The rise of NFTs has opened up exciting opportunities for artists and collectors, but it has also created a new playground for scammers. I recently tried to sell one of my digital art pieces as an NFT on what turned out to be a fraudulent marketplace.

The marketplace advertised itself as a platform for emerging artists, with low fees and a supportive community. The website looked professional, and they even featured testimonials from artists who claimed to have made significant sales. I signed up and uploaded my artwork, paying a small fee to mint the NFT.

Shortly after, I received a message from someone claiming to be a collector interested in purchasing my piece. They said they wanted to finalize the transaction but needed me to pay a “transaction processing fee” to release the funds. Eager to make my first sale, I paid the fee, only to realize later that the collector was a scammer. The marketplace itself was complicit, as it disappeared shortly after I raised concerns.

This experience was a harsh reminder to only use well-established NFT platforms with verified track records. If someone asks for additional fees outside of the platform’s official process, it’s almost certainly a scam. Protect your art and your funds by sticking to reputable marketplaces and avoiding unsolicited offers.