Beware Piano Scams

Piano scams have existed almost since the invention of the piano. As the piano became increasingly popular disreputable makers and sellers might make false claims about their instruments, or try passing off instruments that weren’t what they seemed.

One such example was the practice of stencilling poor-quality pianos with names similar to a prestigious manufacturer. For example, Bechstein has, over the years, seen very average pianos marketed with names such as Beckstein, Backstein, Brechstein and even Eckstein.

More recently though technology has facilitated more elaborate scams. Over the past couple of years, a plethora of emails has gone out offering free pianos – usually a baby grand from a top maker. You might well have been on the receiving end of these missives. The email will read something like this…

Hello,
I hope you are doing well.
I am looking to give away my late husband’s beautiful 2014 Yamaha baby grand piano to a passionate instrument lover. I am over 80 years old and now have to move into assisted-living accommodation. I want the piano to go to someone who will appreciate it.
I don’t need money, so let me know if you will take it. You can text  +1 (xxx) xxx-xxxx to make delivery arrangements.
Regards,

So is this a scam? Almost certainly yes!

How the scam works

The whole point of a scam is to make money by conning the victim, so how in this instance does the scammer do it? After all, he/she is offering a free piano.

The answer is shipping. Invariably the scammer (the “little old lady”) will email to say the piano is in storage with a firm of shippers, and that you need to pay them to deliver the instrument. And the payment needs to be made by bank transfer or by an app which makes it hard to get a refund. The little old lady doesn’t exist. The piano doesn’t exist. And the “shipper” doesn’t exist — they are just the scammer with a different email address, and maybe a bogus website.

The initial “free piano” email or advert usually offers either a Yamaha or Steinway baby grand from the 2010s.

This is the bare bones of the operation. More sophisticated variations of this free piano scam have been concocted. But unless you can: (a) actually go and see the “little old lady” and play the instrument, (b) verify the instrument’s authenticity and ownership; (c) be sure there are no finance agreements in place; and (d) arrange your own shipping without paying any release fees etc., then steer well clear.

Even then you’d be wise to proceed with extreme caution, and ask yourself the question – why is “she” wanting to give this piano, worth possibly over $20,000, to me? As the old adage goes… “If something is too good to be true, it generally is”.

Other Piano Scams

The Overpayment Scam: You are selling a piano and the buyer sends you a legitimate-looking cheque (check) for more than the agreed amount. They say they’ve made a mistake and ask you to transfer back the difference. However, the original cheque bounces and you’ve already transferred back the difference.

Piano Moving Scam: Disreputable movers will “forget” to advise you about insurance and will purposely damage your piano during the move. They will then offer to get it repaired for a hefty price. Always check a mover is genuine, competent, and insured.

The Piano Origin Scam: Cheap mass-produced Chinese or Far Eastern upright pianos are sometimes passed off as being made in countries such as Germany or the US, which increases their perceived value. This is done by simply getting a “Made in Germany” sticker printed up at a local print shop and applying it to the instrument. Pianos’ origins can be traced online or from Piano Buyers guides, so make sure you know what you are purchasing.

The Piano Dumping Scam: Getting rid of an old, out-of-tune piano is expensive. So, some people offer them for free—”buyer collects.” While this solves their problem, it can become a costly headache for the new owner. The piano might need expensive repairs or be pricey to dispose of. Beware of “free” deals. They might end up costing you dearly.

While scammers are always looking for new ways to deceive people, hopefully, this article provides a few tips to help you avoid becoming their next victim.