Source | Webopedia
Scammers are weaponizing recent executive appointments to target independent artists with fake recording contracts. | By The Assignment Desk
/ Source The Hollywood Reporter
If you receive a Direct Message from someone claiming to be Warner Music Group’s newly appointed Chief Music Officer, Craig Kallman, offering you a “signing bonus” or a record deal—do not reply.
Following our report last month on Kallman’s appointment to his new role at WMG, RYM Magazine has received evidence from readers showing that scammers are using this specific news cycle to defraud aspiring artists.
These predators are utilizing the real news of Kallman’s promotion to make their fake offers seem legitimate. Here is what we know and how to protect yourself.
Falsified Docs
In evidence submitted to our editorial team, a scammer posing as Kallman sent photos of a fake WMG ID badge and passport to “prove” his identity. However, according to our reader, the scammer made a critical error: while claiming to be the high-profile executive, his display name on the encrypted messaging app Telegram appeared clearly as “WALTER.”
3 Red Flags to Watch For
Real A&R representatives do not operate this way. If you see these signs, block the user immediately:
- The “Telegram” Pivot: Legitimate music executives use corporate email addresses (ending in
@wmg.com). They will never ask you to download Telegram, WhatsApp, or Signal to negotiate a contract. - The “Verification Fee”: In one instance, the scammer asked for $200 for “ID.me verification” to release a signing bonus. Rule of thumb: In a legitimate record deal, money flows to the artist (advances), never from the artist. You should never pay a deposit to get signed.
- The Cold DM: While A&Rs do scout social media, the Chief Music Officer of a major global label does not personally cold-DM independent artists to offer $10,000 weekly stipends.
Developing Story
This report serves as the initial breaking news story in an ongoing series. RYM Magazine, has reached out to Warner Music Group for comment and will update this story with their official response.
A full investigative feature detailing the mechanics of these scams—and how to verify legitimate offers—will appear in our upcoming March issue.
Have you been targeted?
- Report the profile to the social media platform immediately.
- Do not send any money or personal identification documents.
- Share this story to warn your fellow collaborators.
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