The "artist" contacts you, claiming that one of your photos inspired them and asks to create art based on it. They then claim to work for a wealthy client whose assistant will use a digital payment app like Venmo to pay you for the use of your photo. However, the fraudster is using money from stolen financial accounts to send you the payment. They may then ask you to send them a cut of the payment, claiming it's for supplies or other expenses.
But here's the catch, once the real owner of the financial account realizes that their account has been compromised, they will report the fraud and request a chargeback, which means that the money you received will be taken back. This means that you are not only out the funds deposited into your account, but also any money you sent to the fraudster "artist," which is likely not recoverable.
To avoid falling victim to this scam, be cautious of any offers to pay you for allowing someone to use your photos as inspiration for their art. If someone contacts you with this offer, do your research and verify the authenticity of the person and the offer before agreeing to anything. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protect yourself from social media scams by being vigilant.
As social media usage continues to rise, so does the number of scams targeting unsuspecting individuals. These fraudulent schemes can come in many forms, from fake giveaways and phishing attaches to identity theft and financial fraud.
Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to a social media scam:
- Be wary of unexpected or unsolicited messages or friend requests. Scammer often use fake profiles or impersonate friends or celebrities to trick people into sharing personal information or sending money.
- Do not click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources. These could be infected with malware that can steal your personal information or damages your device.
- Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true. If a deal or prize seems too good generous, it probably is. Scammers often use enticing offers to lure people in scams.
- Do not share your personal or financial information online, especially on social media. This includes your full name, address, phone number, email address, and bank account information.
- Use strong, unique password for all your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication when possible. This adds an extra layer of security to protect your accounts from hackers.
- Regularly check your financial statements and credit report for any unauthorized charges or activity. If you notice anything suspicious, report it to your financial institution immediately.
Following these simple tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to a social media scam. Stay vigilant and always be cautious of any unexpected or unusual online activity.
