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Jun

19

Pinoy Comics Artists, Beware of this Scam (UPDATED)

Filed Under Filipino Artists | 10 Comments

There’s a lot of comics artists, aspiring and professional, here in the Philippines. A lot of them are looking for work abroad through the Internet, and more often than not, that’s you reading right now.

I found out about this scam through Rich Johnston’s Bleeding Cool Forums, at these specific topics here:

http://www.bleedingcool.com/forums/showthread.php?t=376

http://www.bleedingcool.com/forums/showthread.php?t=713

June 20 Update:
http://www.bleedingcool.com/forums/showthread.php?t=664

June 21 Update: The Story So Far
http://www.bleedingcool.com/forums/showthread.php?t=859

The way I understand it, this person would either approach you to “represent” you as his agent, or be your “writer” or pretend to be actually you, and accept assignments from companies or individuals for commissions. He would then ask you to do the work, submit a few pages to the company, asked to be paid in full, and then disappear, leaving both you and the company in the dirt.

Be cautious who you deal with online. Before accepting any assignment, search fastidiously online for information about this person you are dealing with. How would you know if he is pretending to be someone else? Look for *other* contact info online. Many pros are on Facebook and Twitter or MySpace. Contact them there to confirm who they are.

This is why it’s very important now for a Filipino comic book artist to be typically street smart online. The Internet is a great place to find jobs in comics, but it’s also a place where you can get scammed big time.

Be careful out there!

Comments

10 Responses to “Pinoy Comics Artists, Beware of this Scam (UPDATED)”

  1. Reno on June 19th, 2009 2:22 pm

    Yup, been reading about this guy in Rich Johnston’s Lying In The Gutters (sadly, now defunct).

    It’s really important to do a background check on people who want to hire you. And in the age of the internet, it’s become somewhat easier to do.

    And sometimes, you have to go with your gut. If dealing with someone doesn’t feel right, chances are it isn’t.

  2. Kat on June 19th, 2009 2:23 pm

    Hi Gerry. Thanks for the heads up. May I repost this? Thanks!

  3. Gerry Alanguilan on June 19th, 2009 3:01 pm

    Sure Kat, Thanks!

  4. Gerry Alanguilan on June 19th, 2009 3:01 pm

    Reno, Rich’s LITG has expanded into its own website: http://bleedingcool.com

  5. Ed on June 19th, 2009 6:48 pm

    Tweeted this entry, Gerry. ALL artists, esp. Pinoys, should be warned and careful.

  6. John Beatty on June 19th, 2009 8:28 pm

    If anyone needs me to “check” out anyone here, feel free to contact me. I am on “twitter: http://twitter.com/johnbeattyart

    If you suspect someone, just send me their information and I’ll look them up. Find out some information, and let you know what I find out.

    Take care, friends!

    -John

  7. projectotaking on June 22nd, 2009 11:13 am

    D: This is just making it harder for actual writer/producers to get good work!

  8. Raule on June 23rd, 2009 5:15 am

    Friend Gerry!

    I’m Raule, an spanish comic book writer (I leave you some message at your web). I just wanted to tell you a curious story. The great Terry Dobson was recently visiting my town, invited to 27 Salón International del comic de Barcelona.
    Mr. Dobson was discovered our work and he was impressed, as you can read on his site:

    http://thebombshellter.blogspot.com/2009/06/weekend-rewind-jazz-maynard-by-roger.html

    Roger (artist) and I are very excited, of course!

    A big hug!

    P.D-On July 3 my wife and I arrived to the Philippines. I hope to have the opportunity to visit you in San Pablo, if you don´t mind…

  9. Gerry Alanguilan on June 24th, 2009 6:47 pm

    Cool! See you soon, Raule!

  10. jeff on June 25th, 2009 10:25 am

    Why does this remind me of a certain agent? Hmmm…