NOTE: This is Part Three of a three-part series. Part One is found here and Part Two is found here.

Scammers Are Targeting Artists, Too!

As I stated at the outset, every industry has scammers now. Lately, I have even seen professional independent artists who are good friends and customers of mine targeted by the same scams. Instead of going through me (or in addition to?), they will go directly to the artist and tell them they want to place a large order of some piece of their artwork. My customers then come to me with these large rush orders for delivery in Canada or to some obscure location. Whether we are artists or business owners, we are all “starving” for the big hit. We’re all eager to please. So, it’s easy to get suckered into something like this. I simply cannot express enough the need to be aware and vigilant so that you don’t get “had.”

What to do if You Suspect a Scam

I feel that it’s essential to share this everyone. These scams are hitting so many small independent businesses in several industries. For those of us who have seen this before, it’s kind of a no-brainer moment when we come across another scam. But for those who’ve not encountered this before, so many of these are just plausible enough to be real. And, of course, we are all taught that “the customer is always right.” Sadly, that can cause us to overlook signs that indicate scams.

If you think you have come across something that stinks like a scam, Google it. There you are certain to find out if you are the target of someone else’s efforts to steal. The scammers are re-writing the scripts every day. They are targeting different audiences with their schemes in hopes of finding a handful of people who will take the bait.

So, even if it’s not your industry, heed the warnings of others who are familiar with the “smell” of something scam-like. And don’t be afraid to report those things to the FBI.

If you think you are being targeted:

• Google your industry plus the word “scams” (e.g., picture framing scam, machine shop scams)
• Check the FBI’s list of Common Fraud Schemes