It's an exciting time to be an artist and an art enthusiast! Cryptocurrencies and NFTs are painting new dimensions to our creative canvas. But while we're sketching ideas, there are scam-artists out there ready to turn our masterpiece into a mess. Not to worry, though. At Artwork21, we believe that forewarned is forearmed, so we’ve curated a 'masterclass' on avoiding scams to keep the art world fun, accessible, and safe. Let's walk through some examples:

1. Avoid Sending Money to Strangers

Let’s start with a fundamental principle of our class: never send money, crypto or personal information to people who you wouldn’t invite to a personal gallery showing (i.e., strangers). Exciting offers from unknown profiles might seem like the key to an undiscovered art vault, but trust us, it’s likely just a trapdoor.

2. Keep Your Personal Information Private

A lesser-known scam technique is the 'information painting', where scam artists ask for sensitive details like your address or bank account numbers. They don’t want to send you an invitation to their next exhibition; they want to play a leading role in the grand drama of identity theft.

3. Verify Profiles

Even familiar faces can be masking villains. Some scammers might impersonate Artwork21's representatives or famous artists to gain your trust. But like every great art critic, look beyond the surface.

4. Spam Messages: Be Wary

A barrage of messages from a single source isn't a fan trying to buy your entire collection. It could be a scammer being persistent. A serious person or company will never flood your inbox with unsolicited messages.

5. Verify Official Websites and Links

Fake galleries are popping up everywhere. Scammers create websites that mirror the ones you trust, with a small change in the URL or a slightly different logo. They are the 'forgeries' in the digital world of art. Avoid clicking on suspicious links and always cross-check the website's URL.

6. Keep Your Keys Safe

Your private keys and seed phrases are the keys to your art vault. If someone else gets hold of them, they can stroll right in and 'borrow' your art indefinitely. Be careful, especially when a stranger suddenly seems to have a VIP pass for you to an exclusive art event - it's a common trick to get your keys.

7. Advance-Fee Schemes: Don't Fall For Them

Scammers may ask for an 'entry fee' to an exclusive gallery, promising you a wealth of opportunities later. It's a timeless scam, now finding new life in the cryptocurrency realm. It's like paying for a ticket to an art show that doesn't exist!

8. Beware of Quick Riches

If someone promises that their 'ArtCoin' can make you a millionaire overnight, remember this: great art (and great wealth) takes time. Investment isn't a spray-paint job; it's a delicate watercolor that needs patience and caution.

9. Cryptocurrency, Wire Transfers, or Gift Cards:

Think Twice Beware of 'buyers' who insist on being paid in crypto, wire transfers, or gift cards. These are often non-recoverable, and scam artists are well aware of that. Remember, a stolen 'ArtCoin' is a stolen 'ArtCoin' forever.

Remember

If a deal feels like a Picasso painting in a garage sale, it probably isn't authentic. Always keep your keys and personal information safe, do your research, and never be hasty when it comes to transactions.

The world of art is beautiful and vibrant. Unfortunately, scam artists love color too. But armed with the right knowledge, you can prevent your enthusiasm from becoming a target. If you ever feel unsure about anything, reach out to us. Artwork21 believes in creating a secure and fun community for everyone.

What can we offer to collectors?

The NFT collection in Artwork21's digital gallery consists of various influences from contemporary art, including Street Art and Pop Art. Our partners are artists who produce quality and are open to (self) development. For the artists we collaborate with, we have set up a fair and transparent system so that they can primarily focus on the art. Want to know more about Artwork21's art collections? Check out the website and follow us on social media. Do you have a question? Click on the contact button at the bottom of this page.

What can we offer to artists?

Artwork21 is an NFT label for artists. We stand for reliability, creativity, and innovation. When an artist becomes part of Artwork21, they are 'part of the family' and assured of a sustainable relationship. As a label, we manage the entire process surrounding NFTs from A to Z. We work with Blockchain, which makes us transparent and accessible for both the artist and the collector through NFT technology. Are you or do you know an artist? Visit this page for more information or click on the contact button, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Contact

No rights can be derived from the visual material and the information displayed on this webpage.

We do not provide financial advice in any way, and no rights can be derived from that either.