SCAM ALERT

SCAMMER: "Hey, I really like your profile/ picture and I would make such an amazing mural out of it! If you don’t mind your profile picture could be my inspiring muse for an art project i’m working on for a client. You will totally get paid for it as well as a bonus also get credits.

This totally isn't any sort of MOBILE DEPOSIT SCAM in which I will try to trick you into depositing a fraudulent check through a mobile banking app---I just really like your art!"

GENE (typing): "You're really bad at this"

Seems Gene receives these messages on his DeviantArt, too, but Gene won't be fooled so easily.

Not that any of my watchers would ever fall for this---y'all are perfect, but for everyone else, please click this link to better understand how these scams work and how to protect yourself: https://www.1stunitedcu.org/more-for-you/financial-wellness/mobile-deposit-fraud-alert

Expect to see this drawing A LOT because I will be linking to it on all the scammer accounts I come across.

An actual conversation with one of these scammers (slightly abridged),

SCAMMER: "Hello, I wanted to let you know that your post has inspired me and I would like to incorporate my creativity into one of your artworks for an upcoming project. I am willing to compensate you for using the post. Please let me know if you are interested"

MARTEN: "Absolutely! Please tell me more!"

SCAMMER: /SENDS A LINK TO ONE OF MY UPLOADS WHICH THEY THEN FAVORITED/ "This post inspired me to think creatively and I would like to use it as inspiration, if that's okay with you"

MARTEN (knowing this is a scam): "All I wanna know is how I'll be compensated!"

SCAMMER: "A private client in Yonkers City, New York has commissioned five pieces of art for his new studio. You will receive $500 for your post featuring an oil on canvas, 50cm x 50cm portrait painting. The client is eager to make payments promptly so the piece can be completed before next weekend. I can provide you with a copy of the finished artwork.

MARTEN: "Truly you are doing the Lord's work; I've not eaten in days! How will you get the money to me? I want us to start right away!"

/I was trying to get this person to the point/

SCAMMER: "Thanks, I will ensure that the project is completed to a high standard. The payment from the client will be made by check in your name and sent to you, as we are working together on this project"

MARTEN: "Will I need a bank account to cash it?"

SCAMMER: "Yes what institute do you bank with? I want to inform you that your payment will be made via paychecks. Are you familiar with the process?"

MARTEN: "No I'm not. Please walk me through it. Do you need any account numbers?"

SCAMMER: "I don’t need your account number for this you will be depositing the paycheck yourself using the mobile deposit feature on your bank app.

What bank do you have to deposit the paycheck I can provide evidence of other profiles whose pictures I have used for this project that l’m close to completing, have been compensated prior to starting the painting.

My client will require your complete names for the check, as well as your email address where you will receive it"

MARTEN: "Hold up... Ok, so the amount will be for $500? I'm making sure with my bank that it's not too much money"

/I REALLY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY---I WANTED THE SCAMMER TO TALK MORE/

SCAMMER: "What bank do you use?"

MARTEN: "Is the amount for exactly $500? I need to know this first because it's a lot for them to hand me at once---I've never cashed a check for so much at one time"

/I was trying to play dumb/pretend I needed the money/

SCAMMER: "You will receive full payment from the painting, which will be sent to you by my client to deposit into your account. This will serve as proof of payment in the event that you decide to take legal action for unauthorized use of your images in the future. They’re ways to know the exact amount you can deposit daily via checks in your bank app that why I needed to know what bank you use"

MARTEN: "Ok. And what's his name and from what bank will the check be issued from (sorry, the bank's asking me questions---I just want my money already lol)"

/I wasn't talking to anyone but the scammer/

SCAMMER: "Do not worry, I completely understand. It is common to have some hesitations. However, I want to reassure you that contacting you was simply a means of connecting, and the payment process is reliable, secure, and legitimate"

MARTEN (I was over it at this point): "I'm sure it is, especially since you've assured me the payment will be for exactly $500. Usually these types of scams will overpay and have me make withdraws to recompense you. But you'd never do that, would you (unlike the other 20 or so Deviants who've sent me this and similar requests over the last several months)!"

/I tried to be as obvious as I could with this person. These scammers are dumb, but they are many and what they do is dangerous/

SCAMMER: "Oh I really understand how you feel but trust me I’m not one of those who go online to screw other people have got good reputation and I don’t joke with it"

/It went one a few minutes longer before the scammer realized he was wasting his time and moved on/

Next time I will drill them on who their client is and waste even more of their time as they try to come up with a story. If it's funny enough, I may even make a comic out of it. :3