It
has been brought to my attention, by various flute makers, performers, and retailers,
that there is a particularly heinous scam being carried out by an individual from
Puerto Rico. His name and contact information is as follows: Andres Velez-Arvelo P.O. Box 364505 San Juan or Guaynabo, PR 00936-4505 Phone: 787 720-3284 or 787 402-2337 or 787-990-9378 (pager) Under the guise of seeking out materials such as flutes, books, tapes, and CDs for an extravagant flute workshop or gathering that he is hosting, Andres Velez contacts various flute makers, performers, and retailers asking them to send materials to him C.O.D. or on invoice. When the materials arrive, Velez either does not pay the invoice or he writes a worthless check if it is a C.O.D. order. Velez has done his research on the topic of the Native American flute. He knows all of the terminology and drops all of the correct names. He has even stated that he knows me, Dr. Kathleen Joyce-Grendahl, and talks knowledgeably about the International Native American Flute Association. I assure you that I do not know this individual, I have never met him or spoken with him, and I definitely do not endorse him or his actions. As the executive director of the International Native American Flute Association, I strongly urge you to avoid this individual. Do not deal with him on any level. He is the consummate "con" man. In addition, please remember that C.O.D. no longer means that the customer or receiver of the merchandise pays in cash when he or she has the goods in hand. Giving the postal carrier a check is the standard now. Finally, I encourage everyone to contact the Postmaster about this individual and utilize any other legal undertakings that will lead to the capture and prosecution of this dishonest individual. Velez's disgraceful actions are completely contrary to the inherent nature of both the Native American flute and the Native American culture. Dr. Kathleen Joyce-Grendahl, Executive Director International Native American Flute Association |