Scams and My Due Diligence
I've had this website up for about five years now. I created this site via wix.com as I didn't have to do any kind of coding whatsoever. I know how to do some HTML coding, but it's not that fun. So when I made this website, it wasn't too terribly difficult. I put the effort in and I spent the money, so I have a cool looking website. It was the work I put in over a few years that made this website cool. Not everyone believes it was me who actually made this website and that's okay. Not everyone knows who I am either, but I did make it and everything on here mine (except for a few stock images— particularly on the blog- including the picture on this post).
Once I created the website, then there came the scams. There are plenty of scams, so make sure you pay extra to keep your information private when you sign up for your host. Although, I let everyone have my personal email address (lanteignedesign@gmail.com). It's public and I can filter the scams out pretty easily. However, there are two scams that are more notable than others.
The first scam that caught me off guard was someone who was (seemingly) interested in buying art for her husband. I don't usually just offer my art for sale just because I'm a little selfish with it, but she was offering some money and I have lots of debt. So I sent some low resolution photos of some of my paintings and she picked one. Then she asked if I would accept a check (red flag). One, I work at a bank, so I know that scams generally go with checks. I told her I would have to see this check in person before I would think about accepting it. She sent it to me. Then I saw it. There was no return address to where she said she was from (red flag). I believe she said she was from South Carolina. I've never heard of this small credit union (red flag). Then the amount she sent was FOUR TIMES the amount I asked (RED FLAG). She said it was apparently to cover shipping with her courier and I was supposed to give the money to them via Cash App (RED FLAG). I told her she could have her check back, which she said no. Then I told her I would give her the painting for free if she gave me an address and I would rip up the check (no fraudulent check is going in my bank account). She insisted it was a surprise for her husband, so I couldn't send it to her. I offered to send it to a nearby FedEx and she could send someone to get it. It kept going on and on— until I sent her the picture of the ripped up check and blocked her.
The second scam just happened today.
Here's the email (that I edited for privacy— no need for cool companies I would love to work for to get angry— especially at me):
"Illustrator/ Concept Artist
$55 - $65 an hour
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time.
Work location: One location (remote)
We are in search of a talented and motivated Artist to join our team remotely. In this role, you will help us create new assets for our existing games and will get the opportunity to develop fresh game concepts. Ideal candidates love playing and designing games. We are looking for an artist with a unique style that our players will find innovative.
Responsibilities:
- Conceptualize and develop art for a variety of game projects.
- Develop digital illustrations for game characters
- Take any characters and environment sketch to photorealistic illustration.
- Seeking client approval for ideas with rough visuals - this stage may involve going back to the drawing board several times to rework sketches
- Use drawing, sketching, painting and photographic skills to produce illustrations.
- Receive art direction and provide multiple design solutions.
Qualifications:
- Proficient with pencil and paper, as well as digital pads with Photoshop and similar 2D software.
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop.
- Strong sense of color, layout and design.
- Organized and highly detail-oriented.
- Proficient in designing icons and game badges.
- Knowledge of storyboarding and creating animatics is a plus.
Benefits:
- Work with an experienced, passionate and driven team that will help you show your creativity and skills to millions of players.
- Health insurance.
- Paid time off.
- Dental insurance
- Unlimited vacation.
About The Company:
Blank Blank Blank. is an American video game publisher based in New York City. The company was established in Blank Blank as a subsidiary of Blank Blank Blank, using the assets Blank Blank had previously acquired from Blank Blank Blank.
Blank Blank Blank predominantly publishes games in the action-adventure genre, while racing games also saw success for the company. One of such action-adventure game franchises is Blank Blank, Other popular franchises published by Blank Blank Blank are Blank Blank, Blank Blank, Blank Blank and Blank.
About the Job:
We are looking for a talented 2D & 3D artist who will work closely with our concept, environment and design teams to create levels that are visually stunning. You can also apply if you don't have any experience as we provide some online training if desired.
To join our incredibly talented and passionate team follow the necessary steps below to interview for this position.
Our HR team would like to have an online interview/orientation with you through our Telegram Page for jobs, you can download Telegram on your smartphone App store/ Android or Computer, then register with your phone number and message/add Blank Blank the HR Team Manager on Telegram through his username @(blankblankblankblank) to get started.
Blank Blank Blank,
Human Resource Department.
Blank Blank, Inc."
So of course after reading that I was FLOORED. It was a company I knew and would love to work for and it sounded like a great fit and they sent ME an email. So, of course, I message them. I had a long text conversation back and forth where they offered me $58.00 an hour! It sounded so great. Then they said they would send me — a check. To pay for supplies through their supplier. Ugh!
Yes, I am disappointed— VERY DISAPPOINTED. So I am writing this to tell everyone to WATCH OUT FOR SCAMMERS. They are getting sneaky! You can't afford them! I definitely can't afford them. Good luck peeps and stay diligent!
