Usually, I would conduct a secret, behind-the-scenes, thorough investigation, perhaps even create throw-away accounts to follow the artist around on social media to collect proof of their dishonour. Then, I will make contact, questioning the artist, if they block me, then I know that they are toxic, and I would discourage others from interacting with the artist. I would do all of this while keeping it well within the rules of the site, so that the moderators can not jump on me arse.

Well.... I already DID make contact, but the person is the same, guaranteed. Same art style and same partner. She hasn't changed a thing except her name and deleted her old accounts. This is her third profile, since I've known her. LOL Just was irritated and made a "nice" shout on her page, and sent an IM with pretty much the last thing I had said to her, that got ignored. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm reported or at the very least blocked after this. XD

In the end, nothing matters.
She'll just be another lost soul that got left behind.

Would posting on Artist Beware or a similar site work?

Problem with bewares is as such, is that you have to be able to prove better and a shadow of a doubt that it's the same person. Many have similar art styles it know the same people. That's just not enough. I am the pets n they suspect, I do not know this person nor have I ever met them before.

at this point I would be making a beware tbh.

fuck personal drama. fuck whatever happened in the past. I really don't care what happened. at the end of the day YOURE STILL A PAYING CLIENT and either deserve your money back or what you paid for.

and if you do end up making a beware.... the more screenshots the better.

This won't likely be a popular answer...

So many in our community are wounded. They have dreams of being a great artist and getting paid for their art. But they are mentally incapable of really holding down the job of artist.

This leads to them taking a bunch of commissions and cash they sorely need. But soon they realize the size of the art whole they are in- after they have dug it. They owe a LOT of art, OVERWHELMING amounts of art....

As a writer, I try to partner my stories with a drawing from the story I write... I can't tell you the number of times I have lost my investments... Investments of time, money and emotions. I take my stories seriously, just as an artist does their craft. It is the reason you see me use a picture over again- the artist fell through on me.

That said, I wish to state that I have yet to encounter an artist that actually set out to rip me off. As above, they simply dig a pit while thinking they have found salvation.

I do not envy them this feeling.

The idea that they have essentially stolen good people's money, is crushing enough.

I have screwed up in my life and not fulfilled what I promised too.

That feeling is awful. It weighs upon your thoughts, eating its way into every subsequent deal. I had a business fall through once- it made me want to die.

My point is, that unless I think them some sort of serial criminal, I simply forgive and forget their debt- and pray God forgive me my mistakes.

If this person is a serial con artist, then by all means you should attempt to expose them.

But if like so many here in our Fur community, they grossly overestimated the responsibility of doing business as an artist, then I simply wish them well and let them go.

Talent is not the only thing an artist needs to succeed. They must keep their muzzle to the grindstone, day in-day out, over and over and over again.

For some, that's not possible. Their situation won't allow it, but they need the money and think it really will work out. They promise themselves to work hard and make it as an artist. But then the money is gone, they have a new set of bills and a pile of art to create. They are much like the proverb, “A drowning man will grab even the point of a sword.”

And all too soon, that point comes to bear upon them.

Well, there you have it. If you really do think them a serial criminal, then you should act.

But if they are instead a drowning man, then your understanding is what they need- even if they won't answer you.

You are in your rights whichever way you go. Follow your conscience.

Grab screenshots of how they fucked you over and post a beware so everyone else knows not to give them business at the very least.