Chabad Rabbis Warned of Piano Donation Scam Targeting U.S. Communities

Chabad rabbis and emissaries across several U.S. states including Massachusetts, Georgia, Arizona, Minnesota, Utah, and California have reported receiving nearly identical emails offering a free Yamaha baby grand piano. The messages, often signed by fictitious names like "Mary Reston," claim the piano belonged to a deceased spouse and seek a new home for the instrument with a music lover who will appreciate it. Recipients are asked to respond to an email address provided in the message.

The offer appears appealing since used Yamaha baby grand pianos typically sell for between $8,000 and $20,000. However, the rabbis and emissaries quickly realized the emails were part of a scam. Follow-up messages, sometimes signed by "Carolina," instructed recipients to contact a shipping company, provide a tracking code and delivery address, and then confirm the shipment with the sender. The scam included sending a professional-looking shipping document detailing the piano’s specifications and shipping options costing between $510 and $1,220.

The true intent of the scam emerged when recipients were asked to pay hundreds of dollars upfront for shipping. After payment, the promised piano never arrived. This "Yamaha baby grand piano" scam has circulated online for years, targeting churches, schools, nonprofits, and music organizations worldwide. Cybersecurity experts have documented the scheme, which typically involves scammers claiming to donate a piano from a relative and then requesting advance payment for delivery.

Chabad rabbis and emissaries are urged to treat unsolicited donation offers with caution, independently verify the sender’s identity and any shipping company involved, and never send advance payments based solely on email correspondence.