Adult Content Creator Protection: Top Scams to Watch For

Below are some of the most common scams that adult content creators tend to come across.

Paying after a service is completed

Potential clients may approach you with a request to pay after the service is completed. This can happen at the beginning of the conversation or even later, right when payment is expected. Unfortunately, this is a common scam. More often than not, once you’ve delivered the service or sent the content, you find yourself blocked. I’ve even encountered clients who requested to pay only after a physical item arrived at their address.

Clients might offer excuses like “I’ve been scammed before” or “Other providers do this for me all the time.” They may beg and assure you that they will pay as soon as the service is delivered. However, this is almost always a red flag. To protect yourself, it’s crucial to require payment upfront.

One exception I make is with fansites. When a client unlocks a post, it moves into a “purchased” folder. Some clients prefer to unlock content so they can view everything they want in one place. In these instances, I require all but the minimum tip amount upfront ($3 for OnlyFans, $1 for Fansly) and will send the media locked for that tip amount.

Another common scenario involves clients ordering custom content with the promise to unlock it upon receipt. Often, they’ll never unlock or tip for the content and instead wait for it to be posted as PPV or a premade at a lower price. While you’ll still receive compensation for the content, creators typically charge more for custom work than for PPV or premade items, resulting in a potential loss.

This issue can also arise with long-term or repeat clients who have paid in the past. Although it may feel like trust has been established, it’s important to remember that scams can happen at any time. It’s advisable never to skip upfront payment.

If you still want to pursue the sale, consider sharing any positive reviews you have, especially those specifically mentioning the service the potential client is interested in. However, be aware that someone requesting delayed payment may not have genuine intentions to pay you at all.

Picture Collectors

Some scammers collect pictures to see how much free content they can extract from creators. They often disguise their intentions by claiming they need to “verify” that you are the same person your profile depicts. This can involve requests to see how you look today or even to pose in lingerie or compromising positions to ensure you can fulfill their requests. In reality, they have no intention of making a purchase.

To protect yourself, many creators refuse to verify or send pictures outside of paid interactions. If you are verified in strict subreddits like r/sexsells, you can use that verification as proof of your identity. Fansites can also serve as a verification tool, though this would include allowing clients to message your account for free.

Another concern is clients collecting enough of your content to impersonate you. Anything you post can be screen grabbed, and having “verification” pictures or images that you’ve never made public can lend credibility to their impersonation.

When clients request that I verify I use it as an opportunity to age verify them, and will only verify after they have met my requirements. I send a very specific verification picture to ensure my images can’t be misused. My verification consists of a selfie holding a crumpled piece of paper with the day’s date and my username. I never share pictures that reveal my body, nor do I include another person’s username, as this could complicate ownership of the image. I make it clear that verification is a prerequisite for me to verify them.

When they request a verification picture, I often respond with, “Thanks for the reminder! We need to age verify before proceeding with payment. We can verify together!” Then, I explain my age verification process: “As soon as you’ve sent yours over, I’ll send mine!”

As the number of creators utilizing agencies or chatters to manage their accounts continues to rise, it’s understandable that clients want to ensure they’re interacting with the actual creator from whom they’re requesting content. However, it’s crucial for us to remain vigilant and protect ourselves from scammers who seek free content or aim to impersonate us.

Wishlist Scams

If you decide to accept gifts as payment, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Scammers can falsely claim to have purchased items from your wishlist on platforms like Amazon, often screenshotting the order as proof before canceling it shortly after. To protect yourself, always ensure that the gift is in your possession before providing any services or creating content.

Consider using wishlist sites that do not allow cancellations, as these provide a safer alternative—Throne is one such option. However, be aware that chargebacks can still pose a risk. To safeguard your work, never deliver services or content until the gift is securely in your hands.

With Amazon, even after a scammer cancels a transaction, the item may still appear as purchased on your list. Additionally, keep in mind that your city and sometimes your postal code may be public on Amazon wishlists. Be cautious with the “third-party shipping agreement” option; if selected, it allows others to shop from your wishlist through retailers not affiliated with Amazon. In this case, Amazon may share your address with those retailers, potentially revealing it to buyers.

Keep an eye out for part two!