I get a lot of DMs and emails from readers asking how to tell whether a commission offer on social platforms is legitimate or a scam. As someone who’s spent years in fandoms, commissioning artists, and covering creator communities, I’ve learned a few practical habits that protect your money and support real creators. Below I share how I vet commission offers, the red flags I watch for, and simple steps you can take to commission safely on Twitter/X, Instagram, Tumblr, DeviantArt, Etsy, Ko-fi, and beyond.

Start with the portfolio — not the promise

The single best predictor of a legitimate commission is a consistent, public portfolio. When an artist has a track record of finished pieces you can view, you can judge quality, style, and whether they actually deliver. Look for:

  • Recent posts with completed commissions labeled as such (many artists tag posts “commission” or “commissi0n” to avoid spam).
  • Multiple images showing different clients or characters — not the same image reposted with different captions.
  • Process shots or work-in-progress (WIP) posts. Artists who share WIPs are demonstrating how they work and are more likely to be legitimate.
  • Links to external portfolios (Pixiv, ArtStation, personal websites) and consistent usernames across platforms.

If a profile only has a single polished image and a vague “I take commissions” line, proceed cautiously.

Use reverse image search — catch stolen or recycled art

Scammers often present stolen artwork as their own. Before paying, copy the image and run it through reverse image search tools like Google Images, TinEye, or Yandex. If the same image appears on multiple accounts or on stock/artist websites with a different username, it’s a huge red flag. I do this even for artists I think I know — sometimes older commissions get reposted by bad actors.

Watch the communication style

Legitimate artists are usually clear about what they offer. When messaging, pay attention to how they talk about the job and the payment:

  • Clear answers about prices, turnaround time, revision policy, and file types? That’s a good sign.
  • Vague replies, pressure to "pay now" without contract or details, or refusal to answer simple questions are warning signs.
  • Beware of profiles that direct you immediately to third-party chat apps where there’s no platform record of the conversation.

Preferred payment methods — what’s safe and what’s risky

Payment method matters. Some options offer buyer protection, others don’t.

  • PayPal Friends & Family: Avoid this for commissions. It has no buyer protection and is a frequent request by scammers.
  • PayPal Goods & Services: Safer because it offers dispute protection, but fees apply for the artist.
  • Stripe, Square, or card payments: Generally reversible and safer than Friends & Family.
  • Ko-fi, Gumroad, Etsy: These platforms have their own protections and are safer when a seller has a well-established shop.
  • Crypto:

I usually recommend paying through a platform that leaves a record (email receipt, order number), not through direct bank transfers or irreversible methods without a written agreement.

Ask for a simple contract or commission terms

Most reputable artists have a “commission sheet” or terms page explaining what’s included, file sizes, revision limits, cancellation policy, and refunds. It doesn’t have to be a lawyer-drafted contract — a clear written agreement in DMs or email counts. A typical commission agreement covers:

  • Scope of work (character count, backgrounds, poses)
  • Deliverables (JPEG, PNG, PSD with layers)
  • Price, deposit amount, and final payment method
  • Revision policy and timeline
  • Copyright and usage rights (personal use versus commercial rights)

If an artist refuses to put terms in writing or insists on verbal promises only, that’s a red flag.

Deposit practices — a healthy middle ground

Many artists ask for a deposit (commonly 30–70%) to start a commission. That’s standard and reasonable. Full-payment-upfront demands, especially without a portfolio or past reviews, are suspicious. Conversely, zero deposit with an immediate promise of delivery may be a tactic to scam multiple clients before disappearing. Agree to deposit terms before any work begins and get a receipt.

Check reviews and community reputation

Look for public feedback. On Twitter/X, Instagram, or Reddit, search for the artist’s handle plus the word “commission” or “scam.” On sites like Etsy or DeviantArt, read shop reviews. Communities like r/commissions or r/ArtCommishReviews often share buyer experiences. No reviews doesn’t mean scam, but multiple complaints or disappearing threads are a big warning.

Red flags to never ignore

  • Account created very recently with many commission posts — common tactic for quick scams.
  • Requests to pay via Friends & Family only.
  • Refusal to share WIPs or answer questions about process.
  • Unwillingness to sign a basic written agreement or provide receipts.
  • Promises that seem too good to be true (ultra-low prices for complex work, unrealistic turnaround times).
  • Pushy behavior: pressure to pay immediately or threats to “sell to someone else.”

How to reduce risk as a buyer — my checklist before handing over cash

When I commission, I run through a short checklist that’s saved me from scams and frustration. You can copy this verbatim:

  • View at least 3–5 recent completed works on the artist’s profile or linked portfolio.
  • Run reverse image search on the portfolio images to ensure originality.
  • Confirm payment method and that it offers buyer protection.
  • Request a written commission agreement or terms via DM/email.
  • Ask for WIPs at agreed milestones and confirm revision policy.
  • Keep screenshots of conversations, receipts, and order numbers.

If something goes wrong — steps to take

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, act fast. Steps I follow or recommend:

  • Contact the seller through the platform and demand clarification or a refund.
  • Open a dispute with the payment provider (PayPal, card issuer, etc.) — time limits apply.
  • Report the account to the social platform (Twitter/X, Instagram) — provide evidence.
  • Share your experience on community boards to warn others and possibly find others affected.
  • If you paid by card or bank transfer, contact your bank to report fraudulent transactions.

Tips for supporting artists safely

Commissioning is also about supporting creators. Here are a few ways I support artists while staying safe:

  • Use established platforms (Ko-fi, Etsy, Gumroad) when possible — fees are worth the protections.
  • Buy prints or stickers from artists with shops if you’re unsure about original commissions.
  • Tip small amounts for quick sketches via Ko-fi to test how an artist communicates and delivers.
  • Keep expectations realistic — indie creators aren’t studios. Respect their schedules and boundaries.

Fandoms thrive because fans and creators trust each other. A little diligence goes a long way: vet portfolios, insist on traceable payment, ask for written terms, and keep records. Those steps help you get the art you love while making sure the money goes to the people who actually made it. If you want, send me an account link and I’ll walk through it with you — I’m always happy to help vet a commission offer before you pay.