Spotting Email Scams: How to Recognize the Overpayment Art Scam

Nov 13

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Don't Get Check-Mated: Outsmarting Overpayment Scams, One Email at a Time!

Have you ever received an email like the one above? It's exciting when a potential buyer reaches out, expressing interest in your high-ticket items, but there's often more than meets the eye. The rush of a nice sale can be wonderful, but unfortunately, scams are lurking in the shadows of our inboxes. Being vigilant and protecting yourself is crucial. In this post, I'll walk you through my recent email exchange with someone I'll call "Shady Will" and show you how to spot and deter these scammers from preying on your better judgment.

*Here I immediately inform “Shady Will” of my website. I even inform him of the Free Shipping promotion I have on my site.*

The Overpayment Scam is when a fraudster, posing as a legitimate buyer, sends you a check for an amount greater than the agreed-upon price, citing the excess as payment for "shipping" or some other excuse. They then request you to send back the surplus funds. However, the moment you deposit the check, you'll realize there's no money in the account. This leaves you on the hook for the full amount and any associated bank fees. Rude!

*Notice how he selects high ticket items? This would be quite the sale if he went through with the purchase.*

Here’s the first email Shady Will sends me. It’s inquiring about the most expensive pieces I have listed on my site.

*Again, I’m adamant about using my site for artwork purchases.*

I’ve had emails like this before, so I know to point them to my website first. Also, I don’t have all day to go back and forth with someone if my spidey senses are already tickling. If they want to purchase the piece, they will be proactive. Questions from people who end up buying pieces are usually more forthcoming and excited. Purchasing art is supposed to be fun.

*And here’s the catch: needing it right away, only using checks as a payment method, and seemingly no cap on the costs.*

And there it is. The long script of contingencies for the purchase of my artwork. Red. Flag.

So how do you protect yourself? Prevention from this scam involves paying attention to certain details in your exchanges. I created this checklist for you to use when reviewing emails like this:

Check the sender's email address. Is it an official company email?
Always double-check emails from unfamiliar senders.
Ask questions about how they learned about your art or product. This is also a good practice for regular customers so you can track which social circles are fans.
Beware of bad spelling or grammar. Shady Will has a few in his emails.
Never accept checks under any circumstances. There are safer, more modern methods for transactions.
Consider using reputable money transfer services like PayPal for your business.

*I conveniently ignore the guidelines he’s trying to push on me to deter me from having him use my website.*

*And he counters with just copy and pasting his first answer. This is all the proof I need to know that this is definitely a scam.*

If, for some reason, you decide to proceed with the sale in good faith, implement a waiting period for the check to clear. However, it's best not to deposit questionable or sketchy checks. You can call the bank listed on the check to verify the account's authenticity. A quick call to your bank to explain the situation before taking action can also help prevent your account from being flagged for fraudulent activity.

*I give him a reasonable alternative that doesn’t require me putting my bank info at risk and guarantees the funds are exchanged.*

In my email exchange with Shady Will, you can see numerous red flags that I've pointed out. His grammar is a bit off, he's pushing for urgency without providing much information, and he's not elaborating on his circumstances. Imagine if you were genuinely buying a surprise gift for someone; you'd probably be enthusiastic about the experience you're planning to create.

*Shady Will employs manipulation in this email to create a sense of urgency.*

The urgency conveyed in these scam emails is a ploy to manipulate your emotions and push for a quick transaction. The pressure to act swiftly is intense, but my advice is simple: don't rush.

*Sorry Shady Will, I will not budge on accepting your shady check.*

Running a small creative business is challenging enough without the added stress of scams. Do your due diligence, research potential buyers, and remain cautious when dealing with unfamiliar emails. If you found this blog entry helpful, please consider sharing it with your friends and family. Scams like these can surface in various transactions, and knowledge is our best defense.

Pro Tip:
Most online shops have credible money transfer services attached to them. I’ve used Big Cartel, Etsy, and currently made the switch to Squarespace. Having a paper trail greatly increases your chances of protecting not just your artwork sales, but if any issues arise that require refunds, returns, or exchanges. Check out my shop for inspiration and maybe even treat yourself to a piece of art!

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Creatively yours,
Angelina V.