Yamaha Baby Grand Piano Giveaway Scam: How It Works and Why to Stay Away

In recent years, a new type of online scam has been targeting piano enthusiasts, parents, and music teachers: the “Yamaha Baby Grand Piano Giveaway”. This scam often appears in Facebook groups, Craigslist posts, or unsolicited emails from individuals claiming to “give away” a high-end Yamaha piano for free—usually because they’re “downsizing,” “moving,” or “don’t need it anymore.”

One of the most commonly reported scam messages is associated with the email address suzannedennis781@gmail.com, and features an offer that seems too good to be true—and that’s exactly what it is.

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself, your money, and your personal information.

🎹 What Is the Yamaha Piano Giveaway Scam?

The scam typically begins with a friendly, personal-sounding message or post in a local Facebook group or online forum. The scammer says they are giving away a Yamaha baby grand piano, usually described as:

• Lightly used or like new

• In excellent condition

• Originally owned by a loved one

• “Free to a good home”—you just cover the moving cost

They may include convincing photos of a beautiful Yamaha piano staged in a home. The language is often emotional:

“This piano belonged to my late husband and I would love for it to go to someone who will cherish it as much as we did.”

Many of these scams include the same contact email: suzannedennis781@gmail.com.

🧠 How the Scam Works (Step-by-Step)

1. The Bait:

A scammer posts about the free piano in a local group (e.g., “Boulder Parents” or “Piano Lovers of Colorado”) or sends out emails to music schools and instructors.

2. Emotional Hook:

They tell a heartwarming story about why they’re giving it away. It often includes a family member passing away, downsizing, or no longer needing the instrument.

3. Only One Catch – “Just Pay for Delivery”:

The scammer explains that the piano is free, but you’ll need to cover the delivery or shipping costs. They refer you to a fake moving company or third-party shipping service that they “trust” and have already “arranged.”

4. You Pay, and Then… Silence:

Once you send the shipping fee—often $300 to $700—you never hear from them again. No piano is delivered, and the “moving company” disappears.

🚩 Red Flags to Watch Out For

Here are clear warning signs that you're dealing with a piano giveaway scam:

• “Too Good to Be True” Offer: Yamaha baby grand pianos often retail for $10,000–$30,000. No one gives those away to strangers unless there’s a hidden motive.

• No Local Phone Number: The scammer communicates only via email and avoids giving a phone number or arranging in-person meetings.

• Pressure to Act Fast: Phrases like “many people are interested” or “you need to reserve it now” create urgency to stop you from thinking critically.

• Payment to a Third Party: You’re asked to wire money, send Zelle/Venmo, or pay a sketchy “mover” online.

• Photos Look Too Perfect: Scammers often steal staged real estate or product photos from the internet.

🎯 Why Scammers Target Music Enthusiasts

Musicians and parents often search for used instruments online to save money. A new piano is a significant investment, so the idea of getting one “for free” seems like an incredible stroke of luck.

Scammers prey on:

• Emotionally-driven decisions

• People unfamiliar with piano values

• Busy parents or teachers looking to help their students

They understand that music lovers are generous and trusting—and they use that trust to steal your money.

💸 Real Cost of the Scam

People who fall for the Yamaha baby grand piano scam often lose hundreds of dollars. But the damage can go beyond financial loss.

Risks include:

• Identity theft if you provide a full name, address, or banking info

• Email spam or phishing from other fake services

• Emotional distress after realizing you’ve been tricked

In many cases, victims are left feeling violated and embarrassed—and unfortunately, the scammer is almost always untraceable.

🧾 No, Yamaha Is Not Giving Away Free Pianos

It’s important to know that Yamaha Corporation has nothing to do with these scams. They are not sponsoring free piano giveaways on Facebook or through random individuals. Any legitimate Yamaha promotion would come directly from their official website or verified dealers—and would never involve cash payments to unknown third parties.

🎯 How to Avoid Piano Giveaway Scams

Here are a few rules to protect yourself:

✅ 1. Never Pay for “Free” Items

If someone is giving something away, they should never ask you to send money for shipping via wire transfer, Zelle, or gift cards.

✅ 2. Verify the Seller

Ask for:

• A phone call

• A photo of the piano with a handwritten note showing today’s date

• A video walkthrough of the piano in their home

Scammers will usually ghost you or send vague replies.

✅ 3. Google the Email Address

Search scam reports and piano forums. In the case of suzannedennis781@gmail.com, several people have reported identical scam messages across different cities and groups.

✅ 4. Trust Your Gut

If something feels off—like the seller being evasive or overly emotional—it probably is.

✅ 5. Buy from Reputable Sources

Stick to:

• Local music stores

• Verified piano dealers

• Trusted sellers with in-person pickup

At Mountainside Music Academy, we work closely with local piano providers and can help guide students toward reliable and safe instrument purchases.

🎹 Need Help Finding a Real Piano?

We understand how overwhelming it can be to search for your first piano—especially with scams like this out there. If you’re in the Boulder area, our instructors and admin team are happy to help you:

• Evaluate used pianos

• Connect with local dealers

• Understand what a fair price looks like

• Avoid shady offers and misleading listings

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re unsure about a deal or need help navigating your options.

Stay Safe, Stay Smart

The Yamaha baby grand giveaway scam is one of many modern online tricks that use emotional language and beautiful photos to steal money from unsuspecting buyers.

If you see an offer involving a free piano—especially one asking for payment to a third-party shipper via suzannedennis781@gmail.com—don’t engage. Report it to the group moderator, mark it as spam, and move on.

And remember: in music, just like in life, if something seems too good to be true—it probably is.