Red Flags for Artists

What are the red flags for artists and how to spot a fake buyer?

🎨 When “I Love Your Art!” Is a Scam: What Every Artist Needs to Know

If you’re an artist selling your work online, there’s a good chance you’ve received one of those messages. You know the kind: someone found your “amazing artwork” and just has to buy it. They’re super enthusiastic, maybe a little too much. But then… things start to feel off.

At first, you’re flattered. Who wouldn’t be? But soon, the red flags start waving. They don’t want to buy through your website. They have excuses—technical problems, time crunches, surprise gifts. They want to pay with a check or wire transfer. Or they offer to “overpay” and have you refund the difference.

That’s not a sale. It’s a scam.

In this week’s video, I’m sharing a real experience from my own inbox and walking you through exactly how this scam works so you can recognize the signs before you get tangled up in it. It’s surprisingly common, especially on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where scammers look for artists who are just beginning to sell their work.

Sign up to receive a FREE PDF of the art scam red flags so you won’t be the next victim.  It will come in your inbox, then print it out and put it where you can see it because these scammers are out there trying to trick you into acting fast.

Here’s how the scam usually goes:

1. They compliment your work (without naming a specific piece).

2. They say they want to buy it quickly—but won’t use your secure checkout.

3. They offer odd payment methods—checks, wire transfers, or payment apps you don’t use.

4. Sometimes they even involve a “shipping service” or want to “surprise a loved one” to build trust.

5. Then they disappear—leaving you with a bounced check, lost money, or wasted time.

It’s a frustrating experience, especially if you’re excited to make a sale. But you don’t have to fall for it. Here are a few quick tips to protect yourself:

• Always insist on using your secure payment method (your website, PayPal, etc.).  Learn this phrase.  “I only sell my art through my website.”

• Don’t ship anything until payment has fully cleared.

• Don’t refund “overpayments.”

• Block and report any suspicious accounts.

• Trust your gut—if it feels weird, it probably is.

Real buyers will understand your need to protect your work. They won’t rush you or ask for unusual arrangements. And they’ll happily use your website or shop to make the purchase.  True art buyers are used to artist websites and will use them to protect themselves and the artist.

If you’ve received a message like this, you’re not alone. I hope this blog and the video help you feel confident and empowered when selling your art. Your work is valuable, and you deserve to be treated with respect—not scammed.

👉 Watch the full video HERE for real examples, red flags, and what to say when these scammers show up in your inbox.

Stay smart, stay creative—and let’s paint together soon.

XO,

Sharon