ArtisticSchmidt
February 1st, 2007, 08:09 AM
I'm not sure if many of you know about this rampant problem but being that this is an artist's community that promotes commissioned works I suggest you read the following and inform your fellow artists.
I have personally been contacted several times by people who claim they want to "buy art" or "want to commission me to do artwork". Usually these people are from another country other than the one I currently live in. I have not been taken advantage of at this point (knock on wood) and the main reason for that is that I am skeptical and very cautious with any transaction with a stranger. I know this seems obvious but the scams aren't always are.
Things to look out for:
1. Stay informed by keeping abreast of consumer fraud trends.
2. Beware of phony emails disguised as legitimate businesses.
3. Beware of emails from a Nigerian or other foreign government official requesting assistance in the transfer of excess funds from a foreign country into your bank account.
4. Safeguard your online transactions to help prevent identity theft or unauthorized credit card charges.
5. Protect your computer from viruses, spyware, adware, worms, trojans, or other malware.
6. Don't open spam. Delete it unread.
7. If you suspect fraud or are a victim of fraud, take action.
8. Be skeptical... If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
9. Never ship your artwork to someone without making sure the payment has cleared.
10. Beware if you have been overpaid for an item you are selling by cashier's check or postal money order and have been instructed to return the overpayment amount to the buyer or other party.
11. Don't deal with persons who insist it is "urgent" or those who claim that they need the item in a hurry (perhaps for a gift).
12. Perform due diligence if a gallery wants to exhibit your work, or a company wants to license your art.
13. Beware of vanity galleries and publishers who charge artists to have their work included in a publication.
Go here for further information and spread the word: http://www.artscams.com
I have personally been contacted several times by people who claim they want to "buy art" or "want to commission me to do artwork". Usually these people are from another country other than the one I currently live in. I have not been taken advantage of at this point (knock on wood) and the main reason for that is that I am skeptical and very cautious with any transaction with a stranger. I know this seems obvious but the scams aren't always are.
Things to look out for:
1. Stay informed by keeping abreast of consumer fraud trends.
2. Beware of phony emails disguised as legitimate businesses.
3. Beware of emails from a Nigerian or other foreign government official requesting assistance in the transfer of excess funds from a foreign country into your bank account.
4. Safeguard your online transactions to help prevent identity theft or unauthorized credit card charges.
5. Protect your computer from viruses, spyware, adware, worms, trojans, or other malware.
6. Don't open spam. Delete it unread.
7. If you suspect fraud or are a victim of fraud, take action.
8. Be skeptical... If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
9. Never ship your artwork to someone without making sure the payment has cleared.
10. Beware if you have been overpaid for an item you are selling by cashier's check or postal money order and have been instructed to return the overpayment amount to the buyer or other party.
11. Don't deal with persons who insist it is "urgent" or those who claim that they need the item in a hurry (perhaps for a gift).
12. Perform due diligence if a gallery wants to exhibit your work, or a company wants to license your art.
13. Beware of vanity galleries and publishers who charge artists to have their work included in a publication.
Go here for further information and spread the word: http://www.artscams.com