Fraudsters Target Chabad Rabbis in US with Fake Free Yamaha Grand Piano Scam

A new scam targeting Chabad rabbis and emissaries across the United States involves fraudsters offering a free small Yamaha grand piano, only to later demand hundreds of dollars for shipping costs and then disappear. The scam was reported by COLlive and has affected recipients in states including Massachusetts, Georgia, Arizona, Minnesota, Utah, and California. The fraudsters send nearly identical emails claiming the piano belonged to a deceased relative and is being offered to a music lover who will appreciate it. One such email was signed by "Mary Reston" and included a reply email address.

The offer appears enticing since small Yamaha grand pianos can be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars depending on model and condition. However, recipients soon realize it is a known scam. After expressing interest, victims receive detailed shipping instructions and a fake professional shipping document listing the piano’s weight (about 225 kg), dimensions, and owner details. Shipping options range from $510 for an eight-day delivery to $1,220 for next-day service, with payment required upfront to receive an invoice.

The scam’s mechanism is that although the piano is offered for free, victims must pay in advance for shipping, after which the promised piano never arrives. This is a variant of the "baby Yamaha grand piano" scam known worldwide for years. The fraudsters use a personal story about a deceased owner to lure victims and demand payment for shipping or handling. Similar attempts have targeted churches, schools, nonprofits, and music organizations globally over time.