From the TCMU webmaster:

One of our members reported this to Tom Baskerville. He was almost taken in by a very convincing scam artist posing as a mother looking for lessons for her son. I've done some checking on this, and apparently the scam works this way. "Sandra Cowell" engages you to teach her son for two months. She prepays you for the job with a bad or possibly stolen check, but overpays and subsequently requests a refund. You'll wind up losing the refund amount, and depending on the law you may wind up responsible for the entire amount of the check. An example of the email is reproduced below.

Hello,
I’m Mrs Sandra Cowell from Paris,France.during my search for a Music instrument lesson teacher that would always take my son (chris) and I found you..Your advert looks great and it is very okay to me since you specialize in the area i am seeking for him... My Son would be coming to US (your city) Before the end of this month for a period of time and with his friend for 2 Months.he is just a beginner and he is 16 years old, i want you to help me teach lesson during his stay. So, kindly let me know your charges cost per week’s ,in order for me to arrange for his payment before he travels down to your side. I have also made preparation for his personal equipment he will be using privately at home after the lesson during his stay.
Please Advise back on;
(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?
I will be looking forward to read from you soonest.
Best Regards,
Mrs Sandra Cowell