A growing wave of online scams
Online communities are being targeted by a new wave of art scammers who prey on empathy. These individuals approach people with emotional sob stories, claiming they need urgent financial help—often citing sick relatives, unpaid rent, or pet emergencies—and offer art commissions in return.
The problem has become widespread on platforms like Discord and Twitter/X, where scammers flood servers and timelines with desperate messages, hoping to guilt users into paying them.
How the scam works
Victims are typically contacted through unsolicited direct messages or tagged in posts promoting “emergency commissions.” Scammers present a polished portfolio, which is often made up of stolen or AI-generated artwork. Once payment is sent, they disappear without delivering anything.
Some take the scheme further, using PayPal Friends & Family requests or fake e-checks. This prevents chargebacks and leaves the victim without recourse. Others guilt-trip users who hesitate, attempting to pressure them into quick payments.
Community reports
Artists and moderators on Reddit and Tapas forums have shared warnings about these scams:
- On Discord, administrators report ten or more fake artist accounts joining per day, each blasting the same sob-story messages.
- On Tapas, community members noticed that scammers’ “portfolios” often contain wildly different art styles, a sign the work was stolen from multiple artists.
- On Twitter, nearly identical “emergency commission” posts surface regularly, often tied to newly created accounts with almost no followers.
Red flags to watch for
Several patterns make it easier to identify these scammers:
- New accounts with little to no history.
- Portfolios showing different art styles with no proof of progress.
- Refusal to provide sketches or work-in-progress updates.
- Heavy reliance on emotional manipulation to rush payment.
Protecting yourself and your community
Artists and community members are encouraged to be cautious when approached with unsolicited commission offers. Experts suggest using reverse image search to check portfolios, requesting work-in-progress proof before sending full payment, and using safe payment options that allow refunds.
Moderators are also taking action by tightening server security and posting scam warnings to help protect vulnerable members.
The sob-story scam has proven effective because it exploits trust and compassion. As the trend grows, awareness remains the strongest defense against these fraudulent schemes.
