As an artist, it's crucial to stay vigilant against commission scams that have become more prevalent on social media platforms like TikTok. These scams often begin with generic direct messages (DMs) such as "Hey, are you available for commission? You're a very talented artist..." to lure artists into responding. Scammers mask their intentions by appearing as eager clients but usually have suspicious profiles—often newly created accounts with very few views, no prior interaction, and inconsistent or copied content. One of the main goals of these scammers is to steal artists’ personal information, including real names and addresses, which they may use maliciously. Others attempt to get free artwork by promising payment that never arrives. This exploitative behavior not only wastes artists’ time but exposes them to potential identity theft or fraud. To protect yourself, scrutinize any commission inquiry carefully. Genuine clients tend to follow or interact with your posts, personalize their messages, and clearly communicate project details. In contrast, scam messages are generic, impersonal, and often originate from accounts with limited credibility. Never share sensitive personal information or send artwork before confirming payment through secure, trusted channels. Joining artist communities online can help spread awareness about scams. Sharing experiences and scammer profiles using hashtags like #artscam, #artscammer, and #artcommunity can alert others. Consider reporting suspicious accounts to the platform as well to help reduce their reach. Remember, protecting your creative work and personal safety should always be a priority. Stay informed, trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to ask for verification before committing to any commission. This vigilance will empower you and your fellow artists to enjoy a safer, more respectful creative community.