I haven’t received many of these recently, but I did get this text the other day. “Debbie Mann” has contacted me in the past as well. I never answer.

Good evening
My name is Mrs Debbie Mann from Vancouver,Canada and am deaf by condition. during our search for a Oboe lesson teacher that would teach our lovely son Chris and we found you on band list teacher. Our son Chris he is just a beginner and he is 16 years old very fast leaner he is coming to your state next week for period of time.
We will like you to teach him during his stay time. please do advise your.
1. your charges per 1 hour twice a week for 2 Months ?
2. The Day and time you will be available to teach him During the week?
3.Tuition address?
Thanks Debbie

“your state” is a dead giveaway, but so are other things, like incomplete sentences or typos.

I received an email from someone as well, asking for lessons on “my instrument”. Now normally I simply ignore these, as I don’t want them to know they hit upon a legit email address, but in a weak moment I replied, asking if they wanted lessons on guitar, tuba, or accordion. They opted for guitar.

In any case, if you do reply to any of these questionable messages, I suggest you ask specific questions. What brand of instrument does your child play? What other instruments? Where do they attend school. Easy questions for real people.