The other day, I received an email from a supposedly private collector interested in purchasing one of my glass sculptures. While it initially seemed like a legitimate inquiry, something didn’t sit right, so I decided to do some research. After digging a little deeper, I discovered that it was a scam technique commonly used in the art world.
I’ve heard some unsettling stories about artists who have been caught in similar situations. Below are five common warning signs to help you spot art scams before it’s too late:
1. Suspicious email address
Art scammers often use vague, unofficial email addresses like Gmail or Hotmail, sometimes with numbers included. For example, a scam email might come from [email protected]. If you notice anything unusual about the sender’s email address, it’s worth being cautious.
2. Untraceable sender
The sender’s name might sound real, but a quick Google search will show that they don’t exist. You can easily check by searching the name along with the word “scam” to see if it appears on any warning sites or forums. If it’s a scam, the name will likely be flagged online.
3. Emotional story
Art scammers often try to tug at your emotions. A common tactic is a supposed buyer who tells an emotional story, such as wanting to buy your artwork as a surprise gift for their spouse. If something feels too sentimental or exaggerated, it may be a scam.
4. The classic check request
If the buyer offers to pay via a cashier’s check, beware. This is a classic art scam. These checks are often fake, and the scammer may ask for a refund once you deposit the check.
5. Own shipping
Another red flag is when the buyer insists on using their own shipping agent. This shipping company will often be a fake organization that’s part of the scam. Always verify the shipping agent independently before agreeing to anything.
By recognizing these art scam warning signs, you can better protect yourself and your work. Stay alert, do your research, and trust your instincts. Don’t let art scams ruin your passion for creating and selling art!