How to avoid record deal scams before its too late

Scammers are targeting independent artists with false promises of major label promotion. We can help you avoid becoming the next victim.

by James Shotwell of Haulix

Every artist dreams of attracting the attention of an industry gatekeeper. Many see that event as the moment their lives change forever. “All I need is a little help,” they tell themselves, “and then my dreams will be a reality.”

Some people see dreaming as a weakness meant to be exploited. They look for ways to leverage the hopes of the aspiring for personal gain through lies and misdirection. It’s an act as old as time itself, and unfortunately, it continues in 2022.

Today’s scammers target independent musicians through social media. They seek out those looking for attention and slide into their DMs with false promises of exposure, often in exchange for money.

We’ve seen dozens of scams over the last decade, but there is one scam we see repeatedly. 

Scammers first contact an artist through Instagram masquerading as management or A&R under contract with a major label. After complimenting the artist for their music and social presence, often regardless of their popularity or following, the scammer will ask if the artist is interested in working with a label.

If the artist replies yes, then the scam is on.

Now the scammer has the advantage because they know the artist wants their offer sight unseen. The next step is to ask for an email, which is then used to send a variation of the following message:

I’m [NAME GOES HERE] and I handle all business proposals and inquires for WARNER RECORDS. The A&R & Head of WR.

For more than four decades, Warner Music Group has been an industry leading force in providing a world-class  array of service designed to help artists and labels grow their careers and their businesses.Artist and Label Services is the umbrella of for WEA , the pioneering WEA distribution and marketing network – and Alternative Distribution Alliance(ADA) the groundbreaking global distribution company for independent artist and labels

We’ve checked out all your musical activities and you’ve been selected and offered a provisional promotion and nomination with Warner Music Group. We encourage your creativity and would love to invest in your potentials.

Therefore be prepared to appear for an interview at our head office

We are located in 1633 Broadway New York , NY 10019 United States. Signify If interested so, we may proceed with the necessary steps.

We upload your music with your preferred and befitting artworks,distribute and collect your sales and send your money via Cash app,zelle and any other payment method approved by the Company music board.

There is a small fee of $300 which will state that the offer was Unsolicited.

NB: An application Form will be sent as an attachment to the above mail.

Taken from an email received by an independent artist in July 2022.

Several issues arise as you’re reading the message above.

1. There are multiple grammatical issues.
2. The phrase “head office” isn’t a real thing.
3. Major labels don’t pay artists through CashApp or Zelle.
4. Why should YOU pay $300? Don’t they want your music?

The issues are even more apparent when you review the PDF attached to the email. The so-called “application form” is a clear scam. It looks like this:

Several more problems arise as you’re reading the message above.

1. The phone number doesn’t work.
2. Why would a label ask if you want to sign a deal? 
3. The signature doesn’t match the name.
4. The use of “next of kin” is unusual wording. Also, why would WMG need that?
5. “Future plans” is vague and offers no explanation.
6. The form doesn’t tell you what you’re applying to do/accomplish.

There are at least another half dozen things wrong with the form above, but the issue should be clear at this point.

Record labels won’t ask you for money or next of kin information. They also wouldn’t consider working with someone without first meeting them or having an introductory video call. Nobody does business strictly through DMs and email without any voice communication. 

When in doubt, call the phone number. 

If it doesn’t work, then you have your answer.

If it does work, ask for the person who initially messaged you. If they don’t work there, run the other way.

And if all that doesn’t clear up your confusion, email me: james@haulix.com. I will help.