I´m unsure if you are aware, but there´s a new scam out there. At least this one is rampant among illustrators. In particular, if anyone has an Artstation profile. It targets children´s book-type work too.
As I know, there are a lot of illustrators like myself here, be on the lookout for this scam. If you haven´t got a similar email yet, you will probably get one. The text is always almost identical, and what changes is the name of "the client".
Here's what I got a couple days ago:
....
"Hi, Luis peres, I hope this mail finds you well. I’m Natalie Williams from Swansea City Wales, UK.
I came across your artworks o ArtStation, honestly speaking I really love and appreciate your artworks, they are unique and outstanding. After much consideration, I am thrilled to extend an offer to acquire:
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/LerEBw
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/yJNKZn
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/vJYmw3
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/3qea8J
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/klez2y as NFT
Considering the significance of these artworks to your artistic journey, I propose an offer of 4000 euros paid in Ethereum (2.5ETH) per each of these artworks. I believe transforming these masterpieces into NFTs would not only preserve their timeless values but also allow a wider audience to appreciate and celebrate your artistic legacy in the digital realm.
I would love to buy more of them, but let's just start with those fine pieces first and see how the business goes.
Looking forward to hear from you. Best regards, Natalie. "
-----
I waited a bit before replying to see what happened, but today I replied and told "her" that usually I don't license my artwork for crypto payments because it's hard here in Portugal to withdraw them, but I would like to know more about her offer and if she had any suggestions ...
........
In minutes I got this funny reply:
"Dear luis, I totally understand your situation, and I'm really sorry about it. however, I'd like to highlight the benefits of using an NFT marketplace for transactions like these. NFT marketplaces offer a secure and transparent platform where buyers and sellers can engage in transactions with confidence.
The use of blockchain technology ensures that ownership and authenticity of the NFT are verifiable and tamper-proof. Additionally, the smart contract functionality guarantees that the agreed-upon terms are automatically executed.
By utilizing an NFT marketplace, both parties can avoid potential issues related to trust and payment security. It provides a level of assurance that the transaction will be completed as intended. I value your commitment to transparency, and I believe utilizing an NFT marketplace would further enhance the overall transaction experience.
That being said I implore you to create an account on Arteslux.com and mint those artworks that I selected there and inform me to purchase them.I would also like to nft the entire book but for now let's start with the other four artworks and see how the business goes
Thank you for your understanding, and I'm looking forward to exploring additional art pieces as well.
Best regards, Natalie. "
....
Now, what really got me was the -"I implore you" - bit.
" I implore you to create an account on Arteslux.com "
So the first thing i did was to research how to withdraw money from within that site and not a single video on youtube about it and not a single article on the web about such a "reliable" website too.
I also reversed image the photo of "Natalie" and its a photo taken from a clothing catalogue.
So... I guess i wont be dealing with Natalie after all.
....
This year is the 31st year ive been working as a professional illustrator, and I have never come across such an elaborate scam. Years ago, it used to be: " I want to buy your art for my wife´s birthday"
Now, it's the future.
It's about Nfts.
The goal among other things seems to be to get access to your bank info through your crypto currency wallet as this scam later gets even more complex.
So to all illustrators here. Beware.
To learn about more this scam, check out this REDIT posts.
https://www.reddit.com/.../i_believe_i_got_scammed.../...