Scam Alert!
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Hey everyone! Be on the lookout for an annoying new Instagram check kiting scam.
Twice last week I received DMs from new followers on Instagram, asking if I'd do a commissioned piece for them. I was so excited! That never happens for me, and definitely not twice in one week.
Both conversations initially went smoothly. They picked out their favorite pieces from my portfolio, asked for portraits done in that style, and easily agreed to my pricing.
When I said I'd start work after receiving a 50% payment by Paypal or Venmo, both conversations got weird. They both asked if I'd accept a check later, or an echeck, or a backdated check, or explained they had a temporary hold on their account. I politely noped out of both conversations. The fact that both conversations were happening at the same time really made it clear to me that this was a planned scheme.This morning, another artist messaged me because we both had one of these 'clients' as a mutual follower, asking if I could vouch for my experience with her. Turns out this artist actually created the commissioned work and is now arguing with the purchaser for payment. I think there's not much for her to do but block and report the account.
Looking again at both scammer accounts who contacted me, I see that they have just enough posting history over a few months to make it kind of plausible that they're a real person at a glance, but if you look at the people they follow it doesn't make any sense.
So, watch out, beware, tell your friends.
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@Valerie-Light Ugh that sucks. I'm glad you had the foresight to dodge that bullet and thanks for sharing the PSA.
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Thanks for the heads up. A week or so ago I watched the SVS learn podcast stream where they talked about this happening to them! Good on you for going with your gut that somethin' wasn't right.
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Interesting, thank you @Valerie-Light for this heads up! I just got a request for a commission by a "Patricia Brown" that came up out of no where, and was pretty quick to agree to pricing as well.
I just requested half the amount via PayPal so we'll see how that goes
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@Kristen-Lango I'm curious to hear!
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@Valerie-Light Soooo this is the response I've received:
Definitely a scam right?
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@Kristen-Lango Sounds highly suspicious. You have to trust your gut feeling, this is your in built warning system!
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@Kristen-Lango it’s definitely a scam. Look at the excuses this person is giving. Highly suspicious
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@Kristen-Lango Yes, this looks completely familiar. If it was a contact through Instagram, I'd suggest blocking them and reporting them.
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@Kristen-Lango absolutely a scam. Run, and block.
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@Kristen-Lango I have to give credit of how creative they have become to scam people, it really is amazing on its own lol.
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@PenAndrew @lpetiti @Valerie-Light @AngelinaKizz @Eliana-Bastidas Thanks to all of you! I really appreciate all your feedback and support on this
you all are just wonderful.I'll definitely block and report this account. They are "Patricia Brown" (patty_brown23) on insta just in case they try to reach out to you all too.
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@Kristen-Lango Estherjohnson052 was one I blocked. The other was Aby something
I JUST REALIZED IT'S THE SAME PERSON!!
@Kristen-Lango said in Scam Alert!:@Valerie-Light Soooo this is the response I've received:
Definitely a scam right?
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@Valerie-Light hahaha that is nutty!! These scammers are crazy
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Sorry to be posting on this thread again! Ugh. But did anyone get a request to do a commission from a "mitchellsmith651" on instagram? Her email is apparently Smithmitchell301@gmail.com - the names seem fishy and I asked her if she is okay with payment via Zelle and I haven't heard back yet.
I've got a bad feeling though. And just wanted to give all my SVSer's a heads up.
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@Kristen-Lango I recently got a comment on one of my posts asking for a commission. It follows all the "scam alert" criteria, but I'm messaging the person anyway. I figure if I can waste some of their time that's less time they have preying on someone who doesn't recognize the scam!
My scammer is known as @jessica.garner3Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirsten.mcgonigal.art/
Portfolio Site: www.kirstenmcgonigalart.com -
@kirsten-mcg Ugh totally! I hear you
honestly it's ridiculous though - this scammer went to the trouble of telling me "her kid's" favorite tv shows 
like give me a break, do these people really have nothing better to do than try to steal from illustrators, who, I think I can safely say, don't typically have millions in their bank accounts anyway?! 
