Top Artist Scams and How to Avoid Them

March 17, 2023

It’s the age of scams and people trying to get hold of your work for nothing. Some or all of these might have happened to you before but I sincerely hope you haven’t experienced any of these yet. Still, even veterans of social media slip up once in a while and give away something valuable to these lowlifes. So here’s a good reminder of the most common types of scams hitting artists_

The NFT Scam

The scammer will comment on your IG post and say they want to purchase your artwork as an NFT. But since you aren’t on any NFT platforms nor did you explicitly say that your work is available as an NFT, they will offer to mint your work for you and give you a share of the profits. In case you aren’t aware, the person who mints the artwork and turns it into an NFT becomes the owner AKA the scammer. And since they will get a royalty every time the NFT changes hands, they will earn from both the sale and the royalties of your artwork in perpetuity. If you are interested in the NFT scene, always make sure to mint your work yourself!

The Cheque Payment Scam

The scammer will DM you saying they want to purchase an artwork from you, claiming that it is for a loved one or for an important occasion. They will then offer a large amount to entice you to take the offer. The catch is that it’s urgently needed and they can only pay by cheque. Do not fall for this as the cheque will not clear and by then you would already mailed out the artwork, never getting paid and never getting the artwork back.

Shopify Chargeback Payout Scam

If you own a webstore, then this is a possible scam that can occur. The scammer will email you claiming there is a fraudulent chargeback. The email will even include the official Shopify logo but it’sreally just an online thief trying to get your money and bank account info. Do not click on the links inside and delete the email. I’m sure it’s extra obvious it’s a scam especially if you don’t use Shopify but you never know when the scammers will up their tricks so always stay alert!

Instagram Account Takeover Scam

The scammer will pose as a buyer but insist they can only pay you via bank transfer. They will then require you to confirm your identity as account owner by clicking on a given link. Once you do so, you will lose control over your account and the scammer now holds your account hostage. Always activate 2FA on your Instagram account and update all the privacy details for maximum security, and never ever click on fishy links!

Always remember never to share your personal credentials or private information online. If you’re on a laptop or desktop, hover your mouse over links to check if the URL you’re being directed to looks legitimate. If in doubt, ask someone else for a second opinion. I’m sure scammers will devise new ways to try and get your work. So stay vigilant and if your gut tells you the offer is too good or smells fishy, approach with great care. Never be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.