What are some ways I can keep myself safe from phishing attempts and scams?

Every deviant can benefit from following easy tips to stay safe online and protect their account and personal information from phishing attempts, scams, and other fraudulent activity.

How to spot a scam
Scammers often try to make their messages look official or urgent. Here are some common signs that a message or request may be a scam:
  • Someone claims to be a DeviantArt Team member, but their username is missing the official DeviantArt Team symbol beside it. No symbol? This user isn’t a DeviantArt staff member.
    Tip: You can also check the list of current DeviantArt team members on the About page.
  • Claims that your account has been reported, flagged, or needs urgent verification. 
  • Someone asks you to update your email address to one you don’t own, or gives you a specific password to use for login.
  • Requests for banking details or credit card information. DeviantArt staff will never ask for this in a message.
  • Claims that you must pay a fee, send money, or change personal account details to prove that your account is in good standing.
  • Promises of unusually high pay for very little work (a common scam tactic).
  • Requests to send money or pay a fee before a collaboration can begin.
  • Messages urging you to click external links, especially if they feel unexpected or time-sensitive.
  • Messages asking you to continue the conversation off-platform (Discord, email, or other third-party sites). DeviantArt will never ask you to move off-site to change your email, password, or verify your account.

Remember: All official DeviantArt support interactions take place through the Contact Us page of deviantart.com or via the Help Center at deviantartsupport.com. Any message claiming otherwise may be a scam.

What to do if you were targeted by a scam 
  1. Report the DeviantArt account.
  2. Save screenshots of any communications.
  3. If the scammer contacted you through a third-party site, report them on that platform as well.
  4. If you still have access to your account, change your password immediately. If you don’t, follow these account recovery steps.

If you’re ever unsure whether a message is legitimate or have any questions, don't hesitate to contact DeviantArt Support and ask if communication you've received is truly from DeviantArt staff.