Spotting and Avoiding Scammers: A Guide for Artists

Just like in the world of Demorrah, our own world is rife with thieves, scoundrels, and dangers around every corner, and just like a hero whose name is known far and wide, the larger your name, the more will seek your spoils. Wield this guide like a well-manned drawbridge, and keep your most trusted allies close!

As an artist, your online presence can make you a target for scammers, trolls, and bad-faith actors. Knowing how to recognize these threats and protect yourself can save you time, stress, and financial loss. Here’s a guide to spotting and handling potential scams.

Common Red Flags of Scammers

Keep your eyes sharp, for their tricks are many

Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers

• A random person reaches out offering a large sum for a commission, licensing, or NFT conversion with no negotiation.

• They insist on paying extra and want you to refund the difference.

• Some scammers pretend to be buying art for “a friend” or “a boss” and claim they’re paying on their behalf—often leading to chargeback scams.

  
  

Vague or Suspicious Inquiries

• Messages that just say "Hi" or "Are you available for a project?" without specifying details.

• They copy-paste a request without responding to direct questions.

  
  

Fake Payment Proof & Chargeback Scams

• They claim to have sent payment but provide a fake screenshot.

• They pay via PayPal or card and then issue a chargeback after receiving the art.

  
  

Requests for Personal Information

• They ask for your phone number, address, or full legal name unnecessarily.

• They want you to cash a check or accept a wire transfer (common money laundering scams).

  
  

Links to Suspicious Websites & Phishing Attempts

• They send links to "opportunities" that require you to enter login details (phishing scam).

• They ask you to download files that could contain malware.

• If they send a Google Drive or Dropbox link, ask them to describe what’s inside first, or use a site like CheckPhish to scan the link.

  
  

Overly Rushed or Pressuring Behavior

• They demand you to "start immediately" before payment is confirmed.

• They insist on moving the conversation off-platform before verifying legitimacy.

• They guilt-trip, act aggressively, or attempt to intimidate you if you ask for verification.

  
  

“Job Offers” That Require Upfront Payment

• If they ask you to pay for software, training, or “registration” to work with them, it’s a scam. No legit employer will ask you to pay for work.

  
  

How to Protect Yourself

Don your armor, adventurers. It's a dangerous world out there!

✅ Use Watermarks & Low-Resolution Previews

• Always provide previews with watermarks before final payment, or insist on payment before you complete the image. Consider including in your Terms of Service exactly how much work you’re willing to do before accepting full payment.

• Send low-res versions of work until full payment clears.

  
  

✅ Insist on Secure Payment Methods

• Use PayPal invoices (not Friends & Family), Ko-Fi, or verified escrow services.

• Some scammers will overpay and then request a refund, or dispute the charge after receiving the work. Be cautious of these tactics.

• Be wary of crypto, wire transfers, and checks.

  
  

✅ Verify Identities & Details

• Look up the person’s social media presence and past activity.

• If working with a company, verify their official website and contact email.

  
  

✅ Be Cautious of Emotional Manipulation

• Scammers often use sob stories or pressure tactics to rush you into agreements.

• If they react aggressively when you ask for verification, walk away.

• If they start getting weird about deadlines, become overly aggressive if you don't respond immediately, or try to get photos or information about your location, disengage!

  
  

✅ Use Contracts & Terms of Service

• Set clear refund policies to protect against chargebacks.

• Have a written agreement for large projects.

  
  

✅ Limit Your Public Info

• If you’re using PayPal, set up a business account to avoid exposing your full name and email. You can also use Stripe or Ko-Fi as an intermediary.

  
  

✅ Don’t Let Scammers Waste Your Time

• If a client asks for excessive changes before payment, keeps “forgetting” to send payment, or suddenly “disappears” after you finish the sketch, cut your losses and move on.

  
  

🚨 What to Do If Someone is Harassing You

A villain doesn't have to be trying to scam you to be worth disengaging from. We here at the guild believe in empowering you to stand your ground, no matter why you find yourself uncomfortable in an interaction.

✅ Set Boundaries & Stop Engaging

• Some trolls and scammers thrive on dragging you into arguments. If they start spamming, threatening, or acting weird—mute, block, and move on.

✅ Use Screenshots as Evidence

• Before blocking/reporting, take clear screenshots of their messages, payment claims, and anything shady. This helps in disputes and protects others if they try again.

✅ Report & Warn

• If they’re targeting multiple artists, consider posting a PSA (without doxxing) or submitting a report to an artist scam watch group.

  
  

What to Do If You Get Scammed

And if they get the best of you? First thing's first, don't panic. Don't beat yourself up. These people thrive on using your own emotions against you, with keeping you off-balance, and using your own insecurity against you. This is not your fault, and there has been damage done, but there are still things you can do. Take a breath, and strike back!

• Report the scammer to the platform they contacted you on (Twitter, Instagram, Discord, etc.).

• If money was stolen, file a dispute with PayPal or your bank immediately.

• Warn other artists in your community to prevent further scams.

• Strengthen your security (update passwords, enable two-factor authentication, etc.).

  
  

At the end of the day, you will survive accidentally refusing someone genuine, but giving information to a scammer can have long-lasting effects. If something feels off, don’t ignore the warning signs. It's okay to refuse a commission or block a suspicious user. If you aren't sure, please feel free to send a message to one of our trusted Mods on Discord for a second opinion!

Outside the Guild, Beep isn't there to protect you, but we'll do our best to make you feel just as safe as she makes her adventurers feel within her walls. Go out with confidence, and brook no quarter with thieves!

If ever your footing falters, reach out to the Guild. You're never alone in this fight! - Guildmaster Ember