Beware of Unsolicited Project Offers: A Cautionary Tale for Creators

Recently, I encountered a somewhat alarming experience that underscores the importance of vigilance when collaborating with unfamiliar parties online. Initially, I was open to taking on new projects—not driven by financial gain, but simply interested in engaging with interesting work and expanding my portfolio.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly until the conversation took an unexpected and concerning turn. The individual I was communicating with expressed a desire to gain access to my computer. As someone who already holds a full-time position and values secure boundaries, this request immediately raised red flags. I was even contemplating a more collaborative workflow, but this request crossed a line.

This incident highlights how some scammers are becoming increasingly inventive in their methods. It’s easy to see how someone desperate or inexperienced might fall prey to such tactics. As creators and professionals, it’s crucial to remain cautious and protect our digital integrity at all costs. Always verify the intentions of new collaborators and never compromise your security for the sake of a project.