Piano Donation Scam

On first glance this sounds like a very genuine gesture by someone down-sizing after a bereavement and wishing to donate a much loved piano to a worthy cause. Think again, this is a scam that has been going the rounds for a few years. You are not being asked to part with any money to buy the piano whereby you could be scammed if you had paid and it was not delivered. Remember there isn't a piano, no one's much loved piano is being donated. You will be asked to pay up-front the delivery/shipping costs of the piano to a fake delivery company, part of the scam. Make the payment and you won't hear from the scammers again until they are donating another "imaginary piano".

Let's read what the scammer has to say...

E-Mail received:

Date: 06/06/2025, 01:24

Claire clairebrown5738@gmail.com

To: [Email address redacted]

Subject: ***SPAM*** PIANO DONATION:

Dear Ma/Sir

I hope this message finds you well. After much thought, I have decided to donate my late husband's Yamaha grand piano, which has brought so much joy and music into our lives. It is my hope that this instrument can continue to inspire and bring comfort to others who may not have access to a piano.

If there is an individual,school,church or organization in need, I would be honored to offer this piano. It is in good condition and I would be happy to give it out

Please feel free to write me back if you are interested or know of someone who would benefit from this donation.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate your help in finding a new home for this special piano.

Warm regards,

Claire brown

Notes: I have covered how the scam works in the introduction, there a few pointers that the writer of the email may not be a native English speaker eg "Dear Ma/Sir" we know what we usually say in starting a letter in this country. Read the "Further reading section" to see other examples of this nasty scam not working on someone's greed, as in the case of these benificary scams but on people's good nature.

Recomendation: Just delete the email.

I received another email from a Claire Brown, perhaps the same one, her daughter had died and included in sorting out her affairs was the disposal of you guessed a grand piano

E-Mail received:

Date: 11/06/2025, 12:18

Claire Brown

To: [Email address redacted]

Subject: ***SPAM*** Piano donation

Hello,

I hope this message finds you well. After much reflection, I have decided to donate my late daughter's Yamaha GC1 Petite Grand piano, an instrument that brought immense joy and music into our lives. It is my heartfelt wish that this piano can continue to inspire and bring comfort to others who may not have access to such a musical resource.

If there is an individual or organization in need, I would be honored to offer this piano. It is in excellent condition, having been tuned regularly and maintained with care. I would be grateful if it could find a new home where it will be cherished and played, keeping my daughter's memory alive through its music.

Please feel free to contact me if you are interested or know of someone who would benefit from this donation.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate your help in finding a new home for this special piano.

Warm regards,

Claire Brown

Notes: Second time the same email has received the same piano scam from someone claiming to be Claire Brown disposing of a deceased relative's grand piano.

Recomendation: Just delete the email.

Further reading:

The Truth About Piano Scams

Free Piano Scam: “Avoid Baby Grand Giveaways”

Free Piano - Scam?

Michael Fowler

Potential Communications

Promoting the Christian message over the internet

Piano Donation Scam

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