    Primary Style :Mediterranean-Modern
    Living Area:3,877 sq.ft. Width: 70′
    Bedrooms:3 , Baths: 3, Half Baths: 1
    Foundation: Slab Depth 123′ 4″

    We have ordered for the furniture and home appliances, so all we need you to do is to make use of our supplies to do the interior decorating (furniture and electronics layout, artwork placement, kitchen utensils placements etc) once the orders are delivered. I do not have the floor-plan yet but I will try and get it soonest.

    Below are the items my husband ordered, I’ll see if I can get the rest to you but these are the major ones:

    Belmont Twelve Light Chandelier -3
    Curtain Panels -5
    Floor Pillow – 2
    Window treatments – 3
    Rug for living room 5′ by 6′ in size – 1
    Collage wall hanging picture frame – 2
    Traverse Semi-Flush Ceiling Fan – Brushed Steel 2
    Maroneia TV Stand -1
    3 Piece Coffee Table Set – 1
    Chair and Ottoman Set – 1
    5 Piece Dining Set – 1
    Diamond Upholstery Panel Bed- 2
    Duvet Set – 3
    2 Piece Bath Rug Set
    Cookware Sets
    Bath linens and mirrors

    The paintings have been done so you don’t need to worry about that. Where is your location or city? and I would like to know how much you are willing to charge for your services and if you accept certified check for payment. I would appreciate it if you can get back to us soonest because we really want things sorted before our arrival.
    I look forward to your response soonest.
    Thanks
    Ruth .F. Maxwell

    • Mark says

      Hi Barbara. I just received the exact same email. I was trying to rationalize the bad grammar and no punctuation being because she was deaf but something felt a little scammy. Finally a smarter friend ha ha looked into it.

      • Jenny says

        We got the exact same email from Ruth Maxwell. Sent her contract and requested a deposit. We thought it seemed odd from the beginning but when the deposit came in we knew it was off kilter and started searching on the internet and found this. Trying to report it to houzz. Anyone else we should report it to?

        • Debra Gould says

          Jenny, not sure where else you could report it, but glad my article helped! I hope you’ll subscribe to my blog so we can stay in contact. I offer tons of material to help home stagers.

  38. Laly says

    OMG! I had literally the EXACT same email sent to me 2 weeks ago! Subsequent emails were riddled with poor grammar, sappy information but very short on specifics. I was very suspicious because she kept wanting to know what my address was and was going to pay via a certified check. Her name is Camile Dipson. The email address I have is camiledipson45@gmail.com 516-262-3226. I don’t get it. What would she (they) have to gain from something like this? I didn’t provide any confidential information but did give her my mailing address and now I’m worried. Any suggestions?

    • Debra Gould says

      Laly, I wouldn’t worry too much that you gave your address. There’s nothing you can do about it now, and besides what they are really after is money.

    • Davis says

      I received this email from the exact same person. She was offering a job and it seemed very legit as I’m registered on a care-giving site. I did provide basic info. Name, DOB, and address but no other personal information. I’m wondering should I be concerned as well.

      • Debra Gould says

        I would have some concern about identity theft, but I’m hardly an expert on such matters. Not sure why you’d give someone your DOB.

  39. Chiara says

    Got same kind of text messages. The first time I e-mailed them and they responded with the same great amount of personal details. I realized that it was a scam right after they gave me the address (it was a golf club). After asking to send me the correct one and a deposit to proceed my work, I never heard from them again. However, I keep receiving new messages with different name.

  40. Jackie says

    Same email from a Ruth Maxwell. I was suspicious and asked for property details. I called the realtor and the property is still on the market – total scam.
    On Feb 21, 2017, at 8:36 AM, Ruth Maxwell wrote:

    Hi,I’m Ruth,I saw your contact on houzz I need an interior decorator to do styling (staging) of items we have just ordered in our new apartment we are moving to next month. .
    A Little about me my name is Ruth Maxwell,I attended Texas School for the Deaf where i achieved my highest qualification. I have my own business (Self Employed). I attend the catholic 36yrs and i am hard of hearing…my younger brother lived with us his name is Morgan here’s # (848) 482-8895 he is always available just in case you want to call. I work based on the development and counseling of the deaf people in the community, I’m married and I have a two boys 7 months baby and 3yrs, John. My husband is a Software Developer and System Engineer, We are in the process of relocating to New Jersey with my husband who based in London, UK he just secured a good job here and he’s to resume on April 24th, 2017

    House description:-
    Primary Style :Mediterranean-Modern
    Living Area:3,877 sq.ft. Width: 70′
    Bedrooms:3 , Baths: 3, Half Baths: 1
    Foundation: Slab Depth 123′ 4″

    We have ordered for the furniture and home appliances, so all we need you to do is to make use of our supplies to do the interior decorating (furniture and electronics layout, artwork placement, kitchen utensils placements etc) once the orders are delivered. I do not have the floor-plan yet but I will try and get it soonest.

    Below are the items my husband ordered, I’ll see if I can get the rest to you but these are the major ones:

    Belmont Twelve Light Chandelier -3
    Curtain Panels -5
    Floor Pillow – 2
    Window treatments – 3
    Rug for living room 5′ by 6′ in size – 1
    Collage wall hanging picture frame – 2
    Traverse Semi-Flush Ceiling Fan – Brushed Steel 2
    Maroneia TV Stand -1
    3 Piece Coffee Table Set – 1
    Chair and Ottoman Set – 1
    5 Piece Dining Set – 1
    Diamond Upholstery Panel Bed- 2
    Duvet Set – 3
    2 Piece Bath Rug Set
    Cookware Sets
    Bath linens and mirrors

    The paintings have been done so you don’t need to worry about that. Where is your location or city? and I would like to know how much you are willing to charge for your services and if you accept certified check for payment. I would appreciate it if you can get back to us soonest because we really want things sorted before our arrival.
    I look forward to your response soonest.
    Thanks
    Ruth .J. Maxwell

  41. Davis says

    I also received an email from a Camile Dipson stating she, her husband and mother in law were moving in the area (10 months) for work and would need senior care for the in-law. I originally received a text from a website that I’m registered on from care-giving stating to contact this family. I did provide age, address and telephone number, but no form of banking information of any sort. Should I be concerned?

    • Tammy says

      what did you do about this. I have been contacted by the same. I have had several emails back and forth but not phone calls. They say they are going to send me a check tomorrow USPS. by texting them and emailing them can they get any personal information from me

      • Debra Gould says

        Tammy, it’s not for me to “do something about this.” I’ve posted about it as a public service to alert others. There’s really nothing else for me to “do.”

        By the way, if they really wanted to send you money, they could do an e-transfer just with your email address which they already have. They are asking for your address to get more information from you and as a way to get you comfortable saying yes, then they will gradually ask you for more.

  42. Ashlee says

    I too have received the email spoken of, however, from a Grace and John Mike. When I received the retainer deposit, it also included $2,200 more for the moving company in which I had already explained to them I would not be interested in dealing with the moving company and preferred they handled that end. I was to deposit the check and send them a copy of my deposit slip. The red flags were waiving with a great force I might I add. I decided to do more research. I contacted the Realtor Company and asked if the house had been sold to this couple. He said that it had been sold but not to the couple I was working with. The Realtor also shared that I was not the first designer that had contacted them. I then researched Houzz and read the many emails that was shared by designers that contained the exact email that I had been sent, except the names and addresses were different. I also read the replies here at Staging Diva. I also tried pulling both of their names up on Facebook to no avail. Thank you for posting! BEWARE!

    • Debra Gould says

      Thanks for sharing Ashlee, glad you paid attention to those red flags and did your research! Happy to help!

      I hope you’ve subscribed to my blog Home Staging Business Report so I can keep you in the loop with more tips to help your staging business.

  43. Kathy says

    Same email from Jessica Chambers! Ridiculous that these type of people are out there trying to scam!!. I had a funny feeling about the email and called the real estate agent that represented the buyer of the address that they referenced to verify that this was indeed the buyer and that this was a legit request. Of course it was not!!! I hope no one falls for this.

  44. Anonymous says

    Same deaf person story scam email twice once from Jessica Chambers 4/18/17 and one from sarah williams back in February 2017.

  45. Kristen Towbin says

    UGGGGH me too! 4/17/17 Jessica Chambers. Same email. Same circumstances and list of furnishings. So glad the “cashier’s check” and Google search of Jessica Chambers got me to this page…

    • Debra Gould says

      Glad I could help! Hope you’ll subscribe to my blog, Home Staging Business Report. I post all kinds of articles, tips and job opportunities of interest to home stagers.

  46. Corrine M. says

    Look out fellow Stagers! Yesterday I was contacted via text from a person named Jessica Chambers. She said that she and her husband were relocating to my area and she found my info on Houzz. She said they were looking for someone to style/stage their new apartment prior to their arrival. She included her email and asked me to contact her for more info. She said they had furnishings on order, including some light fixtures and they would like me to place everything. She included many details. She was deaf, 37yrs old, ages of children, their occupations, etc. She asked my rate and if I would take a cashier’s check. I responded with a lot of questions and told her would not accept a cashier’s check. Then, the situation didn’t feel right so I went online to staging scams and someone had posted a story that was almost dead on to mine. Even similar wordage such as “styled/staged”. I sent a message back addressing the similar story and that I’m aware of someone scamming stagers with cashier’s checks. However, if this was a legitimate venture I apologize and hope to earn their business. I haven’t heard back yet so this story may continue.

  47. Sarah B says

    Just had this happen! The person went by the name of Ruth Maxwell, I was sent a bank funded check, which also included money that I was to pay to the delivery company. When I said that I never agreed to this and needed the contract with the delivery company, they never replied. Watch out!!!!

  48. Max D says

    Got an email like this:

    Hello, I really appreciate your response and i’m glad to read from you and Recall,my name is Mrs. Martha Joel, I’m married and hard of hearing, my husband is a software Developer and system Engineer. I will be needing you to take few short of our new home and here is the address of the location is 1117 E 94th St,Los Angeles, CA 90002,, It’s a single family house with 4 beds 2 baths 1,466 sqft. We are currently in London,UK but will be back to State 27th of this month because my husband just secure a new good job and he will be resuming ending of the month, I will need to make necessary arrangement with regard of the photo shots prior before we proceed with the interior design because its the pictures (home) you take that we are going to send to the interior decoration to do the home stager and my arrival date is 27th of May 2017,When do you think the shooting exercises would commence proper????

    Section of the home to be covered shot.Though are of a moderate quality i want a professional touch in the images How do you charge ? Do get back with your estimated service charge so as to proceed proper with the next line of action, if you accept certified check for Payment. I would appreciate your response as soon as possible because we want things to be on ground before our arrival.

    Regards
    Mrs Martha.

  49. Caitlin A says

    I’ve gotten two of these, both via text but both very similar: “Hi, my name is ___, I got your contact from Houzz and I need someone to style/stage items I’ve ordered for my new apartment that I am moving into next month. Kindly respond at xxx@gmail.com.” I am always wary when I see words like “Kindly respond” or “Kindly email” since most real clients don’t actually talk like that!

    • Debra Gould says

      You are right, when the wording sounds like it’s not an english speaker (yet the name is clearly an english name), that’s a red flag for me too.

  50. Christina says

    Marion Lindseth is the name they are using for the latest con.

    The English has been corrected from previous emails from this scammer – and sometimes it’s been different people writing them – but its still the same scam as before. The email address even checks out as legitimate. These crooks are getting better. BEWARE all!

  51. Christina says

    THE lastest scammer email:
    Thanks for keeping in touch. My husband ordered things he liked, I will try and send you the remaining items that were ordered once I have the full list and pictures of the house. I have spoken with my husband and he is ready to pay so nothing will be delayed once the items are delivered. I will send you details of the delivery as soon as you also fix a date.

    We would like you to be there when the items will be delivered so you also have access in as keys are with our Realtor and can start your work at once. We will make our balance payment to delivery company so all items can be deliver. I think you have an understanding of what we want you to do for us, to coordinate (set) the placement of the items and all, Handyman/installer will join you to help.

    Kindly provide the below details about yourself in order to get to know you better, for records and facilitation of the payment.

    Your Full Name, Full Address and Phone Number.

    Please let us know how much this project would cost in total, for atleast (2 days) so we can make full/part payment upfront on time for you to get it done ASAP. I hope this can be completed in 2(Two) Days as suggested? right? The house address is located at 771 41st Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121 USA and as soon as we sign our contract with realtor and make payment, then i will inform you to proceed from your end.

    I will be waiting to read from you soonest so we can proceed.

    Have a great and wonderful day ahead.

    Warm Regards & Stay Blessed.

    MRS LINDSETH MARION

  52. Natalia Robert says

    So glad I found this article and comment thread! I just received a text from Martha Joel about photos, but it seemed strange. I always Google folks from inquiries so that I can be more informed about potential clients, and came across this article. Thank goodness I didn’t respond.

  53. Sophie Watkiss says

    I have have had two similar emails in the last week using very similar wording but different projects. Starting off with “We saw your website and love your portfolio.”
    One was asking for costs on a project to give seating areas for 5-6 people to have meetings, up to 12+ people when there are times like Christmas, another area for staff to have lunch and furniture that can’t be stolen? No details about what sort of home it was and the email was very vague. Please could you advise how much this would cost? We will then send the project plan, I googled the email and it led back to a design company in Richmond. I don’t believe it was actually from them. I then had another this week that used similar wording “We saw your website and love your portfolio”. We are building our home from the ground up and are looking for estimates for construction, interior designers etc. It had copied in a local soft furnishings company and again said if I was interested they would send the project details. I replied and said “I couldn’t possibly give you an estimate without seeing the project details, visiting the site with contractors, speaking to you in more depth etc?” Nothing back from either? Very strange as this wasn’t for home staging but the two emails used similar wording although they were two different projects. Has anyone else experienced emails like this? Two similar emails in one week? No response when I replied asking for more details etc?

  54. patricia cardello says

    Subject: Hello

    Message: Hi,I’m Mary,I saw your contact on houzz I need an interior decorator to do styling (staging) of items we have just ordered in our new apartment.
    A Little about me my name is Mary Davis,I attended Texas School for the Deaf where i achieved my highest qualification. I have my own business (Self Employed). I attend the catholic 36yrs and i am hard of hearing ….my younger brother lived with us his name is Steve here’s #469 532 5760 he is always available just in case you want to call. I work based on the development and counseling of the deaf people in the community, I’m married and I have a two boys 7 months baby and 3yrs Sam. My husband is a Software Developer and System Engineer, We are in the process of relocating to New York with my husband who based in London, UK he just secured a good job here and he’s to resume on September 30th, 2017.

    House description:-
    Primary Style :Mediterranean-Modern
    Living Area:3,877 sq.ft. Width: 70′
    Bedrooms:3 , Baths: 3, Half Baths: 1
    Foundation: Slab Depth 123′ 4″

    We have ordered for the furniture and home appliances, so all we need you to do is to make use of our supplies to do the interior decorating (furniture and electronics layout, artwork placement, kitchen utensils placements etc) once the orders are delivered. I do not have the floor-plan yet but I will try and get it soonest. Below are the items my husband ordered, I’ll see if I can get the rest to you but these are the major ones:

    Belmont Twelve Light Chandelier -3
    Curtain Panels -5
    Floor Pillow – 2
    Window treatments – 3
    Rug for living room 5′ by 6′ in size – 1
    Collage wall hanging picture frame – 2
    Traverse Semi-Flush Ceiling Fan – Brushed Steel 2
    Maroneia TV Stand -1
    3 Piece Coffee Table Set – 1
    Chair and Ottoman Set – 1
    5 Piece Dining Set – 1
    Diamond Upholstery Panel Bed- 2
    Duvet Set – 3
    2 Piece Bath Rug Set
    Cookware Sets
    Bath linens and mirrors

    The paintings have been done so you don’t need to worry about that. Where is your location or city? and I would like to know how much you are Willing to charge for your services and if you accept certified check for payment. I would appreciate it if you can get back to us soonest because we really want things sorted before our arrival.
    I look forward to your response soonest.
    Thanks
    Mary Davis

    • D walker says

      Oh look! It’s like we are twins!

      Subject: Staging

      Message: Hi,I’m Mitchell,I saw your contact on houzz I need an interior decorator to do styling (staging) of items we have just ordered in our new house.
      A Little about me my name is Mitchell Parker,I attended Texas School for the Deaf where i achieved my highest qualification. I have my own business (Self Employed). I attend the catholic 36yrs and i am hard of hearing ….my younger brother lived with us his name is Steve here’s #469 532 5760 he is always available just in case you want to call. I work based on the development and counseling of the deaf people in the community, I’m married and I have a two boys 7 months baby and 3yrs Sam. My husband is a Software Developer and System Engineer, We are in the process of relocating to Kansas with my husband who based in London, UK he just secured a good job here and he’s to resume on December 18th, 2017.

      House description:-
      Primary Style :Mediterranean-Modern
      Living Area:3,877 sq.ft. Width: 70′
      Bedrooms:3 , Baths: 3, Half Baths: 1
      Foundation: Slab Depth 123′ 4″

      We have ordered for the furniture and home appliances, so all we need you to do is to make use of our supplies to do the interior decorating (furniture and electronics layout, artwork placement, kitchen utensils placements etc) once the orders are delivered. I do not have the floor-plan yet but I will try and get it soonest. Below are the items my husband ordered, I’ll see if I can get the rest to you but these are the major ones:

      Belmont Twelve Light Chandelier -3
      Curtain Panels -5
      Floor Pillow – 2
      Window treatments – 3
      Rug for living room 5′ by 6′ in size – 1
      Collage wall hanging picture frame – 2
      Traverse Semi-Flush Ceiling Fan – Brushed Steel 2
      Maroneia TV Stand -1
      3 Piece Coffee Table Set – 1
      Chair and Ottoman Set – 1
      5 Piece Dining Set – 1
      Diamond Upholstery Panel Bed- 2
      Duvet Set – 3
      2 Piece Bath Rug Set
      Cookware Sets
      Bath linens and mirrors

      The paintings have been done so you don’t need to worry about that. Where is your location or city? and I would like to know how much you are Willing to charge for your services and if you accept certified check for payment. I would appreciate it if you can get back to us soonest because we really want things sorted before our arrival.
      I look forward to your response soonest.
      Thanks
      Mitchell Parker

  55. patricia cardello says

    Just got this below and thankful for this thread!
    I was googling the address description and got to this page!

    • Debra Gould says

      Happy to help, Patricia!
      Hope you’ll subscribe to Staging Diva Home Staging Business Report, I have tons of articles and tips that you’ll find helpful with your home staging business.

  56. Kelly says

    Heads up, I received a text at 2am over the weekend from someone going by “Mrs. Sharon”, saying she found me on Houzz, etc, etc. New York phone number 929-214-5965.

    Since I haven’t called someone Mrs, *firstname* since preschool, I addressed the email to Sharon, and received the same copy/paste email in broken English where she scolds you for not including the Mrs, wants interior photography for a house in my area, and wants to pay via certified check. Oh yeah, every message comes in at 3am EST, her “local” time,

    From sharoncas106@gmail.com:

    Hello Kelly,

    I really appreciate your instantaneous response and l’m glad to read from you and sorry for the late response I was busy looking after the kids, Recall, my name is Mrs. Sharon, I’m married and have 2kids, I have difficulty in hearing, my husband is a software Developer and system Engineer. I will be needing you to take few shoot of a home and here is the address : 5336 W Cullom Ave, Chicago, IL, 60641 90815, 3 beds 2 baths 2,500 sqft. We are currently in New York but will be moving down to Chicago, IL Ending of this Month because my husband just secure a new good job and he will be resuming next month. l will need to make necessary arrangement with regards to the photo shoots prior, before we proceed with the interior design, because it’s those pictures(home) you took we are going to send to the interior decorator to do the home stager before our arrival date. The shooting we commence on 23th or 24th, chose the date that’s best work for you?

    All section of the home should be covered, Though are of a moderate quality l want a professional touch in the images, How do you charge ? Do get back with your estimated service charge for 20 photo’s so as to proceed proper with the next line of action. Do you accept certified check for Payment? I would appreciate your response as soon as possible because we want things to be on ground before our arrival.

    Regards,
    Mrs. Sharon

  57. Meana says

    Has anyone heard of crystal brooks? I’m not sure if it was a scam but it sounds just like these but she wanted me to take care of her dogs she said that I would get 650 out of a 4000 dollar check and then i would mail the rest to a delivery company for pet products? I even got the check but i felt something was off so I tore the check up and texted her its off she got mad and said she was going to send the FBI after me lol I said whatever and didnt reply back and awnsers?

    • Kerri says

      I’m legit in this same situation but it’s Brittney Mahonne and her working to me is slightly different but pretty much the same. I’m glad I read this because I’m going to do the same thing when I receive the check.

  58. Dan Jackson says

    I was just recently texted by someone calling themselves Martha Joel, she had found me on Houzz and wanted me to email my zip code to a separate email. It seemed a little scummy so I searched the name and found it here. I am sure this is just one of many aliases but avoid Martha Joel.

    • Cristina Macchia says

      Hi Dan, same thing happened to me this week, i got a text from this Martha Joel asking for me to photograph her home…i already gave her my email, i just emailed her and then i searched her name…Thank you for writing this comment, hope it helps other people?

  59. Nikki says

    Got the same exact story from a Jessica Chambers except she was looking for someone to dog sit for her dog. She was 37 years old, kids, moving near me and had a difficult hearing. She wanted information where she could send payments and wanted all my information. She is also on care.com looking for pet sitters. She also sent her email, jessicachambers683@gmail.com

  60. Lili says

    I received the same thing! Here it is!!!
    Thanks for your response, My name is Kristen, I am 41 years old and I am hard of hearing which is why i work based on the development and counselling of the deaf people in the community, I am moving to your area in a few weeks and I would be needing your services for my dog (Golden Retriever) starting from August 7TH Monday-Thursday, 4 hours a day at your convenience, He is friendly.
    Your services will be:
    1. Feeding
    2. Taking him for a walk.
    3. Wellness check
    4. Playing with him

    Like I said we are relocating and have already made arrangement for the pet as well, I really took my time in going through your profile and it got me rest assured that you are a very reliable pet sitter so for this reason I would love my pet to be in your care, I’ve also ordered for a special Kernel for the dog which he would be living as his house when we arrive and I want it to be ready before our arrival so everything can be in place.
    This could be a temporary or permanent job it depends on what your schedule is like but I do like to be sure if you are available the first two weeks. I made some research on the wages for your service and i have decided to start with $400 per week. You will be paid $400 for the first week pending on my arrival and as time goes we can negotiate on a new pay as my pet gets along with you. I want to inform you that i have a seminar to attend as soon as I arrive and will be having an interview section with you immediately after the seminar . Also I will like to include your pay to our Payroll for the period just to have you booked down and secure for my pet as his sitter. I will be needing the following information below to issue a check out to you under the supervision of my Payroll.
    I need your direct mobile number so I can contact you and have immediate response whenever I contact you in case I need to pass an urgent information:
    Name:
    Address:
    Apartment #:
    City:
    State:
    Zip Code:
    Phone #:

    I have made some arrangements with the Doghouse seller about the Kernel, Dog Foods, Cream and some other necessary accessories as soon as you get the payment you will deduct $400 as your salary for the first week and have the remaining balance which is for the Kernel to the Sale Representative for shipping. I hope Cooper will have the best of time while he’s in your care and you will treat him right just like yours. Get back to me as I have a lot of issue to put in place prior to my arrival.Also I have attach a picture of Cooper and I to this email.
    I look forward to hearing back from you.

    Thank you and God bless

  62. Victoria says

    I received a text message. This was my message:
    Hi, I’m Camile Dipson, I got your contact on Houzz. Kindly, email me at: camiledipson45@gmail.com, we need an interior decorator for installation/styling (home staging) Thank you.
    My response was:
    Good morning I would love to help.
    Where are you located?
    Have have yet to receive a response.
    After researching the name: and seeing the very first search was scam……
    I have decided to report this message,contact info, and block any further communication.

    • Linda Caster says

      I am a Realtor and I received an email from Camile Dipson asking about a property that I had listed. A few days later she sent me an offer and her signature said she was a Realtor with Keller Williams. When I opened the pdf attachment it took me to my Google Drive. A few hours later I got a notice that someone had my Google password and was trying to access my account.

      • Debra Gould says

        That’s pretty scary Linda, thanks for sharing. I honestly don’t understand how an actual PDF link could take you to Google Drive and steal your password. A PDF is actually a safe form of attachment because it can’t contain an executable file. That’s why for example if someone sends me a word file I won’t open it. I tell them it has to be a PDF.

  63. Amanda Thompson says

    I received the same email…. This is sad. I knew something in my gut felt off which is why I Googled the person. Thank you for posting this on here everybody. What a help. I’m glad that we are looking out for each other! The exact same thing was it to me:

    Subject: Staging

    Hi,I’m Mitchell,I saw your contact on houzz I need an interior decorator to do styling (staging) of items we have just ordered in our new house.
    A Little about me my name is Mitchell Parker,I attended Texas School for the Deaf where i achieved my highest qualification. I have my own business (Self Employed). I attend the catholic 36yrs and i am hard of hearing ….my younger brother lived with us his name is Steve here’s #469 532 5760 he is always available just in case you want to call. I work based on the development and counseling of the deaf people in the community, I’m married and I have a two boys 7 months baby and 3yrs Sam. My husband is a Software Developer and System Engineer, We are in the process of relocating to New York with my husband who based in London, UK he just secured a good job here and he’s to resume on December 18th, 2017.

    House description:-
    Bedrooms:3 , Baths: 3, Half Baths: 1
    Foundation: Slab Depth 123′ 4″

    We have ordered for the furniture and home appliances, so all we need you to do is to make use of our supplies to do the interior decorating (furniture and electronics layout, artwork placement, kitchen utensils placements etc) once the orders are delivered. I do not have the floor-plan yet but I will try and get it soonest. Below are the items my husband ordered, I’ll see if I can get the rest to you but these are the major ones:

    Belmont Twelve Light Chandelier -3
    Curtain Panels -5
    Floor Pillow – 2
    Window treatments – 3
    Rug for living room 5′ by 6′ in size – 1
    Collage wall hanging picture frame – 2
    Traverse Semi-Flush Ceiling Fan – Brushed Steel 2
    Maroneia TV Stand -1
    3 Piece Coffee Table Set – 1
    Chair and Ottoman Set – 1
    5 Piece Dining Set – 1
    Diamond Upholstery Panel Bed- 2
    Duvet Set – 3
    2 Piece Bath Rug Set
    Cookware Sets
    Bath linens and mirrors

    The paintings have been done so you don’t need to worry about that. Where is your location or city? and I would like to know how much you are Willing to charge for your services and if you accept certified check for payment. I would appreciate it if you can get back to us soonest because we really want things sorted before our arrival.
    I look forward to your response soonest.
    Thanks
    Mitchell Parker

  64. Warwick Stone says

    Thanks for the posts, I got the same offer from Mitchell Parker, asking me to oversee (stage) the house move for the deaf person (who can’t type?) and the English software designer.
    Their mistake was using my Zip code from Houzz and sending a house plan that I was to furnish, it was for a 3 bed bungalow on a street of 6 bed mansions. And WHO DEALS IN CERTIFIED CHECKS?? No one, you do bank transfers for high dollar amounts. 25 years ago I watched my co worker had over a Rolex for a Xeroxed Cashiers Check, I hope we have come a way since then.
    I sent an email to Risk Management Dept at Houzz, I encourage everybody else to do the same, they need to be more careful with our information.

  65. L Bauer says

    I received the same email for a private chef from Brittany Mahonney at the same address saying that she was moving from Delaware to my area and that she had found me on the Women Chefs and Restauranteurs website.

    • M. Spahn says

      Hi, I have also been getting emails from Brittany Mahone regarding private chef work, and when I googled her, I got this thread. Where do you live L Bauer? She even sent me a photo of her with 2 children. Said she was moving from Delaware… but to where? That is why I am wondering about it. Said the same think about Women Chefs and Restauranteurs!

    • Jaime Carmody says

      Hi I just received the same email for a private chef and before responding I thought I would google the name and see what else I found. Glad I did, and now I know what to do… Thanks!

  66. Nancy Butcher says

    I am a private chef in Long Island, NY. I just received an email from Brittany Mahonne with the whole thing of being deaf/Catholic etc. asking for my services as a private chef. I shut her down immediately and have posted her letter on other sites for all to see. Thank you for this message board.
    Thanks for your response, I am glad to read from you. I am a single
    Mother of two, David and Kelvin, they are 5 and 1+ years respectively.
    I attended Texas School for the Deaf where i achieved my highest
    qualification. I have my own business (Self Employed). I attend the
    catholic. We are in the process of relocating to your area. I’m 39
    and I’m hard of hearing. I work based on the development and
    counseling of the deaf people in the community, I’m moving to your
    area in few weeks and I really need an honest and responsible chef for
    my family.

    More importantly, David is currently placed on a wheelchair due to an
    accident he had some months ago. I likes simple gluten free paleo meals and “kid friendly” dishes for my kids to gobble down..I’ll appreciate if you
    can tell me a few things about yourself and maybe attach one or two
    pictures of you, below are your duties:

    Cooking
    Grocery shopping

    This could be a temporary/permanent job. It depends on what your
    schedule looks like but I do like to be sure if you are available the
    first month. You’ll be working two days a week. I made some research on the wages for your service and I
    have decided to start with $500 per week and as time goes we can
    negotiate on a new pay as my kids get along with you and your food. I want to inform
    you that I have a seminar I’ll be attending to as soon as I arrive
    and will be having an interview section with you immediately I arrive
    with my kids. Also I’ll like to include your pay to our payroll for
    the period just to have you booked down and secure for my Family. I’ll
    be needing the following information below to issue out the check to
    you and I need your direct mobile number so I can text you in case I
    need to pass an urgent information:

    PAYMENT INFORMATION
    1. Name on check:
    2. Complete Mailing Address:
    3. City:
    4 State:
    5. Zip Code:
    6. Phone #:

    I have made some arrangements with the appliance seller, so as soon
    as you get the payment, you will deduct $500 for your first week and
    have the rest sent to the appliance seller for delivery as soon as
    the check clears, I hope my family will have the best of time while we’re in your care, attached is a picture of me, David and Kelvin. Get back to me as I
    have a lot of issue to put in place prior to my arrival. I look
    forward to hearing back from you.

    Thank you and God bless.

    • Cindy says

      I googled Jenny Mahonee as well, that’s how I found this site. This one was one of better crafted scam emails compared to most. I received the same email. I was offered 1000 per week! Ha ha. I thought it was a bit scamish on the first contact email, but I thought what the hey, maybe it’s real. As soon as I got the email back asking for info (no bank info tho) and the deaf part and child in a wheelchair, I knew it was bogus. They asked for my cell and address and marital status, lmaof! I get these all of the time too.

  67. Ursula Koenig says

    Hi, Mrs. Lori Smith just tried to scam me also, with the exact same scenario, installation date of 1/20/2018. I have a check using a bank with a mis-spelled address and no phone number. Sent by USPS from a guy named Harvey Sinclair of Florida, the capital of all scams. Thanks for posting this as a heads up.

  68. Kelli Hughes says

    Yes, I got a text from Mrs. Ellis Alvarez saying she found me on Yelp and needed an interior designer for her new home and to e-mail her. I e-mailed her and got the same e-mail Christina got back from her along with the floor plan of the house they wanted me to “stage” for them to move into. It was a strange request from the beginning, and I was suspicious right away because she asked what city I was in after saying they were moving to my area, BUT I played along to try to fish for more info. She also asked if I take checks before I even said how much or if I was available. It was 4 months out, but she didn’t answer any of my specific questions like who their Realtor was or her husband’s name or the exact timing. She said they were signing the contract next week. That didn’t make sense either. I did see that someone clicked on my website from Yelp, so that checked out, BUT the address she gave me did not exist (the street did, but not the address). When I inquired, she said it was a mistake and gave me another address. That’s when my husband finally said it was fishy and Googled it and found this post. I should have known Debra would have an article on this! Ha! There were red flags all over the place, but my husband was the one that didn’t question it much, and he questions EVERYTHING. I told him I wasn’t giving her my address until I checked out the address. Sure enough, my intuition was right. 🙂 I reported the e-mail as phishing (you can do that in gmail).

  69. Alex says

    Wow… so happy to have trusted my gut on this one.. Googled the name and found this site.

    I received a text message in similar fashion..

    “Hello, I’m Brittany Mahonne I’m currently in Houston, in the process of moving to your neighborhood (according to your zip info on yelp.com) I’ll be in your area in the next few weeks. I’ll be needing a personal chef. Kindly email me with your resume or an email confirming your interest at (bmahonne067@gmail.com) Thanks.” Phone used 832-479-7493

    Gladly I’ll post this here in hopes that others use their gut instincts first and search google as I did. Thanks and watch out for each other!

  70. Mike Patterson says

    We got hit by “Jessica Chambers” late last week. Unfortunately we didn’t research the name until after giving them some significant money. Still waiting for the fake cashier’s check to bounce, but we know it’s coming. We’ve been running a small staging business for 3 years, this is the first time we’ve run into something like this. Just as we were starting to break even, too. We have the police involved but I doubt anything will come of it. Once we figured out what happened we reversed the tables on the scammer and spun them a story about how we weren’t going to be able to do the work for them after all, and how would they like us to send them back our “retainer”? They’ve been getting increasingly urgent all weekend, angry and threatening, hoping we’ll send them more money before the fake check bounces. They even gave us the name of a real person in Houston TX that appears to be part of the operation, so we’re hoping the police will at least follow that up.

    • Debra Gould says

      I’m sorry that happened to you Mike and good for you for taking action.

      I have to wonder though why you’re 3 years into your staging business and only now starting to break even. With the right business model, you should be making profits from your very first client. If you’d like to learn more about how I can help you, please be sure and check out the many products (and business coaching) inside the Staging Diva Store.

  71. Trisha Breault says

    I was also just contacted by Jessica Chambers looking for a home stager to get their home situated in Newark NJ while they relocate from Texas. They used the deaf and catholic line and asked what my rate was and if I accept cashier’s checks. I responded but decided to do some more research and came across this post. Thank you so much! It is so sad that there are so many scam artists out there trying to take advantage of people! Thank you again for this post!

    • Debra Gould says

      Happy to help Trisha! I hope you’ve subscribed to my blog Home Staging Business Report! I share lots of business tips for home stagers.

  72. Beth says

    I just got this today after she found me on HOUZZ. 🙁 All I did was google her name and found this site! Some of her emails are WORD FOR WORD.

    “Hello

    I really appreciate your response and I’m glad to read from you Once again my name is Brittany Mahonne,I attended Texas School for the Deaf where I achieved my highest qualification. I have my own business (Self Employed). I attend the catholic. I’m 36yrs and I’m hard of hearing. I work based on the development and counseling of the deaf people in the community, I’m married and I have two boys 7 months baby and 3yrs, Mark. My husband is a Software Developer and System Engineer, We are in the process of relocating to your area with my husband who is based in London, UK he just secured a good job here and he’s to resume third-week of Aug.

    House description: 3 br, 3 baths. Luxurious master suite, open-concept chef’s kitchen with granite counters, ss appliances, skylight, custom cabinets

    Fireplace Type: Living Room
    Cooling: Central Cooling
    Heating: Heat Pump Electric
    Dining Area Level: Entry
    Kitchen Level: Entry

    We have ordered for the furniture and home appliances, so all we need you to do is developing household filing systems, organizing closets and basements, garage organizing, and getting rid of clutter at home. I do not have the floor-plan yet but I will try and get it soonest. Where is your location or city? and I would like to know how much you are willing to charge for your services and if you accept certified check for payment. I would appreciate it if you can get back to us soonest because we really want things sorted before our arrival.

    I look forward to your response soonest.

    Mrs Brittany Mahonne”

  73. Andy Elstein says

    On August 6, 2018, I received a text message that matches with what is described in this article.

    The phone number the text was sent from is 760-417-5713.

    Here is the message…

    > Hello, how’re you doing? My name is Brittany Mahonne in the process of relocating to your area. I came across your profile on houzz.com and read reviews about your work. I need a professional organizer to help declutter and organize our new home we are moving into. Kindly email me at (bmahonne067@gmail.com) for more details. Thank you and God bless

    I found it suspicious…I did not have any further contact with this person.

  74. Kari Wishingrad says

    I have been recently contacted by Brittany Mahonne as well with the same email. I thought it strange and asked her several questions only to get this response:

    Thanks for keeping in touch,
    Can’t call because I’m hard of hearing okay. I have spoken with my husband and he is ready to pay so nothing will be delayed once the items are delivered. I will send you details of the delivery soonest. I hope you will be able to get the work done in a day or two but if not no problem. We’re moving in to 855 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94103. 1,441 sqft

    We would like you to be there when the items will be delivered so you can have access in and can start your work at once. I’ll be in the area a week prior the delivery of the items and I need you to provide me with the nearest McDonald’s address where we can have a short meeting. The items will be delivered by the movers on Oct 11th, I will provide you with more details regarding the delivery. The delivery team will be responsible for carrying all the furniture and other items in so you don’t have to worry about that.

    I need you to email me your payment information (name in full, front door/mailing address in full and a number we can reach you on). I will be waiting to read from you soonest so we can proceed. I hope you will be able to complete the project in a day or 2 days?

    Thanks.

  75. Camilla Brower says

    Exact same Brittany Mahonne email. Hard of hearing, needs a Professional Organizer, found my business on Houzz.com. Asked to send a certified check, provided details of a 1550sq ft house that didn’t match the apartment complex.

  77. Leslie Granger says

    I’m A Realtor and received a “cash” offer on a property from a Camile Dipson. The email very suspicious so I goodled the name and came upon this website. Beware!

  78. Rosetta Britton says

    I am a realtor in Tulsa, just got an email from Camile Dipson Owner of Long and Foster Real Estate (no address or phone number) with a cash offer for one of my listings. I tried to open the Adobe PDF attachment and was redirected to the Microsoft 365 login page. I emailed her back and haven’t heard back. I had never heard of her or the agency so I looked them up, not licensed in Oklahoma. Googled the company and got nothing, Googled her name and found many of you got the emails from camiledipson45@gmail.com for all kinds of reasons. Just thought I would add mine to the list to maybe help someone else.

  79. Edy Keeler says

    I get at least two of these scam messages a month…warning signs: often bad grammer, large grandiose design needs, inability to talk on the phone due to illness or being out of the country. I respond that I am sending their information to the state’s attorney general.

  80. Roland Nilsson says

    Very helpful. Similar scam attempted as I type this. Will refer to authorities. Jody McClaren is the young mother in this case. Moving from Australia. Mailing cashier’s check. We’ll see if it arrives.

  81. Roberta says

    This scam just happened to me two weeks ago. The woman ‘Alison White’ used the same story line of being deaf, has 2 kids, moving to the area with her husband (an IT Specialist). She had sent the room-by-room details of items being delivered and set me up with the on-site contact person, Tyler Carter. She even went so far as to send me a check that I was supposed to use to buy other necessary items and to pay the movers. Stopped all communication at that point and they went away.

  82. Carolyn Penn says

    Hi Debra and all,
    This happened to me as well. Same name Alison White
    Emailed from: aliswhitealis@gmail.com
    *Hello there,
    Your works as displayed on your website give great aesthetic pleasure! We found you on the web and would like to learn more about your services.
    We need a pro to help set up and style our new home in Little Rock, prior to moving in next month.
    We have ordered our furniture & a few home design accessories, so we seek someone to help us arrange and set the house up professionally.
    Our expected move-in date is September 10th, but we want the house ready prior to our arrival.
    Your area of coverage includes Little Rock, Arkansas. Right and Will you be available to take on this project?
    Looking forward to your prompt response!
    Best regards,
    Alison

    *Another email about being hard of hearing…
    I will really appreciate it if you can get back to us promptly again, as we really want things sorted before our arrival! Kindly, let us know how best to proceed!
    PS: Just thought I should mention that I’m hard of hearing, so email is probably the best way for us to communicate.
    Best wishes,
    Alison

    Always trust your gut and do your research on the actual buyer or owner of the home.

    Thank you for having this part of your site available.
    Best,
    Carolyn

  83. Jennifer says

    Just got this email and it’s a Total scam! I had a weird feeling and searched the email and thankfully this thread popped up.

    Hello there!

    Your works as displayed on your website give great aesthetic pleasure! Found you on the web and would like to learn more about your services.

    Need a pro to help set up and style our new home in Austin, TX. prior to moving in earlier later this month.

    We have ordered our furniture & a few home design accessories, so we seek someone to help us arrange and set the house up professionally.

    Our expected move-in date is November 25th, but we want the house ready prior to our arrival.

    Your area of coverage includes Austin, TX. Right?

    Will you be available to take on this project?

    Looking forward to your prompt response!

    Best regards,
    Alison

    • Debra Gould says

      Hi Jennifer,
      I’m glad my article was helpful in you identifying that scammer. I have a number of articles you might find interesting in combining home staging, professional organizing, decorating etc.

      There are also a number of FREE gifts here.