Every Scam I Faced (As A FREELANCER)

Summary

This video script discusses common scams targeting young artists online, including offers to buy art with cryptocurrency or NFTs, requests for custom work with payment via checks that later bounce, and job scams that ask for bank account information. The speaker emphasizes the importance of vigilance, sharing personal experiences, and seeking advice from trusted individuals. The key message is to stay optimistic and cautious, and to use community support to avoid falling victim to these scams.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Be wary of sketchy emails and offers that seem too good to be true, as they could be scams targeting new and inexperienced artists.
• 💡 Recognize that scammers often target young, aspiring artists who are desperate for work and may be more susceptible to fraudulent offers.
• 🔍 When approached with an offer, verify the legitimacy of the interested party by asking for specifics about the work they wish to purchase.
• ❌ Refuse to engage with potential clients who insist on payment methods that are not secure or standard, such as cryptocurrencies or NFT sales.
• 💼 Establish a system for payment that requires an initial down payment before starting work to protect yourself from scams.
• 🎨 Be cautious of scammers who may be after your artwork rather than your money, and ensure your work is protected from unauthorized use.
• 📧 Never provide your bank account details to anyone online, no matter how legitimate they may seem, to avoid potential theft.
• 🔑 Consider using a separate bank account for remote work with no money stored in it, to add an extra layer of security.
• ⚠️ Be aware of fake job scams that mimic real companies and job applications, and always verify the authenticity of job offers.
• 🏥 Reach out to trusted individuals or communities, like Discord servers, when you're unsure about a potential scam to get a second opinion.

Q & A

What is the common scam the video creator frequently encounters?

The video creator frequently encounters scams where someone pretends to want to buy their art but then tries to convince them to accept payment in cryptocurrency or create an account on a suspicious website.

Why are new and young artists often targeted by scammers?

New and young artists are often targeted because they are likely inexperienced, desperate for work, and may not have the knowledge to identify scams, making them the perfect targets for scammers.

What advice does the video creator give to avoid falling for scams?

The video creator advises to be cautious, to only deal with trusted payment methods like PayPal, and to never accept arbitrary forms of payment such as cryptocurrency, NFT sales, or checks from unknown sources.

Why does the video creator refuse to promote or advertise crypto or NFT content?

The video creator refuses to promote or advertise crypto or NFT content because they do not believe in it, do not trust the people using it, and want to avoid any association with scams that often use these methods.

What is the 'birthday card or wedding card scam' mentioned in the video?

The 'birthday card or wedding card scam' is a scam where someone commissions an artist to design a card, then claims they can only pay by mailing a check. The check bounces after the artist has already completed the work, leaving them with no payment.

How does the 'art asset scam' work as described in the video?

In the 'art asset scam', scammers ask artists to create something and then refuse to pay, instead taking the artwork and trying to sell it as their own on various websites.

What is the 'remote job scam' and how does it operate?

The 'remote job scam' involves fake job postings that lure applicants through a fake interview and onboarding process, ultimately asking for bank account information for direct deposit, which is then used for fraudulent activities.

What happened in the 'anti-cam scam' that the video creator fell for?

In the 'anti-cam scam', the video creator was tricked into sending money as a test for receiving payment in Zel, a cryptocurrency. They then contacted a fake customer service number found through a Google search, which led to them giving out their bank information.

Why is it recommended to have a separate bank account for remote work as suggested in the video?

Having a separate bank account for remote work is recommended to keep personal finances safe. This account should only be used for direct deposits from verified sources and should never store significant amounts of money.

What is the main takeaway from the video regarding scams and online work?

The main takeaway is to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with online work and payments. It's important to surround oneself with supportive people, share experiences, and be aware that even if you're just trying to find honest work, you can still be a target for scammers.