Ep 016: Spam or Scam / by Jackie Sanders

Don’t be fooled by these email messages!

From flattery to threats, as entrepreneurs we get a wide range of unsolicited emails in our inboxes. But how can you tell if it is real or not? In today’s episode we share a handful of emails that were either spam or a scam. We share how to detect the red flags and resources that are available to back up your decision to click the delete button. Ease your mind and learn about the differences between spam, scam, and real email inquiries!

 
 

Spam or Scam?

If the email you received from a “potential buyer” checks any of the below boxes, it is probably not a legitimate client, and you should not respond or go forward with any type of interaction or sales.

It can be an obvious sign of a SCAM if….

  • There are multiple typos - Spelling, Grammatical, or Spacing Errors

  • You receive the same exact text of an email from multiple different email addresses

  • The story in the text sounds vague and impersonal 

  • The email domain includes weird characters or symbols

  • The text of the email includes an urgency for you to act (tight deadline)

    • Remember, “Someone else’s lack of planning does not need to become your emergency”

  • The request in the email is vague or the content is easily findable on your website

  • The sender requests a Cashier’s Check, Bank Information, or Money Wire 

    • Advice: NEVER send artwork without FULL payment, especially to a stranger

  • There are unsolicited attachments

  • They force you to click a link (the whole email is a link)

    • Advice: Never click on links! 

  • Something doesn’t add up or you get a bad feeling 

  • The “buyer” is in a foreign country and they need an outside shipper

    • Note: being from another country is not a default red flag, but simply be more cautious 

So, what can you do if you receive one of these emails? 

When in doubt...

  • Ask a friend - Ask fellow artists if they have ever received an email like that too

  • Do Your Research - This is a blog site that archives art scam emails: http://stopartscams.blogspot.com/

  • Think first - Ask questions about the source, email address, and content in the message

  • If you think it is a scam, do not engage or give them any personal Information

  • If you are on the fence if it is real or fake, you can respond BUT don’t click on links and don’t waste a large amount of time on it

TIP: Minimize your risk of being taken advantage of or wasting time by setting up your website so that it can be the answer to most email inquiries. This can include, but is not limited to:

  • An online shop with all current inventory listed

  • An online shop  with purchasing and payment options

  • An FAQ page with your accepted forms of payment

  • An FAQ page with information on your shipping policy.

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