THE ARTIST'S GUIDE TO SPOTTING AND AVOIDING COMMON SCAMS

by Jennifer Kahn Barlow with input from MAA Board Members

MAA Artists, we want you to be informed and caution when it comes to online scams.  Unfortunately, scams targeting artists have become more frequent and sophisticated.  It is disheartening to see scammers exploiting innocent artists who only wish to share their art with the world. Presenting one’s creation takes immense courage and confidence, and when someone shows interest in purchasing their work, it brings immense joy and satisfaction.

With this in mind, let’s educate and empower you to identify scams and take appropriate action. Here are five common types of art scams to watch out for:

1. THE “TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE” BUYER

An individual approaches you with an urgent need to purchase your art but doesn’t specify which artwork they’re interested in. This is often a red flag.

Indicators:

• Vague praise
• Urgency
• Bulk purchase offers
• Requests for payment only via check, money order, or through a shipping agent

Scam Goal:

The scammer sends a counterfeit check for an excessive amount and then requests a refund. Artists may refund the money before realizing the check is fake and ship the artwork to the scammer, losing both money and art.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Use verified payment methods (PayPal Invoice, Square, Stripe, Venmo Business).
• Do not refund overpayments or transfer funds to third parties.
• Do not respond, note the scam and delete.

2. FAKE GALLERIES, ART FAIRS, OR CONTESTS

Artists may receive contact from a “gallery” expressing admiration for their work and claiming to have interested collectors. Scammers exploit this fantasy, offering “representation” or “exposure” services and then requesting a fee.

Indicators:

• Flattering messages
• Promises of exposure
• Requests for fees upfront

Scam Goal:

You pay for their services without any tangible results. Real galleries make money through sales, not artist fees.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Conduct thorough research on the organization (Google is an invaluable resource).
• Request contracts and contact artists who have worked with the organization.
• Do not respond, note the scam and delete.
  

3. ENGAGE AND EARN TRUST

You receive a random email or direct message asking about locating artwork or a specific artist.

Indicators:

• Unsolicited messages
• Requests for personal information

Scam Goal:

The scammer engages you in conversation to build trust, eventually requesting payment.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be cautious with unsolicited messages.
• Avoid sharing personal or financial information.
• Do not respond, note the scam and delete.
  

4. SEND INVOICES FOR PRODUCTS OR SERVICES

You receive an invoice for a product or service you did not purchase.

Indicators:

• Unexpected invoices
• Requests for sensitive information

Scam Goal:

When you contact them, they may ask for your credit card information or for you to click a link, which could result in your computer being hacked.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Double-check any invoices you receive.
• Do not provide personal information unless you verify the source.
• Do not respond, note the scam and delete.
  

5. THE FAKE GIFT CARD

Remember this one that was sent out in August 2025, right before “Paint The Town?”
A trusted person emails you requesting immediate assistance (in this case our awesome President, Sylvia Douglin) and asks for gift cards, promising reimbursement.

Indicators:

• Urgent requests from a known contact
• Requests for gift cards

Scam Goal:

They want you to purchase and send the gift card codes so they can drain the funds. They impersonate a trusted person to manipulate you into providing money that is difficult to trace and recover.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify the request by contacting the person through a separate method.
• Be skeptical of urgent requests for gift cards.
• Remember, MAA will never ask for gift cards.
• Do not respond, note the scam and delete.