How to Avoid Scams When Buying Limited Edition Art Prints on CustomMade

Navigating the Art Market Safely on CustomMade

Limited edition art prints offer a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of artistic expression. However, the online art marketplace can also present risks. This guide will help you identify and steer clear of common fraudulent activities to ensure your purchases on CustomMade are both enjoyable and secure.

Common Scams Targeting Art Buyers

• ✓ **Stolen Artisan Portfolio:** Scammers may impersonate legitimate artists or galleries by using stolen images of artwork. They might create fake listings with these images to sell prints that don't exist or are of inferior quality.
• ✓ **Fake CAD Rendering Bait:** While less common for prints, this scam can manifest as offering 'digital' or 'preview' versions of the art that are not representative of the final product, or using misleading mockups to misrepresent the scale and quality of the print.
• ✓ **Indefinite Production Delay:** After payment, the seller might claim unforeseen issues, leading to significant and indefinite delays in delivering the art print. This can be a tactic to hold onto funds or to avoid delivering a product they cannot actually provide.
• ✓ **Off-Platform Deposit Request:** A common tactic is for sellers to request a deposit or full payment outside of CustomMade's secure payment system. This bypasses platform protections and makes it nearly impossible to recover funds if the item is not delivered or is misrepresented.
• ✓ **Sourced-from-China Resell:** Be wary of listings that appear to be unique or from a specific artist but are actually mass-produced, low-quality prints sourced from overseas, often with significant markups and misrepresented origin.
• ✓ **Material Grade Downselling:** While primarily for physical goods, this could apply to the paper or canvas used for prints. A seller might claim to use premium archival paper but deliver prints on lower-grade, non-archival material that will degrade over time.

Ensuring a Secure Transaction

CustomMade offers several features to enhance buyer security. Always look for verified seller badges, detailed customer reviews, and clear product descriptions. Pay close attention to the payment process within the platform, as it's designed to protect both buyers and sellers.

For high-value art prints, consider utilizing Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for enhanced identity verification. This adds an extra layer of security by confirming the identity of both the buyer and the seller, mitigating risks associated with impersonation and fraudulent transactions. For lower-value items, the Basic Plan can still offer valuable peace of mind.

Key Takeaways for Safe Art Purchases

• ✓ Verify seller reputation and reviews thoroughly.
• ✓ Scrutinize product images and descriptions for authenticity.
• ✓ Always use the platform's secure payment system.
• ✓ Be highly suspicious of off-platform payment requests.
• ✓ Consider identity verification services for valuable purchases.