We have been made aware of the growing incidents of fraud perpetrated on artists in the last 12 months. The Internet seems to abetting these schemes by providing an additional layer of distance and anonymity. Perhaps Internet criminals are just getting around to discovering that artists are easy targets. We have been approached by disingenuous solicitations on virtually every social media site we belong to including Esty, Flicker, Facebook, Twitter, Linked-in, Plaxo and more than a few commercial sites who’s member lists have been compromised by hackers.
The “offers” follow a pattern. The artist receives an unsolicited email from a “Gallery, Fashion Consultant, Artist’s Rep,” or any job descriptions that is consistent with the pitch. The writer states that they like the artist’s work very much and have a buyer, or they are planning a big show and are personally inviting the artist to participate. The buyer or show is always of very high status, eg. government official or celebrity, or all the major fashion publications etc. Names proceed to drop out the sky like falling stars.
YOU, of course, will be the biggest star of all. Please send 3-5 pieces of your work plus a small handling fee. But hurry, because if you don’t act right away we will have to give the opportunity to someone. This is always accompanied by a tight deadline for the show or some special event the buyer needs the work for.
What is always missing from these offers is a verifiable address, references, a track record or anything that would give you an indication that the individuals have the connections and experience to deliver on their promises. We have even seen mirage sites set up to support some of the offers but none have stood up to even cursory scrutiny. We’re certain this will change over time. Thieves are clever and they learn quickly.
Our purpose in posting this is to alert other artists who are not aware of these schemes, and to encourage you, the artist community, to share information about the scams that are attempted on you. Knowledge is power.