The Temptation of Flattering Messages

I was browsing Facebook when I received a message from a golf course owner in Scotland. For the sake of this story, let’s call him Mr. Golf. He complimented my pareidolia art—a style that makes you see faces in inanimate objects. It’s all about perception shifts and illusions.

Mr. Golf expressed interest in buying my entire collection as NFTs, and I was intrigued. Who doesn’t enjoy being told their work is “exceptional”? While I’ve had my share of odd offers that turned out to be genuine, my usual skepticism was somewhat overshadowed by this opportunity.

A Business Proposition with Hidden Risks

Our conversation flowed smoothly, and Mr. Golf positioned himself as a supporter of AI art, even offering to connect me with other enthusiasts. He proposed purchasing four of my artworks for an enticing 25 ETH—a significant sum in the crypto world. He suggested I upload my works to Rarible, a reputable NFT marketplace.

However, I wisely refrained from clicking on his link to Rarible. It’s become second nature to avoid untrustworthy links. In retrospect, that link may have led to a phishing site.

But Mr. Golf had more tricks up his sleeve. Before delving into those, let’s clarify something: “What’s the Big Deal with NFTs?”

Understanding NFTs and Their Potential Pitfalls

NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, aren’t intrinsically problematic. They serve as digital proof of ownership, similar to a certificate of authenticity. That said, Mr. Golf had a strong preference for Ethereum as payment, which raised some alarms.

As someone relatively new to ETH but not entirely naive, I was both fascinated and cautious. As our discussions continued, more warning signs started to emerge.

The Golden Illusion of Ethereum

Cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, hold significant potential for digital transactions. ETH is widely accepted for digital art, especially with the NFT craze. However, Mr. Golf's insistence on ETH made me wary—was he hiding something?

While there are legitimate reasons to prefer crypto payments—like privacy or asset convenience—it's also a favored method among scammers. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Verification: Can you confirm the buyer's identity? If they resist or become defensive, that's a red flag.
2. Research: Conduct an online search to gauge the buyer's legitimacy. Look for a professional presence or art collection.
3. Contact: Reach out to the buyer through official channels rather than asking for their contact information.
4. Transaction Method: Use established platforms to facilitate transactions safely.
5. Middleman Services: Consider using escrow services to ensure fair dealings.
6. Communication: Maintain open lines of dialogue. Genuine buyers should be willing to discuss and negotiate openly.

Recognizing Genuine Opportunities

Not every NFT offer is a scam. Consider established artists like Beeple, who sold an NFT for an astounding $69 million. However, such success often comes from being well-versed in the crypto landscape and not from random DMs.

Legitimate buyers won't create a sense of urgency or pressure you into making hasty decisions. If an offer seems too good to be true, trust your instincts and walk away.

The Plot Thickens: Unraveling the Scam

As I mentioned, Mr. Golf had more tricks in store. Even without clicking his links, he pressured me to cover NFT minting costs, which can be substantial. Once an artist invests in minting, they may feel compelled to finalize the deal, increasing the risk of mistakes.

Fortunately, Rarible offers a “free minting” option where the buyer pays the fees. Just ensure you’re not creating a collection, or you might end up with unforeseen expenses.

Scam Emails and Transaction Troubles

Despite my precautions, Mr. Golf attempted to manipulate the situation further. He claimed his Ethereum payment had failed and instructed me to contact a help desk via a suspicious email.

Whatever you do, avoid reaching out to that dubious address. It’s essential to warn others about such tactics.

The Reddit Revelation: A Common Experience

Artists facing scams isn’t a new phenomenon. A quick glance at Reddit reveals multiple accounts of individuals falling victim to similar schemes. This issue has plagued traditional artists for years, and AI artists should remain vigilant.

If you're an emerging AI artist, expect to encounter these scams; it's practically a rite of passage. But don't worry—this guide aims to help you navigate the landscape safely.

How to Identify a Scammer

• Unusual Urgency: If they pressure you to act immediately, proceed with caution.
• Requesting Personal Information: If they ask for sensitive details, it’s time to cut ties.
• External Links: Avoid clicking links that seem dubious.
• Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: Be skeptical of offers that sound unrealistic.
• Consult Trusted Friends: When in doubt, seek advice from someone you trust.

Moving Forward: What’s Your Experience?

I managed to evade the scam, gaining insights along the way. This experience was a crucial reminder not to let cryptocurrency allure blind you to potential risks.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? I would love to hear your stories! Share your experiences in the comments—let’s protect each other in this digital realm.

Till next time, keep your creativity sharp and your defenses sharper!