Scams Targeting Artists: Fraudulent Checks and Job Offers
Scammers use increasingly sophisticated techniques to defraud you of amounts ranging from a few hundred to several thousand euros. Unlike traditional scams, where the approach is mass and impersonal, the 'Artists' variant is much more targeted. The scammer tailors their approach based on your artistic profile, having consulted your portfolio.
How the Scam Unfolds:
- First Step: You receive a contact offering payment by check for an artistic service or product. The excuses vary: orders for enlargements for photographers, purchase of rights for graphic designers, specific orders for artisans, or travel expenses to participate in a casting for actors, dancers, and models.
- Second Step: After cashing the check, the scammer asks you to refund an alleged overpayment, under various seemingly legitimate pretexts.
The Consequences:
Once the check is cashed, the bank temporarily credits you the amount. However, once the check is revealed to be fraudulent, the bank withdraws the credited amount, and if you have refunded the "overpayment", you lose that money without recourse.
False Job Offer:
Another technique involves offering you a fictitious job, often with attractive conditions, using the identities of real companies. Caution is advised when upfront payments are requested for various fees.
Advice:
- Prefer payment by bank transfer.
- Be wary of requests to refund overpayments.
- Be skeptical of job offers that require upfront payments.
If you are contacted or have already been a victim:
- Alert us
- Do not continue exchanges with the scammer.
- File a complaint, equipped with the exchanged messages and your bank statement.
Vigilance is your best defense against these increasingly elaborate scams.