Scams and fraud are increasing problems for anyone with an online presence, be it as simple as having an email address or as active as having an intricate website and participating in several discussion forums. Artists are a particularly susceptible group because most of us are happy for a sale and looking for that big break.
This website is intended to be a place for visual-artists to share their scammer-experiences and warn others of potential scammers. I am also hoping to put together some general information regarding scams (e.g. tips on how to identify a scammer and the types of prevalent scams) and a resource area of legitimate agents, galleries, fairs and exhibitions. Use of and membership to this website is free (you are only asked to tell others about it).
This is not a place to air grievances you have with real agents, galleries, fairs and exhibitions. If you have such grievances, I urge you to consult with your local artist-advocacy group and/or a lawyer for guidance on how to resolve those issues. The only grievances allowed for real operations are those with real websites with unfavourable terms.
Scam Warnings
The discussion forum is the place for artists to warn their peers against scams and solicit confirmation of whether the person or organization who has contacted them is legitimate. Rather than categorizing by medium or geographic location, the I have categorized by role in relation to the artist:
- bogus art fairs and exhibitions
- bogus buyers (with a special section for bogus buyers from auction sites; the most common of these involve the shipping scam)
- bogus agents and galleries
- real websites with unfavourable terms
Artists are encouraged to deal professionally and carefully with any solicitations for sales and opportunities online.
This website is currently being maintained by sculptress Julianna Yau. To learn how you can help, visit the how you can help page or send a message.
