Updated on 5/19/26 - added dropshipping websites to this list as I realized it wasn't on there before.
For easy navigation of all of the scams I have covered. :)
First is the Scam Exam(ination) section, which is where you will find all of the posts I've made that explains the various scams going on around tumblr, and even Discord! Scroll down and check it out!
Below that is the Tips and Tricks section of this index! This offers useful hints and ways to do various things on the internet, such as reporting phishing emails and websites, how to reverse image search, ways to spot a scam blogs, and more!
Scams to Bee aware of on Tumblr. This is a updated post containing all of my scam exam(inations) as well as other scams going around reported by other users, it's important people know what's going on, so please, share it!
We have a community! Everyone and anyone's welcome to join! Feel free to chat with @kyra45, myself, and others who are there to help if you aren't sure about a scam, want to report a new scam, or just share your experience!
The "I accidentally reported your account" scam.
Did someone leave a comment on your post saying "I have something important to tell you it’s about to your account, but i can’t message you idk whyy??" Were you DM'd by another user with urgency about them falsely reporting you or a user with a similar name as yours? Did they say that they "accidentally reported your account"? Did they show you images of an alleged report form/email and then proceeded to tell you that [tumblr] told them to message you, and for you to contact [tumblr] staff on Discord/Telegram? This is your classic 'I accidentally reported your account' scam that started on Steam many years ago that moved to other platforms. Note: [tumblr] staff does not, nor ever will use, Discord, Telegram, or any other platform other than their official email which THEY will send to YOU when issues arise regarding things such as account termination, bans, ect. They do not send asks, comments, or DM's to you on platform.
You need to verify your tumblr account scam.
This scam targets users via DM's, asks, or comments with a long copy-paste message from an account pretending to be a [tumblr] staff member telling users that they need to go to the link (phishing website) provided (they hide the real url) to "verify their tumblr account" otherwise it will be locked and/or terminated within so many hours. This website leads to a fake tumblr website, which upon clicking 'verify' leads you to a page to enter your credit card details. DO NOT DO THIS. This page will steal your information and eventually ask for your SSN, photo ID, and other malicious things. If you've received a message like this, report it immediately!
Art commission scam / v2: They're changed the script
This is also known as the Instagram Art Commission Scam. Did someone comment on your post saying 'Are your commissions open, DM me'? It usually starts by being asked to 'draw my son/daughter and/or their pet' with an offer of $200-$500 through paypal. Sometimes they even say no other method works but paypal, or even that they need your bank information. Never give them either of this! They will also send you fake screenshots from paypal saying the FBI will arrest you if you 'dont pay them' the money they are owed. They may also now be started by asking to draw cartoon/anime characters as well. Be Careful!
Muse / Inspiration Scam
Did someone leave a comment on your photography, artwork or post saying they feel inspired to draw something for you? Did they say they wanted to draw you or your pet under the guise of 'inspiration' and they have offered you a lot of money? $100's even Thousands of dollars? Did they mention having you write a check or giving over bank information? Read this.
The 'Click here / Read more' scam
This post explains how and why malicious actors will try to trick you into clicking a link disguised as the text Click here or Read more on a post. it is an attempt to look like the real read more option that tumblr offers, but will end up taking you to a malicious website!
Free money Scam / Sugar Baby explanation
Did someone message you offering you money to help you with something? Does the offer of free money seem too good to be true? Is someone asking you to be their sugar baby? Did they say they just want to be friends but first you have to send them money to 'prove you want it/verify you want it?' This is definitely a scam.
Recovery scam
Did you recently post about getting scammed? Did someone contact you via ask/DM's saying they could help? Did they claim they were a hacker? They're a scammer. Read this.
Fake HRT / Testosterone vendors.
Were you DM'd on Tumblr by someone claiming to be a doctor or a pharmacist? Were they trying to sell you HRT or Testosterone? This is a scam targeting LGBT+ folks, and the risks of falling for it far outweigh any sort of reward.
Illuminati Recruitment.
Did someone DM you and ask you to join the Illuminati? Did they ask you to join Telegram? You should read this before they steal your identity!
Free Game / Try My Game (Discord)
Were you asked to try a game by a 'small indie developer' or by your friend? You may soon fall victim to a scam if you do.
I accidentally reported your account (Discord)
Contacted by someone on Discord saying they reported your account? Are they telling you to contact an agent? This is a scam you need to learn about so you don't fall for it.
Dropshipping Websites. (Curtsy of @ai-art-thieves)
See a post of an object or a piece of clothing by a popular tumblr user that has 10k+ notes? Does that post say 'I got this here!' or '>>GET YOURS HERE<<' at the bottom with a link to a website? That user is a part of a dropshipping advertising scheme and is likely being paid to advertise these scummy websites. These websites are usually malicious in the manner that they sell cheaply products that don't always look as advertised. In the worst case scenario, you'll get a bootleg or flawed product, or even a different product completely, or unfortunately, you'll never get it at all.
(Or they will steal your information in the case of those shopify websites that popup online with deals you 'just can't refuse!!!' So buyer beware.)
Fandom specific 'commission me' art scam.
(Please note that at the time this effected Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss. However this scam type also will likely continue to effect popular fandoms such as The amazing Digital Circus as well.)
A Duolingo offer resulting in a hacked account - by joetastic2739
(This story is very important as it shows how your cookies can be hijacked, resulting in your passwords getting stolen and your email, twitter, and youtube account being compromised!)
If you make a post talking about how you've lost money, be it bitcoin, crypto, or were scammed in any sort of way, you may find yourself receiving an ask from a recovery scammer. These are people claiming they can offer 'recovery services' while claiming to be 'ethical hackers' that have 'back end knowledge' to online services. Claiming they can retrieve your money, account, photos, and other such lost items. All you have to do is give them your account information and some money! :) (Do not do this, obviously.)
These scammers also target people who post in #scam and/or other related tags like #scams or #scam alert, posting things like this in the comments on peoples posts:
Here's a post on some tips and tricks on spotting scam blogs.
How to guide: Reverse Image Search. (now with web extensions!)
How to safely report a scam website (only do this if you know how to)
How to identify a credit card / phone scam - by @mrsd-writes
Ways to report art theft on multiple websites! (very helpful for artists!)
How to report fake email addresses. (like in the art commission scam!)
A fun way to check if a blog is a scam with reblogs! (from my main blog!)
Scam ads on tumblr, what to look for. (silly main blog post, but important!)
Note: You can click their names to be taken to the post!
----- OUTDATED -----
This is to serve as an archive of how these scams look and/or work. They tend to pop up now and again as the scammers try to pull them off, so keeping a record of their past attempts with past names helps others know what to look out for!
gloriouswolfbeliever (Eunice magwerl / Enya 'cheekios")
Multiple accounts found to be running the same insulin scam under different usernames and different PayPal names.
(mild blood warning)
profoundcollectionangel / supportgazalady / perfectlythoughtfulbanana
A scammer pretending to be Palestinian asking for Insulin. They use multiple accounts with the same story asking for PayPal donations under various usernames.
shaaaliminneedofinsulin + veemiraclettastemaker
Two scams ran by the same person pretending to be Palestinian asking for Insulin. Evidence seen from use of the same PayPal.me account used on both.
gladysconnoisseurpost
Yet another scammer pretending to be Palestinian asking for Insulin. This one even links to the 'my cat sleepy' scam.
foggyhottubpost
A pair of scam accounts that are identical. claims to be Palestinian, claims to be vetted. Asks for Insulin. Run by the same scammer as myavenuesheep/eunice-2-magwerl.
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List of documented scammers:
Archived/References Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3
baratheonpilled
blakekathryn
andulkaphoto
theartofmadeline
prguitarman
origamiaround
jbbartram-illu
