🚨 SCAMS REPORT MEGATHREAD - Post your case here 🚨

I actually fell victim to a scammer in 2022 on Instagram and I still regret not listening to my instincts because I wanted to trust her and I was hoping to be wrong about the whole situation. She asked for 40$ at first, then she started asking for more money after telling me to pay through a gift card (something nobody should ever do). I finally ghosted her after she wanted 100$ because she wasn’t feeling well and needed medication. She was constantly saying she had a headache whenever I tried to back out of the deal. I didn’t give her the money and ghosted her after that. She has now deleted her account or she was deactivated through a ban. Don’t be like me folks.

Yesterday I had someone ask if we could exchange addresses. The scary thing was that she had an account on arthelper. She felt that we could talk better outside the respective platforms. When I asked what was up she said that she wanted to pay $3000/print for a total of 300 prints (something rediculus) but the first order would be for only 20 prints. I responded with think you for your interest but I only deal through my ASF account and that web address is .... . Never heard from her again.

I recently was contacted by two people with profiles on ArtHelper about purchasing my work. They both used the same verbiage, and requested to discuss things off platform and were very vague with their requests. Asked for specifics and one responded with gibberish the other didn’t provide the requested info.

I have gotten several requests for me to upload my work to random websites to be used in online galleries and collections. They all want to pay me thousands in crypto. So many red flags.

There was a woman on here on ArtHelper a bit ago who was offering her art for free in exchange for pictures of it hanging in peoples’ houses. There was no mention of how such an exchange would take place, or why she would want photos from someone else’s home when her posted pictures were already of work beautifully framed and hung in immaculate and tastefully decorated rooms. They were obviously AI generated, so I called her out on it. She was insulted (of course) and claimed that she had made the same offer around her home in Manchester. And no one in a metro area of 700,000 took her up on it?? I think she was trying a scam to get shipping charges pre-paid by the “lucky” recipient, so I offered to take her up on it if I could get the art at no cost to me. I think she closed her account.

P.S. I have dealt with scam artists before as an Assistant District Attorney and as a Defense Attorney -- some of you might think that I was being too polite. I rather be polite than get into a contest with someone who might be sick or on the other hand might be that 1% legitimate. Better to be polite and not make yourself upset than get upset and be a loser!

I've been approached by an "Art Curator" named Max ollein. Does anyone know if he is legit? It's the same name as the Curator of the Metropolitan Museum in NYC, so I'm more than a little skeptical. Have a zoom meeting with him today. Help or guidance appreciated.

I've gotten several like messges. I usually ignore but sometimes I reply with my ASF info and never hear back. But I do remember being in a catty mood one day and called the spammer out. Needless to say I never heard back from them either,

Unfortunately the scammers think artists are an easy target

Sadly we live in a world where chancers will try it on. You cant even be sure the profile is real in todays climate. A society where money is God and if you havent got much people will try anything to save themselves from poverty. In such societies it is likely to be a common sadness. I say sadness because some of these chancers might be desperate for medicines they cant afford or debt so deep they will try anything to get out of it. Some though are just greedy criminals.

I literally just got the NFT email a few minutes ago (3:57 pm 10/8/26)

the email
I would like to formally express my interest in presenting your artworks as NFTs in my upcoming exhibition. Your work demonstrates strong artistic value and promising potential within the evolving digital art marketplace.

I am prepared to offer up to 2 ETH for each selected piece. I would be pleased to discuss the process and next steps at your convenience.

I got one yesterday.

Greetings, My name is Cecelia Hartman, I recently noticed that my husband has been viewing your website on my laptop, and it appears he has taken a strong interest in your work. After taking the time to explore your collection myself, I must say I am equally impressed by the quality and creativity of your pieces. You are truly doing remarkable work. I am interested in purchasing one of your artworks that is currently available and ready for sale. This would be a surprise gift for my husband in celebration of our upcoming anniversary, and I believe your work would be a meaningful and memorable choice. Please let me know the available options within your current range, as well as any relevant details regarding pricing and the purchasing process. My preferred method of payment is via Cashier's or Certified Check. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Cecelia Hartman.

I have gotten several of these. I think they are invalid commissions. I'm not an illustrator. The return email address is: info@na-golf.com

Good day,

My name is Lillian Spencer with SpenceKraft, an organizer of academic
events. Because of hearing loss, I handle all my professional
communications via email.

We are seeking a creative professional for an upcoming seminar on teenage
health and well-being. The project involves concept art, graphic design,
and illustration for print and digital use. Your work was recommended to me,
and I believe your style fits our needs.

Could you please share your current availability, rates, and expected
delivery times? I can provide a detailed project brief if you are
interested in the opportunity.

If you would prefer not to be contacted, please simply reply and let me know.

Thank you,

Lillian Spencer
SpenceKraft
123 Central Avenue
Kearney, NE 68847

i had someone on here telling me they wanted several pieces of my works ..but wanted me to download trust wallet so they could send payment. uh huh.. sure. i have also had people off facebook, twitter, instagram say they liked me.. but needed a gift card so they could talk to me.. uh huh.. sure i'll get right on that. and of course blocked them.

oh yeah, the surprise gift for my husband/wife scam... classic.

DMs make me crazy, on all platforms. I don't like our CTA in CoPilot that says "DM me for details," because DMs are so dodgy on the face, many people are proactively putting in their profiles, "No DMs." Lately, I've been getting some kind of bot on X that keeps repeating, "Are you available for commissions? DM me." I've replied various different ways, saying no, not doing commissions, etc. The DMs just continue, oblivious. Obviously a bot.

I got another one today by a person who calls themselves Marthe Tussaud. Just for your info all.

Yes it is a challenge to navigate with confidence especially when in process of change

Wow. There is a Lillian Spencer in Kearney, but she’s an older woman. And that’s not her address.

A man befriended me on messenger nathaniel ryp. He told me to upload my artwork on pixel galaxy art platform.

It took me 5 hours to upload 23 artworks.

He then sent me 23 invoices saying he bought all 23 artwork for $240000 which is on pixel galaxy art in my balance. I put my bank details in. Withdrew money said it was pending.

They then send me a whats app message saying I needed to pay $420 fees.

Nathaniel Ryp then persit to tell me he legitimately bought my artwork to pay the fee to get money put in my bank.

He is a part of pixelgalaxy art platform scam.

So be wary of him and dont trust pixel galaxy art.

I got this one.

Spam

• Message 1 of 1. For JAWS, turn virtual PC Cursor on if needed.

  Lillian Spencer

  To:  me · Thu, Oct 22 at 6:54 AM

  Message Body

  Good day,

  My name is Lillian Spencer. I represent SpenceKraft, a small

  organizer of academic events.

  We are planning a seminar on teenagers' health and well-being. The

  event needs creative work across several areas — concept art,

  graphic design, and illustration — to carry its message across

  print and digital materials. I stumbled onto your work while on the

  lookout for capable hands online, and I would like to ask about your

  rates, availability, and expected delivery times for this kind of

  project.

  If this is something you'd consider, I can send a short project

  brief with the scope and timeline. I'm reaching out directly

  because your style fits what we have in mind.

  If you'd prefer not to receive further emails from me, just reply

  and let me know, and I won't follow up.

  One last note: I have hearing loss, so email  is the best way to

  reach me. Thank you for your time.

  Warm regards,

  Lillian Spencer

  SpenceKraft

  123 Central Avenue

  Kearney, NE 68847

I am bewildered...is it a scam when you post to Instagram and receive this comment "Love this content 😍 send this post please". I have been ignoring these requests as I don't usually know the user sending that request. Thoughts?

Thank you👍

I'm in the midst of a developing scam right now. From this site, and the second one I've encountered since joining. The first I reported and they are gone, I'll post relevant information here as soon as it moves a bit further.

Indeed