Don’t Get Scammed!

I almost fell for a scam today! 😞😞😞 I want to share my story in case it happens to you, beware!

A person messaged me through Instagram saying they really wanted to purchase my painting Split Personality, of course I was elated!

“Split Personality” the almost SOLD painting!!

After a couple of exchanges, she agreed on the price and shipping costs and she asked for my email so she could send me money via PayPal, very eagerly, I noticed.

Immediately after I gave her my email, I got a text from PayPal with a code that said “do not share this with anyone” then, she texted me asking for that code! 🤔 Then, she started calling me, through the Instagram app, pressuring me for the code. I didn’t answer. This is not my first rodeo!

If I had given her that code, she would have wiped out my bank account. I can see how it might work, but don’t fall for it, pay attention to any red flags and always trust your instincts! 😉

Here’s some of the “red flags” that caught my attention, small details add up!

  • She only communicated via private message through Instagram and under a generic name
  • She wasn’t following my account
  • Her Instagram account said she was in London, but she said her shipping address was in Texas?
  • She didn’t haggle about the price or the shipping cost, which wasn’t cheap!
  • She was really aggressive when asking for the code, it was urgent! (before I had time to research)
  • She agreed to the price quickly, no questions asked 🤔
  • She didn’t ask for additional details or photos of the painting

There’s a lot of good people in the world, but also a lot of bad guys, please be cautious my friends!

46 responses to “Don’t Get Scammed!”

  1. Bon Repos Gites Avatar

    Good that you were alert!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Yes, indeed! And I really wanted to share my experience so others can be vigilant! 😉

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Bon Repos Gites Avatar

        Thank you for doing so! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Louise Gallagher Avatar

          I’m glad you did too!

          Liked by 2 people

          1. Louise Gallagher Avatar

            Share it — not almost get scammed! 🙂

            Liked by 1 person

  2. Phil Avatar

    I’m so sorry you had that experience, Tiffany, but glad that you accessed the scenario with a mindful eye 🤔🔍 It is indeed unfortunate that modern technology has generated broader opportunity for the proliferation of ill-intentioned scammers. Stay vigilant, and have a nice day 😊🌹

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Thanks, Phil! We all need to stay on top of the current scams and pass on the info to others!😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Phil Avatar

        Yes 😉💯✅

        Liked by 1 person

  3. artbychristinemallabandbrown Avatar

    Thanks for the info! I’m reblogging this to make people aware X.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Thank you so much, Christine!🙏

      Like

  4. artbychristinemallabandbrown Avatar

    Reblogged this on Mallaband-Brown and commented:

    Tiffanyarpdaleo has shared her experience of someone trying to defraud her. It makes interesting anf helpful reading.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Francisco Bravo Cabrera Avatar
    Francisco Bravo Cabrera

    You did the right thing Tiffany. Something similar to that happened to me a few years ago…I don’t trust anyone that asks me to give them anything…
    Cheers!
    FBC

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      It really sucks that there are dishonest people like that out there, but I try to believe that there are more good than bad people! Have a great weekend Francisco! 😉🤗🙏

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Francisco Bravo Cabrera Avatar
        Francisco Bravo Cabrera

        Definitely. I too believe there are more good people than bad ones as well.
        Cheers

        Liked by 1 person

  6. mattsnyder1970 Avatar

    wow, at least you didn’t fall for it

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Yeah, that’s the LAST thing I need to deal with right now!

      Like

  7. Timothy Price Avatar
    Timothy Price

    You have to really watch those scammers. I’m happy you caught it. I tell the scammers that I will send them a PayPal bill and after they pay it, I will transfer the money out of my PayPal account, and hold it for 30 days. After 30 days they can send their “representative” to pick up their purchase or I will ship it to them after 30 days to make sure their payment is good. I don’t hear back from them.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      That’s a smart way to discourage the sleazy scammers, Tim!

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Felipe Adan Lerma Avatar

    Wow! That’s so terrible, Tiffany! So glad you caught on and cut that scammer off! I hate that kind of stuff; the few orders I’ve had like that were fortunately w/folks I’d gotten to know, plus even with them, I went through the process of sending (ala Timothy above) a PayPal bill etc. Split Personality is an intriguing piece, so someone else, more deserving & more trustworthy will want it ♥️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Thanks, Adan! I really almost fell for it, thank goodness my common sense kicked in! I’ve had several sales through PayPal with no problems, but usually after I built some kind of relationship with the buyer. Buyers and consumers need to be extra vigilant these days!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Felipe Adan Lerma Avatar

        It seems amazing to me there’s so many scammers! Maybe ’cause the internet allow access from beyond our local areas; well very glad you came out ok! ❤️

        Liked by 1 person

  9. rebecca s revels Avatar

    I’m glad you were aware on alert to all those red flags and prevented a great loss. It is one reason I have stayed away from all of the many options for payments. I need to educate myself more first. Your information helped start that process.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Hi Rebecca, that’s exactly why I wanted to share my experience so other artists can lookout for these red flags, we have to help each other! 🤗😉

      Like

  10. Graham Stephen Avatar

    Lucky you had your wits about you!

    ✨🙏🕉🌱🌿🌳🌻💚🕊☯🐉✨

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Yes indeed, Graham, I really couldn’t afford a bank wipeout right now, or ever! It’s not easy to earn an honest living these days, the last thing we need is for crooks to take it from us!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Bird Avatar

    I`m so sorry to hear that. I am glad you understood that someone was trying to scam you. In a hurry, is the first big red flag to me in this case, like a warning – this is something you should investigate more. And the aggressiveness at the end – you wore right.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Yes, the way she tried to rush me to give her that code was a huge sign that something was wrong, that is a scammer’s number one trick, get the info before you have a chance to research!

      Like

  12. Pandemedium Avatar

    Good to know Tiffany. Always trust your instincts for sure. Glad this didn’t harm you.🙂 Unfortunately, there are so many bad people out there that prey on others and people not as intelligent as you. Trying to steal in this way is dishonorable and deplorable. 😡🐼😡. Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Yes, it makes me so angry to hear of people taking advantage of others, that’s why I wanted to share my experience, I was lucky to figure it out in time! 🙏😊

      Like

  13. Giadreams (themoviemylife.com) Avatar

    Hi Tiffany, I’m so glad you were alert enough to stop the worst from happening. May we all, always be alert during such moments.
    I have a question: When you said ‘Immediately after I gave her my email, I got a text from PayPal with a code that said “do not share this with anyone,” Is it the case that the scammer somehow generated that email or did PayPal actually send it? Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Hi Gia! It appears that the text I got was from PayPal, actually 2 of them. I believe she was trying to log into my account saying that she forgot the password, and that code would have let her in to change my password, and access my bank account!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Giadreams (themoviemylife.com) Avatar

        Thanks for clarifying. And thank goodness she failed!

        Liked by 1 person

  14. jonicaggiano Avatar

    This is an interesting piece to me. I feel like I am racing inside this colorful world. How grateful I
    Am you didn’t lose the painting and your money. I am glad you know the business although I would have assumed as much but how many people fall for this. Your work is very different from one canvas to the next. Beautiful Tiffany. Be safe sweetie. Love to you and hugs too. 🤗🤗🤗❤️❤️Joni

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Thank you so much, dear Joni! Yes, I feel awful for anyone that gets scammed, it’s not fair, and it’s so easy to fall victim. We have to help and look out for each other! Wishing you a wonderful weekend my friend! 🙏🤗🥰🌞

      Liked by 1 person

      1. jonicaggiano Avatar

        You are so right dear Tiffany. We don’t want to believe anyone could do such a thing. We will look after one another. You are so right that is what community is suppose to do. Stay safe, blessed and inspired. Be careful my friend. Thank you for your kind well wishes and I am sending much love to you. 🤗❤️🥰😘💝Joni

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Robin King Avatar

    GAAAAAHHH!!! That’s horrible!! The things people do!! I’m so glad you saw thru it and protected yourself! ♥️♥️♥️ this one – I hope someone buys it and gives it a home – fast!! 🤗👋

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Thanks, Robin! It really is a cool piece and someone GOOD out there deserves to own it! 😁😇

      Liked by 1 person

  16. graham mcquade Avatar

    Well done Tiffany. I`ve had a few myself. The trouble is you doubt everyone because of a few petty arseholes.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Thanks, Graham, yes, that is an unfortunate truth. Live and learn, and share the knowledge! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  17. mistermaxxx08 Avatar

    Milli Vanneli of the art world? Say it ain’t so,yeah it does happen sad to say

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      There’s dishonesty in every industry, unfortunately. I will never let that make me one of them!😉

      Like

      1. mistermaxxx08 Avatar

        Yep,you the truth, we know Jacking is sadly embraced

        Liked by 1 person

  18. johncoyote Avatar

    You are right dear Tiffany. My daughter got scam and lost her checking. I tell people, never give your social security card or bank account number to no-one. If you pay bills with your phone or computer. Ensure you have a protecting service. New tech can steal everything from us. Good evening from Michigan.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Oh no, I’m sorry to hear your daughter was a victim, makes me so mad. I thought it was worth mentioning, even if just one person sees this and thinks twice if it happens to them, it is worth sharing. All the best to you John!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. johncoyote Avatar

        People need reminders. Been the simple rule. Keep your social security number or bank account number to anyone. Hello dear Tiffany.

        Liked by 1 person

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