That one tree mod

(Dropshipping scams)

(aka the scammy dropshipping websites you see promoted by funny meme accounts)

Did we learn nothing about the user pizza incident? Remember that?

Anyway, what is a dropshipping scam?

While not necessarily a scam outright on its own, dropshipping websites tend to rip off real artists or even use AI to have whatever is seen as trendy, funny, cute, etc. You may know of these from the popular meme blogs that post a seemingly regular post then suddenly days later it’s turned into an advertisement for some cool product they found that you totally need right now this instant. They’re lying to you. They didn’t find it. That’s just part of a script.

What they’re really doing is being paid to promote a website that’s been on tumblr for decades now, only ever advertised by popular meme accounts and often not even a product related to the meme blogs theme. You’ve likely seen them on a daily basis, or even follow them and not realize you’re just being used for their ad revenue.

The issue is, most of these blogs don’t outright disclose their ads in an easily visible place to see. They don’t tell you “ hey I’m being paid for this promotion by (x) so check out the link below to check it out” which would make it extremely easy to avoid the site. Instead, they just disguise the ad as a funny meme and that’s it. Because they’d get backlash for advertising a dropshipping place. Where the item is marked up and often found cheaper elsewhere if it’s not ripped off from an artist.

Genuinely, as an artist myself, if your on tumblr you could be using your audience to promote artists own personal crafting website. Ask them to draw you a funny meme post, and offer to link to their commissions or art shop where others could get something for themselves. Don’t promote a scammy drop shipper who rips off the artists themselves.

commission for @kyra45

“I need to to tell u something important pls DM” - accidentally reported you scam

“Someone impersonated you and I reported you by accident” - accidentally reported you scam

“You sent me free tumblr premium link but it scammed me” - accidentally reported you scam

“You stole money from me so my friends reported you” - accidentally reported you scam

“I saw your post about looking for artists to commission. I do commissions and would love to illustrate your idea.” - commissioner scam

“I read your fic and was inspired by a certain scene. I’d love to draw it for you as a commission just let me know your budget.” - commissioner scam

“(Ai generated summary of a fic) and I’d love to draw dm me on discord pls.” - commissioner scam

“Your account has been put into lurker mode” - verification scam

“Creator funding has been paused.” - verification scam

“Pls kindly go to this link to verify.” - verification scam

“Insulin is $300 nt asking for a windfall” - donation scam

“Need medicine to prevent lungs collapsing.” - donation scam

“Nose freezes and asthma” - donation scam

“DM me if commission open.” - Commission scam

“I have something important to tell you but can’t message u pls message me ” - accidentally reported you scam

“I love your story and want to illustrate it dm me at discord” - commissioner scam

“I saw your post looking for artists to draw (x) and would love to draw it it sounds like a lovely idea and im an artist” - commissioner scammer who DM’d you when you didn’t ask

“Did you send me this link for free tumblr premium?” - accidentally reported you scam