Multiple Faces Detected
March 14th, 2022
Just like with every site with a social aspect to it, scammers have found a way to take advantage of budding artists on DeviantArt. This site is known for showcasing an artist’s work, where the public can check out the artwork that pertains to their fandoms or simply just to see the beautiful pieces others created. However, because it is accessible to the public, scammers know about this website and have found ways to steal information from these talented artists. From pretending to give out gift cards to creating fake DeviantArt log-in sites, here are some DeviantArt scams you need to watch out for.
Top DeviantArt Scams to Watch Out For
Fake Gift Card Scam
Scammers create accounts on DeviantArt and message other users, claiming that they just won a free gift card! A user who posted on the site Fandom explained the events of what happened once you click on the link.
“I clicked on the link to claim my ‘prize’ and was told to do other things like taking surveys. Then I was told my gift card was reserved for me but I had to do other things like complete other deals,” they state on the forum.
The user then went on to complete these deals, which then locked their computer from being used. Once they fixed their computer, they canceled the whole thing and closed the accounts associated with the scam.
Phishing Fake Log-In Screen Scam
DeviantArt has posted a disclaimer on its website, warning its users about a fake log-in page making its rounds. Scammers will email you or message you stating that your account has been compromised, so you have to log-in and change your password. You then click on the link and enter your details, only to have your account hacked. That’s when you realized you just entered your details on a fake log-in page.
“If there are any words at all between “DeviantArt” and “com” then you are on a phishing site — solely focused on trying to steal your account information. Do not enter your details!” a DeviantArt representative has stated.
Commission Scam
Scenario 1: The artist promises you a piece of art for a price. You then give them the money, but they don’t give you the art back in return. They always make up excuses like “I’m too busy,” or “I’m still working on it,” and never actually finish it.
Scenario 2: If you’re the artist, someone promises you a commission if you draw them a piece of art. Once you’re done with the art and ask for money, they pretend to like you never asked them for anything and give you nothing for the work you did. Sometimes, they will even give you a fake check to make it seem like they are paying you, but in reality, you are just taking money from the bank that you will have to give back to them.
How to Avoid DeviantArt Scams!
- Don’t open random links sent to you in your messages or in the comments section. These links are usually designed to install malware on your device and steal your information.
- Don’t click on a link claiming to be the log-in page to DeviantArt. If you need to change your log-in details or want to log-in, only do so by typing in the site address into your Internet browser.
- Do your research on an artist before asking for a commission piece. Look in the comments of their art to see what people are saying about that artist. If people are raving about their commission pieces, you know you won’t get scammed. If they are complaining and asking where their art is, then you know that artist might have issues delivering on their work.
- If you’re the artist, do research on a potential customer before accepting the job. If the customer doesn’t look like they are very active on the site or there are complaints in the comments on their posts, that might not be the most reliable person to do business with. However, if they are active on the site and there are positive comments on their posts, they might be reliable but it still isn’t guaranteed. Also look at social media posts that compliment a certain artist’s work on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Snapchat.
- Don’t give anyone you don’t trust any money. Like I mentioned above, always do your research before making a purchase or sale with anyone. Don’t assume everyone will follow through with the deal you’ve made.
- Don’t give anyone your personal information. This could lead to them using it to log-in to your account or stealing your identity to hack into your bank accounts, which is called identity theft.
Social Catfish is Here to Help You with DeviantArt Scams!
If you feel like you’ve been a victim of DeviantArt scams, Social Catfish is here to help you figure out who the scammer actually is. We can reverse search any name, email address, phone number, social media username, address, or image to figure out who you are actually talking to.
