Every artist with an online presence eventually will get these scam emails with someone claiming they want to buy your art. I have had a website since 1998, and it did not take long until I had the first of these inquiries. I have heard about countless “wife’s anniversary” gifts. They typically are not far away, but far enough that the art needs to be shipped. Let’s just say, Sacramento seems to be full of art lovers (actually it is, but you get the point).
Of course, the first time, you naively respond. But the follow-up quickly turns to a need for weird check payments, etc. and you know it is a scam.
Of course, the first time, you naively respond. But the follow-up quickly turns to a need for weird check payments, etc. and you know it is a scam.
I no longer get these emails very often. I think the scammers know this won’t work. Or do they?
Today, I got my first AI-generated art scam email (see below). And I am naming fictitious Ayla Schmidt here, so if anyone searches for her name, this will come up. It looks like there are a few real Ayla Schmidts out in the world but this “Art collector/lover” in the UK is nearly nonexistent online. But I did find “she” commented on another artist’s website with the exact same text used in the email I received.
Today, I got my first AI-generated art scam email (see below). And I am naming fictitious Ayla Schmidt here, so if anyone searches for her name, this will come up. It looks like there are a few real Ayla Schmidts out in the world but this “Art collector/lover” in the UK is nearly nonexistent online. But I did find “she” commented on another artist’s website with the exact same text used in the email I received.
