🚨 Don't Let Scammers Stifle Your Creativity!🚨

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I wrote a while back about Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) scams and things to watch out for. These types of scams are simply the latest in a variety of online scams that have been doing the rounds since before I built my first artist website over 20 years ago. It’s amazing how long some of these have been doing the rounds! In this blog post, we look at Common Scams for Artists to Avoid in the Online World. 

These are all scams in use across all industries but for artists as soon as you start to grow your online presence, these will start to appear more frequently and it may put you off genuine opportunities.
So let’s take a look at a few that you may come across and how to protect yourself so you don’t miss out on genuine sales queries…

🔒 Here are Some Common Art Scams 🔒

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1️⃣ Fake NFT Listings⠀

Right now this is the hottest scame so let’s start here. Fake NFT listings are a type of scam where individuals create fraudulent non-fungible token (NFT) listings to deceive potential buyers. These scams typically involve misrepresenting the ownership or authenticity of digital assets, often claiming association with popular artists or platforms. Here’s a more detailed explanation of how fake NFT listings work:

  1. Creation of Fake Listings:

    • Scammers create fake listings on NFT marketplaces or auction platforms. These listings often showcase digital art, collectibles, or other digital assets.

  2. Impersonation or False Association:

    • The scammer may claim that the NFT is associated with a well-known artist, celebrity, or platform, even if there is no real connection. They might use the name and likeness of a famous individual to add credibility to the listing.

  3. Misleading Descriptions:

    • Fake NFT listings usually include detailed descriptions and stories that make the digital asset sound valuable or unique. They may use exaggerated claims to entice potential buyers.

  4. Manipulated Images or Art:

    • The images or art associated with the fake NFT listing may be manipulated or stolen from other sources. Scammers often use visually appealing visuals to attract buyers.

  5. False Verification and Ownership Claims:

    • Scammers might falsely claim to have verified ownership of the NFT, even though they do not possess the genuine token. They may provide links to blockchain explorers to make it seem like they own the asset.

  6. Fake Social Proof:

    • To create a sense of legitimacy, scammers may create fake social media profiles or forge endorsements from well-known figures, claiming they have purchased the NFT.

  7. Fraudulent Transactions:

    • When a buyer shows interest in the fake NFT, the scammer may initiate a fraudulent transaction. They may request payment in cryptocurrency for the NFT and provide a fake wallet address.

  8. No Transfer of Authentic NFT:

    • After receiving payment, the scammer does not transfer the genuine NFT to the buyer. Instead, they may provide a fake link to a non-existent digital wallet or refuse to complete the transaction.

  9. Loss of Funds:

    • Buyers who fall for these scams end up losing their cryptocurrency without receiving the promised NFT. It can be challenging to recover the funds because cryptocurrency transactions are often irreversible.

To protect yourself from fake NFT listings:

  • Do Your Research: Investigate the legitimacy of the NFT listing and the seller. Verify the claimed association with artists or platforms through official channels.

  • Check for Verified Accounts: On NFT marketplaces that offer verification, look for verified accounts to increase the likelihood of dealing with genuine sellers.

  • Use Reputable Marketplaces: Stick to well-established and reputable NFT marketplaces that have a history of authentic transactions and a trustworthy user base.

  • Be Skeptical: Be cautious of listings that seem too good to be true, use stolen or manipulated art, or make exaggerated claims about rarity or value.

  • Double-Check Wallet Addresses: Always double-check cryptocurrency wallet addresses before making a payment. Ensure you are sending funds to the correct address.

  • Report Suspected Scams: If you encounter a fake NFT listing or suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the NFT marketplace and relevant authorities.

Fake NFT listings exploit the excitement and interest surrounding NFTs, so it’s crucial to exercise caution, conduct thorough research, and verify the legitimacy of listings before engaging in any transactions.

Be cautious of fraudulent NFT listings claiming association with popular artists or platforms. Do your research and verify the legitimacy of the listings before engaging.⠀⠀

 2️⃣ Overpayment Tricks

Often this scam starts with an email designed to get you excited that someone wants to buy your art. Often vague, always enthusiastic it may say something like “Dear heart, I saw my husband/wife looking at your art…” (They will rarely include your name or any information about your art or the specific piece they say their partner looking at). ⠀
Then once you engage the scammer may offer to overpay for your art and most frequently there will be some story about why you have to work through their shipper and usually (though not always) they will be most insistent on payment via a certain payment approach such as a Wire Transfer, cheque, or some other means that you don’t normally use. (speaking of wire transfers, did you see the Anna Delvey Netflix show and the con that kept her in hotels using wire transfers?). Back on topic…

the payment they pay is more than you asked for – for some reason or other – and then they ask for a refund of the excess amount. 

Here’s an illustration using a ‘check’ as a reference but other payment methods work the same e.g. PayPalID, funds transfer, wire transfers etc.

image of overpayment steps

Beware of counterfeit payments and never refund without verifying the legitimacy of the initial payment.⠀⠀

  1. Initial Contact: The scam usually begins when the scammer expresses interest in purchasing an item from you, in this case, your art. They might contact you via email, text, or through an online marketplace where your art is listed for sale.

  2. Agreeing to Purchase: The scammer agrees to buy your art but may claim they are in a hurry or have an urgent need for it. Perhaps they say they are moving interstate,  moving overseas, it is their partner’s birthday, their anniversay or something else that has a time sensitive reason to pressure eyou to play the game their way.

  3. Overpayment: When it comes time to make payment, the scammer may send you a check, or money order, or even make an electronic payment for an amount that is significantly higher than the agreed-upon price. They might provide a convincing excuse for the overpayment, such as saying it’s for shipping, customs fees, or some other legitimate-sounding reason.

  4. Request for Refund: After making the overpayment, the scammer contacts you again, often with a sense of urgency, and asks you to refund the excess amount they sent. Sometimes they will say their ‘assistant’ made a mistake in paying too much and it may even be accompanied by a fraudulent receipt document. They might provide instructions on how you should send the refund, which is usually through a method that is difficult to trace, such as wire transfer, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency, or even gift cards.

  5. Counterfeit Payments: Here’s where the deception comes into play. The initial payment they made to you, whether it’s a check or electronic payment, is often counterfeit or fraudulent. It may initially appear to clear but will eventually bounce, leaving you responsible for the entire amount, including the excess they asked you to refund.

  6. Loss of Money: Once you’ve refunded the excess amount, you’re left with a fake payment, and the scammer disappears. You’re out of pocket for the refunded amount, and you may also have to cover bank fees or penalties associated with the fraudulent payment.

To protect yourself from overpayment scams:

  • Verify Payments: Always verify the legitimacy of any payments you receive. Wait for payments to clear and ensure they are genuine before shipping any items or issuing refunds.

  • Use Secure Payment Methods: Whenever possible, use secure and traceable payment methods for online transactions.

  • Be Skeptical: Be cautious of buyers who seem overly eager, make excuses, or pressure you to refund excess payments.

  • Check for Red Flags: Look for inconsistencies in communication, such as poor grammar and spelling, generic email addresses, and unusual requests.

  • Trust Your Gut: If something doesn’t feel right about a transaction, trust your instincts and consider conducting further research or seeking advice.

Overpayment scams rely on the victim’s willingness to refund excess payments without verifying their legitimacy. By staying vigilant and cautious, you can protect yourself from falling victim to such scams.

PayPall app on mobile

3️⃣Common PayPal Scams

Some people are insistent that you MUST take PayPal. While PayPal is a very well-known and secure payment gateway, with processes to track payments and has processes in place for ripped-off vendors to raise claims, It isn’t perfect. If you don’t already use PayPal do not allow a prospective buyer to push you into using it. (You are the business owner, after all).

Part of the downside of PayPal being so huge is that scammers gather in droves so here is a listing of a few of the PayPal scams (and if you’ve tried to sell anything on Facebook Marketplace lately you’ll already know all about the overpayment PayPal ID scams).of scams. 

  1. Phishing Scams:

    • Scammers send fake emails or messages posing as PayPal, asking you to click on a link and enter your login credentials on a fraudulent website.

  2. Fake Buyer/Seller Scams:

    • Scammers pretend to be buyers or sellers in online transactions, using PayPal as the payment method. They may overpay, send fake payment confirmations, or request refunds to steal money or goods.

  3. Advance Fee Scams:

    • Scammers claim to have sent a PayPal payment but ask for upfront fees (e.g., for shipping or insurance) before you can access the funds. After you pay the fee, they disappear without making any payment.

  4. Charity Scams:

    • Fraudsters pose as charitable organizations, soliciting donations through email or social media. They claim to accept PayPal donations but redirect funds to their accounts instead of legitimate charities.

  5. Unauthorized Transactions:

    • Scammers gain access to your PayPal account through various means (e.g., stolen login credentials) and make unauthorized transactions, often linking your account to fraudulent payment methods.

How to Avoid PayPal Scams:

  • Be Skeptical: Exercise caution with unsolicited messages or unexpected requests.

  • Verify Links: Ensure you’re on PayPal’s official website by checking for “https” in the URL and a padlock icon.

  • Use Reputable Platforms: Prefer trusted online marketplaces with secure payment systems and user protections.

  • Check Payment Status: Always verify payments directly through your PayPal account, not just relying on email notifications.

  • Avoid Upfront Fees: Be cautious of requests for upfront fees before you’ve received payment.

  • Donate Directly: Donate to established and reputable charities through their official websites.

  • Strengthen Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for your PayPal account and enable two-factor authentication.

  • Review Transactions: Regularly review PayPal account statements for unauthorized or suspicious transactions.

  • Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity to PayPal’s customer support or relevant authorities to help protect yourself and others from scams.

    Read more about  PayPay scams and how to avoid them in this article https://www.comparitech.com/identity-theft-protection/paypal-scams/ 

Internet scams for artists to avoid Scammer in hoodie in front of computer code

4️⃣ Phishing Attacks

Stay alert for phishing emails or messages asking for personal information or private keys. Be cautious of suspicious links and always verify the authenticity of the sender.⠀⠀⠀⠀

  1. Deceptive Communication: Phishing attacks usually begin with a deceptive communication, which can take several forms:

    • Emails: Scammers send emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks, government agencies, or well-known companies. These emails often contain alarming or urgent messages to create a sense of urgency.
    • Text Messages (Smishing): Similar to email phishing, smishing involves sending fraudulent text messages that typically contain a link or phone number to call.
    • Voice Messages (Vishing): Scammers may use phone calls to impersonate legitimate organizations or authorities, trying to extract sensitive information over the phone.

  2. False Pretext: Phishers use various pretexts or scenarios to lure victims into taking action. Common pretexts include:

    • Account Verification: They claim that your account has been compromised, and you need to verify your information immediately.
    • Prize or Reward: They offer a fake prize, discount, or reward in exchange for personal information.
    • Threats: They may threaten legal action, account suspension, or other negative consequences if you don’t comply.

  3. Urgency: Phishing messages often create a sense of urgency, pressuring recipients to act quickly without thinking. This urgency can make people less likely to scrutinize the message or verify its authenticity.

  4. Links or Attachments: Phishing messages often contain links to fraudulent websites or malicious attachments. Clicking on these links can lead to fake login pages designed to steal your credentials or malware downloads that infect your device.

  5. Spoofed Senders: Phishers frequently use techniques to spoof the sender’s identity, making it appear as if the message is coming from a legitimate source. They might use domain names that resemble well-known brands or organizations.

  6. Information Request: Victims are typically asked to provide sensitive information, such as login credentials, Social Security numbers, credit card details, or private keys for cryptocurrency wallets.

  7. Consequences: If victims fall for the phishing attempt and provide their information, scammers can use it for various malicious purposes, including identity theft, financial fraud, unauthorized access to accounts, or stealing cryptocurrency.

To protect yourself from phishing attacks:

  • Verify the Sender: Always verify the authenticity of the sender, especially if the message seems suspicious. Contact the organization directly using official contact information to confirm the request’s legitimacy.

  • Hover Over Links: Hover your mouse pointer over links in emails to preview the URL before clicking. Ensure it matches the official website of the organization.

  • Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA wherever possible, as it adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.

  • Stay Informed: Stay updated on common phishing techniques and red flags. Educate yourself and your family or colleagues about the risks of phishing.

  • Report Suspicious Messages: If you receive a phishing email or message, report it to your email provider or relevant authorities. This can help prevent others from falling victim.

Phishing attacks are constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to remain vigilant and sceptical of unsolicited messages, even if they seem urgent or convincing.

two women shaking hands in front of a painting

🌟Genuine Buyers🌟

Now one of the saddest things about the scams (aside from the rip-off) is the doubt it sows when you receive an email expressing interest. I have heard of many artists assuming a request is a scam and simply ignoring it and in the case of a genuine buyer not only is that a potential missed sale, it is likely going to be a negative experience for the potential buyer. We recently had an experience where a buyer had a very specific request about the invoice and offered an amount that was an overpayment. Luckily with a bit of due diligence we were able to sort that out and had a happy buyer,
Believe it or not, buyers are often as nervous about contacting an artist about a possible sale as many artists are about selling.

Receiving an email expressing interest in buying your art is a positive sign, and while you may have doubts, there are a few things you can do to check whether the person is genuine.

it is essential to be cautious and ensure the inquiry is legitimate. Here are steps you can take to verify the authenticity of the email and potential buyer:

  1. Check the Email Address: Examine the sender’s email address closely. Be wary of email addresses that look suspicious, contain a random assortment of characters, or use free email hosting services. Legitimate buyers are more likely to use professional email addresses associated with their names or organizations.

  2. Look for Red Flags in the Email Content:

    • Generic Language: Scammers often use generic language that could apply to any art, rather than specific details about your artwork.
    • Grammar and Spelling: Pay attention to the quality of writing in the email. Poor grammar and spelling errors can be a sign of a scam.
    • Overeagerness: Be cautious if the email seems overly eager or rushed, pushing for a quick sale without asking relevant questions or discussing details.
    •  

  3. Request Additional Information: Ask the potential buyer for more information about their interest in your art. Legitimate buyers are usually willing to provide details about why they want to purchase your work and may have specific questions about it. They should be able to give you the title of works they are interested in, and describe something about why your work speaks to them. And, unlike scammers, address you by name.

  4. Verify the Buyer’s Identity: You can ask the buyer for more information about themselves, such as their full name, location, and contact number. Legitimate buyers are often willing to provide this information. (You can even look them up on LinkedIn, FaceBook etc. to see if they have real profiles that match).

  5. Use Secure Payment Methods: You are the seller and you get to decide the payment methods you use. Insist on using secure and traceable payment methods, such as PayPal, Strip, ArtsPay or a secure escrow service. Avoid accepting checks or wire transfers from unknown individuals. If a buyer is being insistent on paying via a method you don’t use, that is a definite red flag.

  6. Check References and Reviews: If the potential buyer claims to be associated with an art gallery, organization, or company, research these entities online to see if they have a reputable presence. Look for reviews or testimonials related to their buying and selling practices.

  7. Avoid Advance Fees: Be cautious if the buyer requests any upfront fees, such as “shipping fees” or “transaction fees.” Legitimate buyers typically cover the costs associated with their purchase.

  8. Meet in Person (if possible): If the potential buyer is local or willing to travel, consider meeting in person to discuss the sale. Meeting face-to-face can help establish trust and authenticity.

  9. Use Trusted Art Marketplaces: If you’re selling your art online, consider using reputable art marketplaces that offer protection for both buyers and sellers. These platforms often have systems in place to verify the identity of users.

  10. Trust Your Instincts: If something about the interaction feels off or raises suspicions, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. It’s better to decline a potentially risky offer than to fall victim to a scam.

Conclusion

✨ Top Tips to Stay Safe:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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1️⃣ Research & Verify: Dig deep before entering any transaction. Investigate buyers, galleries, and platforms. Look for a reputable track record and positive feedback from other artists.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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2️⃣ Secure Payments Only: Stick to trusted and secure payment methods. Avoid unconventional payment requests or sharing sensitive information like private keys or wallet details.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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3️⃣ Trust Your Intuition: Listen to your gut. If an offer seems too good to be true or raises suspicions, take a step back. Don’t rush into deals and seek advice from fellow artists or art communities.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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🛡️ Protect your passion and talent from scammers. Stay informed, be cautious, and share these tips with fellow artists to create a scam-free art world!⠀⠀

 

#ArtScamAlert #ProtectYourCreativity #StaySafeArtist

 

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