Grand Piano Scam Targets Chabad Centers Across U.S.
Shluchim in at least five states report receiving identical emails offering a free Yamaha baby grand piano, only to be asked later to pay hundreds of dollars in supposed moving costs.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveBy COLlive reporter
A scam targeting Chabad centers across the United States is making the rounds, with shluchim in Massachusetts, Georgia, Arizona, Minnesota, Utah and California all reporting nearly identical emails offering to donate a Yamaha baby grand piano.
The email appears heartfelt. In one version, it was signed by “Mary Ruston” and read: “I’m looking to find a new home for my late husband’s Yamaha baby grand piano. I would love for it to go to a passionate music enthusiast who will truly appreciate and care for it.”
Recipients were invited to respond via the email address maryruston05@gmail.com.
The offer can be especially tempting because a used Yamaha baby grand piano can be worth a substantial amount. Depending on the model, age, and condition, comparable instruments typically sell for between $8,000 and $20,000 on the used market.
While the offer initially seemed plausible, shluchim soon discovered they were not alone. COLlive has learned that identical messages, sometimes sent under different names and email addresses, were received by Chabad centers in multiple states.
One shliach who replied out of curiosity said the conversation continued with detailed instructions for arranging the delivery. In a follow-up email, this time signed “Karolina,” the sender directed the recipient to contact a supposed moving company, reference a tracking code, provide a delivery address, and then notify the sender so she could “authorize the piano’s transport.”
The recipient was then sent what appeared to be a professional shipping estimate from the moving company. The document listed the piano’s specifications, including its weight of 574 pounds and dimensions, along with a referral identification number tied to “Mrs. Mary Ruston.” It offered several shipping options, ranging from $510 for an eight-day delivery to $1,220 for next-day delivery, and asked the recipient to choose a payment method so an invoice could be generated.
Only then did the real purpose of the scam become clear. Although the piano was supposedly being donated free of charge, the recipient was expected to pay hundreds of dollars in advance for shipping. Once the payment was sent, the promised piano would never arrive.
The “Yamaha baby grand piano” scam has circulated online for years. Fraudsters typically claim they are giving away a late spouse’s piano to a worthy home, then ask the recipient to cover shipping or moving costs before delivery. Cybersecurity researchers have documented the scheme, and nearly identical versions have been reported by churches, schools, nonprofits, and music organizations around the world.
Shluchim are urged to treat unsolicited donation offers with caution, independently verify the identity of the sender and any shipping company, and never send advance payments for shipping or handling based solely on email correspondence.
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