Have you received a social media message from someone posing as an “artist” who wants to pay you for permission to use your photo? Don't fall for it - it’s a scam! They aren’t actually planning to pay you; they’re planning to take your money.
The FTC reports this scam generally starts with a young adult receiving a direct message from someone who says they “love your photo” and are ready to pay thousands to use it as inspiration for a painting. The artist then sends a check and asks you to deposit it. Next, you’re asked to withdraw some of money to send back to them for supplies, and you get to keep the remainder.
Even if the check seems real and the money appears to be in your account at first, don’t be fooled – the check is fake! By the time the check is returned to your bank as a fraudulent check, you’ll have lost the money that you sent to the scammer, and you will also owe the bank any additional funds you withdrew from the check. No legitimate offer will send you a check and then ask you to send part of the money back to them.
To avoid this scam, remember: If someone (particularly someone you don’t know) sends you a check and asks you to send money back to them or to someone else, it’s a scam. Only deposit checks from people you know and trust.
If you think you've fallen for a scam such as this, report it to the authorities and alert your financial institution.
