Powell, Pinson, or Parker Art Gallery

Victim Location 21207

Type of a scam Employment

A man, who I’ve come to find out goes by the names John Powell, John Pinson, or John Parker, advertises on Craigslist for an office assistant/personal assistant job for a fake art gallery which he will claim to be located in an English speaking country outside of the United States. He sends money form a client server, claiming it to be his spending money. Then, he asks that you send a set sum of money to two people, who he claims as “art suppliers,” in South America. In this case the money was to be sent to Ecuador. I found out that it was a scam when I google the names and address of the people he wished me to send money to. It was clear that they were well documented scammers, possibly participating in money laundering. The email he sent me was nearly copied and pasted word for word from the emails he sent to other “assistants” who are also victims. He uses each person once, has them send the money, subtract their “weekly salary” and then he isn’t heard from again. At that point, the previous assistants realized it was a scam. This is the website I found when I googled one of the “suppliers”: ***

The email displayed there was almost exactly like the one he sent me. At this point, I refuse to send any money anywhere. I don’t want to be apart of this and wish to wash me hands of whatever activities this man is conducting.

Also, in an effort to seem legitimate, he provides a fake list of the items he is buying. But it is obvious that the amount of supplies he is buying does not equal nearly a grand. He also asks for a resume, including person information such as full name, address, city, phone number, and back up contact information. This man has all of my information, knows where I go to school, and has not provided me with any truthful information about him or even a physical address.