How to Recognize a Concept Art Scam

Contrary to what some might think, the concept art industry is actually…growing. (Looks like we’re not all about to be replaced by AI after all). 

As we keep pushing forward in animation, film, television, video games, and VR/AR the demand for digital and visual storytelling is rising at around 5% annually. It’s exciting stuff! But with all this growth comes a downside—scammers are noticing too, and they’ve set their sights on us; especially aspiring and freelance artists.

Why Concept Artists Are Prime Targets for Scammers

A large portion of the concept art world is essentially a gig economy. We’re used to hopping from one contract to the next, taking on freelance projects and working solo. This flexibility is great, but it can leave us exposed. With no steady paycheck or job security, it’s easy to jump at opportunities (sometimes without looking at them too closely).

And let’s be honest, the allure of the “big break” is a strong motivator for a Concept Artist who’s trying to build their career. The dream of landing that perfect gig with a big studio or high-profile project can make us more vulnerable to offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers know this and use it to their advantage. Rude, I know.

Not Your Grandma’s Scams

Scammers are getting more sophisticated. We’re no longer dealing with the classic “rich uncle from another country” email with terrible grammar. Nope—these scams are slick. The emails are well-written, convincing, and seem to come from legit people who are genuinely interested in your work. Sometimes they’ll even send you cheques or promise large payments, only for you to realize much later that you’ve been duped. The worst part? At first glance, these offers seem totally real.

Here is an example of a scam email (one of many) that I’ve personally received over the years. I like to call this one ‘The Thoughtful Groom':

“Hello, 

I recently stumbled upon your remarkable portfolio on ArtStation. I’m in search of a visionary illustrator to create a stunning design for a wedding anniversary invitation. If you’re available and intrigued by the prospect, I would love to delve into the details and explore how we can collaborate on this special project.”

Sounds pretty legit, right? Well it’s not. The sender sounds polite, professional, and downright flattering, but there are some ‘tells’ that seem pretty obvious, if you know what to look for.

Common Scams Targeting Concept Artists

Here are a few of the most common scams you need to be aware of:

1. Mail Payment Fraud:

In this particularly nefarious scam, the scammer will send you advanced payment via cheque for work you haven’t started yet. You deposit the cheque, and everything seems fine at first—until the scammer contacts you with an “urgent” request. 

The scammer will concoct an excuse as to why you need to return the money: maybe they’ve overpaid you by mistake, or they need the funds back for some pressing issue. And here’s where the trap lies: if you send them the money, you’ll soon find out that their original cheque never cleared. 

Cheques can take 5-7 business days to fully process with your bank, and in that window of time, the scammer is counting on you to act quickly before the fraud is caught. By the time the bank flags the cheque as fake, you’ve already sent real money from your own account to the scammer, and they’ve vanished.

Tip: Always wait until the cheque has fully cleared with your bank before making any transactions. If someone asks for a refund or return of funds, double-check with your bank first.

2. Digital Payment Fraud:

In the digital age, payment fraud has taken on new forms. Scammers may send emails that look like legitimate payment confirmations, such as e-transfers or PayPal transactions. These emails often mimic the look and feel of real payment notifications, but upon closer inspection, they’re fake. Some might include phishing links that, when clicked, can compromise your account or lead to malware.

Tip: Watch for redflags like emails coming from suspicious or slightly altered addresses (e.g., paypaIs.com instead of paypal.com), or urgent messages demanding you to act fast. In some cases, they’ll claim they overpaid you and request a refund or ask for your banking details to "fix" the mistake.

Always verify that the payment has been deposited into your account before you take any action, and never click on links from unverified emails.

3. Identity Theft:

Some scammers take a more personal approach by posing as a legitimate client, asking for sensitive information under the guise of setting up a contract. They might request your legal name, address, social security number, tax information, or banking details—all of which are perfectly reasonable in a real job offer. However, with scammers, this information can be used for identity theft. Once they have your personal details, they may open fraudulent accounts in your name, steal your tax refund, or even commit larger financial crimes.

Tip: Always be cautious when sharing personal information. If the client or project seems unfamiliar or if you’re unsure, do some background research. Look for reviews, a digital footprint, and professional references. Legitimate companies will not rush you for sensitive details, and always insist on using secure and verified methods for sharing personal information.

4. Fake Competitions and Festivals:

Scammers may create fake art competitions or festivals and invite artists to submit their work. These events are often advertised as opportunities to gain exposure, win prizes, or have your art displayed in a gallery or high-profile festival. However, they may charge hefty submission fees or hidden costs, and once you’ve paid, you’ll find that the competition never actually existed, or the festival is far less prestigious than advertised. In some cases, the scammer will collect art from various participants, then use or sell the artwork without permission.

Tip: Research the legitimacy of any art competitions or festivals before submitting your work. Check for reviews, past winners, and an established history of events. Be cautious of any competition that requires large entry fees, especially if the organization is new or unknown.

5. Unsolicited “Representation” Offers:

Another common scam involves someone reaching out to offer “representation” services, claiming they can connect you with high-paying clients or prestigious opportunities. They may present themselves as agents, managers, or art dealers who want to help you sell your work or land major gigs. But there’s usually a catch: they’ll ask for upfront fees for their services, promising future opportunities in return. In many cases, these representatives disappear once they’ve pocketed your money, or they simply do nothing of value for your career.

Tip: Legitimate agents or representatives usually work on commission (a percentage of sales or deals they broker) and don’t ask for large upfront fees. Always research anyone offering representation and ask for references or proof of past success. If they can’t provide that, it’s likely a scam.

TLDR: Red Flags to Watch For

So, how do you spot a scam before you get sucked in? Here are a few things to keep an eye out for:

• Vague Flattery: If they gush over your art without being specific, that’s a red flag.
• Lack of Detail: Real clients will give you specific info about the project. Scammers stay vague.
• Overly Formal Language: It’s often stiff and overly polite, which can be a giveaway.
• No Mention of Your Name: A legit email will have your name in it, not just “Hello.”
• Too Good to Be True: If it feels too perfect or the pay is way higher than normal, it’s worth a second look.
• Asking for Money: If someone approaches you, but your involvement involves a ‘fee’ or payment to them: do a double take.
• No Digital Footprint: If you research a person, company or contest and find little or no information on them (social media posts, LinkedIn profiles, websites, etc.) you may want to steer clear.
• Sketchy Emails: Always verify the sender address on an email, check the footer and keep your eye out for screen shots of real emails embedded into the body of the scammer’s email. Real money transfer emails are generated with code (not .jpgs), are from an automated company email address and include footer information regarding the transfer and company.

Stay Safe Out There

It’s easy to get excited when you think someone’s interested in your work, but take a moment to dig a little deeper. Always research the person or company before committing. Ask for contracts, and don’t share personal information too soon. And most importantly, trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.

At the end of the day, concept art is an awesome industry, but like anything, it has its risks. Stay sharp, watch out for the red flags, and always protect yourself—your talent is worth more than a scam.