ART SCAM! How artists can avoid being scammed

I've been asked by some students about my life, with the student saying they need the information for a school report, and would I help them.

I've since learned that sometimes these might not really really students, but that it could be a phishing scam (they want to get your inside information, like where you were born, your mother's maiden name, your birth date, pet's names, etc) - because these are the things often used as security questions.

So, if you get questions from a "student," either do your research into their school, make sure it really exists, talk to their teacher, etc (even then, be wary)...but be careful of giving out any precise information. It could really be a student, but on the other hand, we have to be careful. It bears some hallmarks of a possible scam, because it is flattering to have a student want to do a report on you.

A good response is to ask for more information on the report. Where they go to school, and/or the email address of their teacher. In short, check it out.

If you receive an email or letter out of the blue, telling you about an art award or grant, and you know you didn't request this information, be very wary.

Normally, an artist needs to research grants and awards opportunities for himself.

Think about their motivation: people don't go to the work and effort of emailing all the artists they can, to let them know they could win an award or grant.

Wait and do your own research on the offer before you get excited and act on the offer. Don't even click any links in the email, because there could be malicious code. Type in the website address yourself. Do a web search, find out if any art friends have ever heard of the organization.

Some are valid, but require an "application fee" for your grant. Is it really an application fee, or is this just some kind of artist's lottery, masquerading as a fine art grant?