Common Frauds to Avoid When Buying Custom Fine Art Sculptures on CustomMade

Navigating the Art Market: Common Frauds on CustomMade

CustomMade is a platform where unique art can be created and acquired. However, like any marketplace, it can attract individuals looking to exploit buyers. For custom fine art sculptures, understanding common fraudulent schemes is crucial for a secure purchase.

Specific Frauds Targeting Custom Fine Art Sculptures

• ✓ Stolen Artisan Portfolio: Scammers may present a portfolio of work that isn't their own, claiming it as their original creations. This deception can lead buyers to commission a piece based on an artist's style and quality, only to receive something entirely different.
• ✓ Material Grade Downselling: When commissioning a sculpture, especially one involving specific metals or stones, a scammer might claim to use high-grade materials but secretly use lower-quality alternatives to cut costs and increase profit. This significantly impacts the longevity and aesthetic value of the sculpture.
• ✓ Fake CAD Rendering Bait: For complex or large-scale sculptures, sellers might provide impressive computer-aided design (CAD) renderings to secure a commission. However, the final product may bear little resemblance to these highly polished digital mock-ups, which are often used to entice buyers without a genuine intention to replicate the design accurately.
• ✓ Indefinite Production Delay: Scammers may accept commissions and then continually delay the production process with vague excuses. This can tie up funds for extended periods, with the buyer either receiving a significantly delayed or never-completed sculpture.
• ✓ Sourced-from-China Resell: Some sellers may misrepresent sculptures as being of unique origin or handcrafted locally, when in fact they are mass-produced items resold from overseas at a markup. This deceives buyers about the exclusivity and origin of the artwork.
• ✓ Off-Platform Deposit Request: A common tactic is for a seller to request a deposit or payment outside of the CustomMade platform. This bypasses CustomMade's buyer protection policies, leaving buyers with little recourse if the seller fails to deliver or provides a substandard product.

Protecting Your Investment with Safe Trade Services

For high-value custom fine art sculptures, where the investment can exceed $500, utilizing Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for ID verification is highly recommended. This adds an extra layer of security by confirming the identity of the seller, reducing the risk of dealing with fraudulent accounts.

For custom sculptures within a lower price range, the Safe Trade Services' Basic Plan offers a streamlined ID verification process, providing peace of mind for both buyer and seller during the transaction.

Key Steps to a Secure Transaction

• ✓ Thoroughly vet the seller: Examine reviews, past projects, and communication style.
• ✓ Request detailed project breakdowns and progress reports.
• ✓ Use the CustomMade messaging system for all communications.
• ✓ Insist on all payments being processed through CustomMade.
• ✓ Consider Safe Trade Services' ID verification for added security, especially for significant purchases.
• ✓ Be wary of unusually low prices or high-pressure sales tactics.