I recently got a DM that set off every red flag in my mind. It started with fake concern, moved to subtle manipulation, and ended with insults when I said “no.” Welcome to the dark side of Web3. If you're a digital artist or launching an NFT project, you need to read this. I’ll show you how to recognize scammers, and most importantly, how to promote your project the right way without falling into a trap.

The NFT space has changed. What once felt like an open invitation for creativity and connection has become a machine driven by hype. In Web3, the unspoken rule is simple: if you want attention, you fake it. Many projects are pumped with bots, artificial engagement, and illusion. But collectors are no longer interested in illusions.