Scamateurs

(affiliate links to my designs)

I posted a photo of my finished January/February temperature snake on my Snowcatcher FB page, and I was immediately flooded with offers to buy it. But they all wanted me to send them information about various pay methods. And they all wanted to make the purchase immediately, even though I repeatedly said I wasn't sure I was going to sell it.

I posted a photo of the completed quilt for my friend's first granddaughter, and I was immediately innundated with requests for extremely simple quilts anyone could make. I explained I am not in a position to be able to complete any custom orders at this time because I am a full-time caregiver. Each told me, "That's okay, just make it when you can, and let me pay right away. Just give me your financial information."

I received a direct message from a potential buyer claiming to be interested in one of my Etsy shop items. I responded the item was available in my Etsy shop. The reply came with an attachment I was asked to click to see proof of the buyer's purchase. Of course, Etsy showed no sign of anything in my shop being purchased and sent me no notification.

I knew from 30 years of electronic communication at my job (now retired) to never click an attachment unless I know and trust the sender. However, Etsy and FB were new territory for me as far as security goes. I looked up the need to purchase things immediately and via channels outside the official pay method, and my goodness, did I get a quick education!!!

I'm disappointed to learn Etsy and FB are so rife with scam artists. It breaks my heart to ponder how many innocent people are scammed on a daily basis because they don't know or expect such thievery. But it also feels pretty good to be able to share what's happening to hopefully put others on alert so they can avoid being scammed.

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