Continuing from my last journal, the scammer is still out there trying to impersonate multiple artists. After watching them closely and doing some light digging, I have a little more information to share to help commissioners protect themselves.

This scammer has changed their username, display name, and profile image multiple times to impersonate artists from this site. They like to use the same tactics, preying on artists running YCHs and using their FA icons as Discord profile images to contact their commissioners.

- They will initially contact you under the guise of being eager to close the auction you bid on, including use of the image from the auction to lure you into a false sense of security. They will rush you for your character info/refs. They will use emoji reactions to play it up. They might even copy an artist's ToS and send it to you to help perpetuate the scam.

- Even if they state they will not take payment until a sketch is finished, they will still ask you for payment and push you to pay through Friends and Family option on Paypa| if you aren't fast enough for their liking. NEVER DO THIS. Internet safety 101. Artists have their ToS for a reason, and if they say they will not take payment until a sketch is produced, hold them to that.

- They will try to "play it cool" if you mention being cautious of scammers, saying they "totally understand." Again, this is to make you feel safe sending them your money. Don't fall for it. Artists will be more than happy to work with you to verify who you are talking to.

- They will doctor their "inbox screenshots" if you mention that you have noted them here on FA first to show that your note was not delivered and claim that the site is lagging. This is not true. FA notes show when a note is delivered and if it has been opened or not if you check the "Sent" folder. A great way to spot this part of the scam is by paying attention to how long it takes them to come back with a screenshot. Generally, a screenshot is a simple action and if it takes close to 5 minutes or more for them to show proof after stating they will check immediately, it's most likely fake. That time spent was used to edit text and profile pictures. This isn't a fool-proof method of identifying scammers, but it is always best to be cautious and wait for a response through notes first. Any respectable artist will understand you wanting to verify who you are talking to and are more than happy to wait for the note to come through if the site is lagging.

This is probably the most important part, but I would also like to point out the email they use to try to get you to send money to.

sobionojoryl3[at]gmail.com

If you see this email, DO NOT SEND THEM ANYTHING.

Scammers are clever nowadays, but we can outsmart them if we know what to look for. Protect yourself, compare contact information, and NEVER send money or click links until you have verified the person you are talking to.

I have a Google Doc with all of their fake profiles they have used that I have been able to catch. I will preface that I am only able to keep track of this person's actions because I still have their DM in my discord list and through other artists that have dealt with them. If you would like to keep up to date with this situation or to check if you've been unknowingly impersonated, here is the link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/.....it?usp=sharing

If you come into contact with this individual, do not engage, block and report.

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Lastly, to the scammer, because I know you are reading this...

I was not the one to play with. You will get the attention you deserve. That is a promise.