ANOTHER ART SCAM – THIS HAS TO STOP!
So, I get the following email this morning….
|
After being caught by an online scammer last summer, I remain on constant alert.
This is definitely a scam artist at work using a script. First clue? If he or she caught sight of my work on line, they would have my website address. So why ask for it? All of my painting images that appear through an intentional or accidental internet search under my name or a painting subject tag, have the website URL displayed.
Second clue? the English grammar reflects someone whose first language is not English. This might not be a red flag but usually is. These people aren’t too creative. They use the same script over and over to hundreds of artists who are only hoping to sell their work. You’d think they would get an English speaking person to draft them a proper message and have a few variations… Duh!
I decided to do an online search of this ‘person’s’ name and email. What I found was article at http://painting.about.com/od/careerdevelopment/fl/Learn-About-Internet-Art-Scams.htmby artist Lisa Marder. She had received the identical email.
I will also forward the message to the RCMP Anti-Fraud Dept http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm for their information and perhaps the possibility of tracking down the con artist(s). The chances of this are slim but at least they will have another report on file. In addition, I filed a report at http://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx? – the FBI’s Internet Complaint Centre.
So artists, PLEASE BEWARE!!! If it sounds too good, it probably is. Protect yourself and your work.
Do a search on the internet to check out the person who contacts you. If something seems fishy, report the incident to the RCMP and FBI.
Please visit www.wendiedonabie.com to view my available art.
- Posted in: Art for Sale ♦ Art Fraud ♦ Art Scam ♦ Creativity
- Tagged: Art Fraud, Art Scam, Artists beware
6 Comments
Trackbacks
- ANOTHER ART SCAM – THIS HAS TO STOP! | Blue Heron Writes
- ARTISTS UNITE! – Stop the scammers | Blue Heron Writes
Blue Heron Writes 
Thanks Wendie!
Sent from my iPad
>
Please spread the word Betty
Good thing you caught onto this scam.
Never again Jovina…I’m much wiser now…. 🙂