scamalert

 

As up and coming artists, you dream of being the next opening act at a major concert or show. If such an opportunity appeared today, would you waste any time taking it? NO. Of course not…no matter how much it may cost you.

 

Well, artists may want to think twice. According to DJ Smallz, a new scam is happening to artists on Facebook. The “Opening Act” scam appears as a great opportunity to open up for a larger artist. A person will inbox the details  about the show and suggest that you solidify your spot by making payment via a Green Dot prepaid card. This is a scam. Problem is that it’s hard to detect if the Facebook account initiating contact is a fraud or not. People may “catfish” their victims by posting pictures of celebrities and shows on their pages. These pictures to may appear to be the real deal. Instead, they are not and are causing the struggling artist to lose unnecessary money while on their pursuit to make it big.

 

DJ Smallz explains that he has had many artists to contact him saying they were scammed. Therefore, he offers up lessons that will help prevent you from being their next victim. Check it out below:

 

 

For assistance with other areas of the music business, visit Smallz’ SouthernSmokeUniversity.com.

 

In addition, the Green Dot prepaid cards are being used to trick money out of poor defenseless Facebookers. To prevent you or a friend from becoming a victim, here’s an explanation on how the scam operates from Publishers Clearing House website:

 

It often works like this: someone claiming to be a PCH representative contacts you and informs you that you’ve won a big PCH prize. But in order to claim that prize, you must go out to Walmart or a convenience store to purchase a prepaid card. You’re instructed to put a certain amount of money on the card and then provide the card number to the “reps.” Once these fraudsters have the card number, they’ll wipe the card clean of the money on it and disappear. You’ll never see your alleged prize OR the money spent on the card again. Yikes! (via PCH Blog)

 

 

Example: Scam account on Facebook

Example: Scam account on Facebook

 

 

The best way to stay scam free is to never conduct transactions online with a stranger. For artists, if a person promises you opening act slot or performance spot on a show (and you have to pay first), don’t believe it.  The legitimate opportunities will be established through networking and building relationships. If the “rep” can’t meet you in-person, always second guest their legitimacy.