Web3 Scammers: How to Spot Them — and Promote Your Project Safely

Would you eat it knowing it's venomous?

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.

My Real Experience — The Message That Said It All

A guy slid into my DMs, trying to convince me he was helping creators get exposure through influencer shoutouts. No contract, no name, no company — and yet, he wanted me to send him money upfront.

When I refused, he said:

“Your art sucks btw, nothing unique about it.”

(Yeah… super professional.)

This is textbook scam behavior. Here’s exactly how you can spot it before it happens to you:

5 Red Flags That Scream “Scammer” in Web3

1. They refuse to dox themselves. No name, no address, no proof. Just vague talk about “protecting privacy.”

2. They discourage contracts.“Contracts are useless” = they don’t want any legal accountability.

3. They use fear tactics."If you wait or trust contracts, you’ll get scammed again." They exploit your past traumas.

4. They claim past success but show no proof. “I’ve been doing this for 4 years, my clients can vouch.” But you’ll never see one real reference, or they will present fake ones.

5. They get angry if you say no. Professionals don’t attack your art. Scammers do.
   

Real Ways to Promote Your Web3 Project (That Are Safe)

You don’t need shady DMs to get visibility. Here are real strategies that work:

Reach Real Influencers:

• Use Whop, Collab.Land, or Skribe to manage collabs with proof of delivery.

• Contact creators through their verified profiles on X or LinkedIn.

• Join serious Web3 podcasts like:

  • Edge of NFT

  • NFT Now

  • Onchain Monkeys

  • Rug Radio

  • The Pirate Pod
    

These platforms won’t ask you for ETH in DMs.

Promote Your Work the Right Way:

• Build a press/media kit with your story, collection, roadmap, and visuals.

• Launch on trusted platforms like:

  • Zora

  • Manifold

  • Foundation

  • Objkt

• Run collaborative giveaways with known artists or curators.

• Join and speak in live X Spaces, not spammy ones, but hosted by recognized voices.
  

Web3 Is Changing — and So Should We

It’s not about hype anymore. It’s about real connection, real value, and real community. Let’s stop feeding the “pay to play” scam ecosystem and start building a safer, more transparent space for creators.

Final Thoughts from Mad Lips 21

If you’re reading this and nodding your head, share it. Someone in your circle needs to hear this.

We are building a new world, block by block — let’s make sure we do it with integrity.

Want to share your story? My DMs are open. Together, we shift the game.

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🖤 Written by Mad Lips 21 — Digital Artist, Web3 Creator, and Advocate for Realness.