Don’t get caught by Scammers

Social media has become a vital tool for musicians to promote their work, connect with industry professionals, and also build a fan base, but don’t get caught by a scam music label!

However, the rise of digital platforms has also led to an increase in scams targeting artists, particularly from fake record labels and talent scouts.

If you’re an independent musician, it’s crucial to understand the warning signs of a scam to protect your social media profiles.

We have put together a guide to help spot these fraudulent approaches on social media, including common red flags and suspicious hashtags.

Red Flags of a Scam Music Label

1. Unsolicited DMs and Comments

Legitimate music labels and industry professionals rarely reach out via direct message (DM) or comments on random posts. If you receive a message claiming, “We love your sound! Let’s collaborate!” or “We want to sign you! DM us now!” without any prior interaction, be cautious.

2. Over-the-Top Promises

Scammers often make extravagant promises, such as:

“We can make you famous overnight” or “Sign with us, and you’ll get millions of streams instantly” and even “We guarantee you a record deal with a major label.”

3. Requests for Upfront Payments

One of the biggest red flags is being asked to pay a fee to sign with a label. Legitimate labels invest in artists they don’t charge them for representation.

Scammers might claim you need to pay for “promotion packages,” “exclusive auditions,” or “distribution fees.” Always research before giving money to any organisation.

4. Poor Communication & Generic Messages

Fake labels often send generic copy paste messages that could apply to any musician. Look for impersonal greetings like “Hey artist” or “Dear musician,” instead of using your actual name or referencing your music specifically.

I had one scammer claiming to be a label who opened their message with “Love your music” before proceeding to ask “Can you point me to one of your songs on Spotify!”

5. No Verifiable Industry Presence

A real label will have a solid reputation, website, industry connections, and credible social media profiles. Moreover, scammers often lack a legitimate online presence beyond their social media page. Check for a verified account, industry affiliations, and past artist collaborations.

Linked in is an excellent research tool for finding individuals who work for verified organisations, if you receive a message or email you are unsure about then reach out to the named person via a direct message to confirm if they have made a legitimate approach.

Suspicious Hashtags Used by a Scam Music Label

Many scam labels use certain hashtags to attract and target musicians looking for opportunities. If you see these hashtags repeatedly in sketchy DMs or comment sections, proceed with caution:

• #UnsignedArtist
• #MusicOpportunity
• #RecordDeal
• #IndependentArtist
• #MusicScamAlert
• #WeSignArtists
• #MusicIndustryTips
• #MajorLabelDeal
• #ArtistDevelopment
• #DMForCollab

While these hashtags aren’t inherently bad, scammers often use them to appear legitimate while luring in unsuspecting artists.

How to Protect Yourself from a Scam Music Label

• Research the label – Research their website, social media, and past artists. Legitimate labels will always have a track record.
• Check for verified accounts – Real labels have verified accounts on major platforms.
• Read reviews – Search for complaints or scam reports about the company via Google.
• Ask for contracts and legal advice – Never sign anything without understanding the terms.
• Trust your instincts – If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.

By staying vigilant, you can protect yourself from scam music label approaches and focus on building your career with real opportunities.

Share Your Concerns

Your peers, friends, family and social media groups can often be a great source of confirmation. Don’t be afraid to drop a message in a chat so that you can benefit from “group think”, the chances are that you aren’t the only person who has been approached by the same scammers!

I’m part of a community of musicians & artists that support each other on Facebook called Group Together, feel free to join us (it’s free) and share any concerns you have and we’ll try and help.

If in doubt feel free to get in touch via our contact form here at Jonathan Dawkins Music and we will try and help!