UPDATED: How can I tell if someone is trying to defraud me using my art as the hook?

Everyone is potentially susceptible to fraud, but artists are uniquely vulnerable because we are so desperate for validation, community, income, and recognition.

Fraud can come in many forms. We interviewed artist Jim Pescott about his recent misadventure with some slick fraudsters who used sophisticated psychological techniques to build rapport and trust and subsequently steal Jim’s life savings.

Jim describes the approach the criminals used to gain his trust and points out some red flags that could help you avoid a financial tragedy of your own.