Ways to Spot Email Art Scams and Avoid Them In 2021 | Colorestore

Introduction

Art scams are growing more complex by the day, so it's critical for you, as an artist, to safeguard both your art and your hard-earned cash. Have you recently received an email from someone claiming that they viewed your artwork on the internet and immediately fell in love with it? Or someone who would like to buy your work right away? Perhaps a representative for an artist wants to exhibit your work at a major art fair? Isn't it wonderful?

If you're an artist with an online presence, we are sure you've probably had something similar happen to you: When you open your inbox, there's a new message from a potential buyer waiting for you. You're ecstatic! However, the more you read, the more suspicious you become. Something isn't quite right. Your enthusiasm at the prospect of a fresh sale is at odds with your suspicions that this could be a bogus enquiry. How do you know if it's genuine or a hoax? Well we can share some insights because we almost became the victim of such scam.

Why Scammers Target Artists?

Scammers may feel that artists are less likely to be aware of the risks associated with the kind of art frauds on which they rely. You want to make sure you're not one of those people. Be aware of the possibilities, remain skeptical, and proceed with caution.

How Can You Spot an Art Scam?

Emails have evolved over time, and it is now normal for the fraudster to rapidly fill in the "gaps" in his message with factual information about your website or artworks. However, don't be fooled by this information; filling them out takes very little effort, and it doesn't mean the email or the person is legitimate.

Here are a few key indicators that an email you received is an art scam.

1. Buyer Based in Foreign Land

The "buyer" is located in another country, or they require the services of an outside shipper.

Sometimes the "buyer" will inquire about a certain piece, and it will appear to be a genuine potential client. But here is when things start to get strange. They are now out of the country or require the assistance of a shipper, therefore they cannot make a simple transaction.

This is Our Story

In the month of May 2021, our artist Kavin received an email from someone called Suchitra Pal from the UK, suchitra1958@hotmail.com who was quite interested to buy a personalized portrait, for her husband’s upcoming birthday and she was in hurry so we gave her out best offer she agreed and wanted to pay through cheque.

Next day we received an email which stated – Couriered cheque to India will cover the entire payment. Because of the OTP problem, I don't have any mist of online transfer at the moment. I'll write the cheque and have it mailed to you as soon as possible, and you'll have it in India in two days. Once you confirm payment, you can begin working right away.

We got suspicious because online platforms work well all over the world so why cheque in 2021?and we researched and found out something fishy and online posts regarding similar scams and we got a fake call from Delhi Airport Custom Department regarding the courier release amount a guy with an accent there we got sure about the scam and immediately we reported the cybercrime cell.

2. There is a Strict Timetable.

The person will frequently sound rushed or insist on making a purchase right now. This is partly to confuse you and give you less time to ponder, but it's also because if they know the fake cheque, they're sending you is going to bounce, they need the transaction done before the bank notices and you find out. If the buyer is rushing you, it's a clue that they want the artwork dispatched before you discover the transaction was false.

3. They want to handle the delivery on their own or send you a cheque through courier.

If shipment is required, most real consumers will be overjoyed to have you relieve them of the hassle. And, if they do want to take care of it themselves, true collectors will almost certainly select a prominent company with which they have previously had excellent experiences a company whose name you will recognize. And who will pay full payment before any service.

How Can You Stay Away from Such Scams?

1. Think Before You Act

Keep an eye out for the above-mentioned signs that things aren’t quite right, and be cautious rather than naïve in your approach. Be aware that scamming is a possibility and that you may be a victim of it. Don't let your predisposition in favor of those who profess to like your work get in the way of your prudence if you start to be concerned about a certain case.

2. Be Transparent

Always explain gently that you will not accept payment by cashier's checks or postal money orders, which are especially vulnerable to this type of art scam. The nature of the art scam frequently revolves around the scammer's suggested form of payment; if you adhere to your usual way, which you know to be safe, they may be forced to give up.

3. Avoid Overpayments

Always refuse to accept overpayments. This isn't a frequent business practice, and you're unlikely to have seen it in real-life transactions. No money should leave your account because you're selling and they're buying. Make it a rule not to work in this manner.

4. Suspicious Google It!

Try Googling the email address of the person with whom you're communicating. Scammers' addresses get identified with the art scam they're operating because they send so many scam emails. It's possible that the person who is contacting you is already on a 'blacklist,' which you may look up on the internet. Being represented by a gallery in cases like this might also be useful.

Make it a rule in your firm, and if you're ever asked to make an exception, think long and hard about whether it's a wise risk to take if you know the buyer personally, for instance, it might be a reasonable decision.

Bottom Line

While an email fraud may not check all of these requirements, you should trust your instincts. If you're unsure, take some safeguards before proceeding with any financial transactions.