FantasyWire statement about Scammers

I’m Robin Wight and I create the wire fairy sculptures.
For the past 2 years scammers have been using my images claiming to be me and claiming to sell my fairy sculptures.
Its a very complicated problem but I need to make a few things very clear.
I am not going out of business
I have not given anybody permission to use my images to sell fairies
I have not sold my designs to anyone in China
I only make about 10 fairies each year and I sell them all personally.
If you think you are buying a fairy sculpture and you are not in direct communication with me personally via fantasywire.co.uk, I guarantee you are being scammed.
When it first started, I spent about two months solid attempting to shut them down and made ZERO progress.
All law enforcement and even the UK government have simply said “outside of our jurisdiction you are on your own”.
There are tens of thousands of scams using my images across every social media and online selling platform.
The scammers and every tech company view you as cash cows to be milked.
The tech company business model is to use algorithms to get your attentions. They sell your attention to the scammers in the form paid ads or a percentage of the sale.
I would estimate that if we could remove fraud from these platforms, their revenue would be cut in half.
So the tech companies rely of the scammers to make their billions.
They prioritise profit over user safety every time.
They do not want to lose the scammers business
They pretend to care and have to provide some means for users to report fraud in order to create they legal defence.
But they make reporting fraud as painful as possible and frustrate any attempt to get them involved with any case bigger than a single ad.
In my opinion: Facebook are by far the worst and I would go so far as to say they are the most corrupt immoral company on this planet.
eBay completely ignored me for weeks until the BBC contacted them. They removed ever single ad the same working day proving that it can be done. But as soon as the program aired they insisted that I report and justify my ownership of every single image.
To be fair, at the peak, Amazon were helpful and were removing approx 1000 fake products a week that were using my images.
I am well aware of the scale of the problem.
I’m very grateful to everyone who helps me report them. Its the only thing we can do until these companies are regulated.

[@rydinghood2]

Everytime I see a scam ad, I report it as a scam.. I feel so bad that this is happening to such a wonderful artist...

[@Silvia1826]

Aw Robin, I am so sorry to hear that you're struggling to stop the scammers, but do remember that you have a lot of fans who know you're legit and that some of us are reporting those scammers every time we run across their ads. I will never stop because I love ordering your calendars every year. Also, if willing, give your duck some cuddles for me.

[@michellewhite5893]

I am one person that got scammed. I cried when I received my package. Your work is so very gorgeous. So very sorry for your problems with the scammers.

[@homecraft93]

Michelle, contact your credit card company and send pictures of what you thought you purchased and another photo of what you did received. I got full refund + shipping. If everyone turned them in, it would eventually shut them down.

[@user-ne5ri6lt3y]

Me too. The sculpture I received is flimsy and after only 3 months, it is falling apart and beginning to rust. Almost £40 down the drain. So angry.

[@huskamania]

It’s only yesterday I saw an advert with your images saying they were having a closing down sale. I’m so happy to see you, the real people are not. Side note. How adorable is the duck watching the numbers turn on the clock!

[@Light_Worker]

Unbelievable !!!! I just posted this video on my FB where scammers trying to use his video and scammers reported me and now I can’t post until g until tomorrow.

[@PatriziToxic]

So sad to hear this things. You are a true artist and your creation are amazing! People that doesn't have any talent what so ever, trying to scam people are the worse.

[@ambidextrousandre]

Yay finally. When ever I get on instagram these pages pop up with your work. I instantly tell people not to buy their work because its a scam and the artist doesn't mass produce and that it takes you a long time before you would even contemplate creating someone work. Your artis so personal and it hurt to see people trying to make money from your hard work. i'm so sorry these people are doing this to you Robin. I hope things get better. God Bless you.

[@janetkennedy5940]

There is little to no help for artists - it makes me so angry. Robin you have been particularly hard hit by scammers, I guess the beauty of your work makes it easy for them. I can't imagine the time you have put in to protect your company's reputation and prevent people being scammed by the scum of this earth. I shall continue to warn people and keep pressure on those who could change laws to assist. Keep fighting - we are all with you.

[@Light_Worker]

Yesterday, I was sharing this video in the scammers chat with all the people who got so brainwashed and guess what scammers did ? They reported me to FB and I couldn’t use FB for 24 hours. That’s insane ! The scammers run the show and FB allows them to scam people but people have no rights to stop scammers. Isn’t that something ?

[@guardsvinnie100]

I post your real name on everyone I see there are loads and sorry for you having to go through this it’s not good enough

[@NiMari.]

Posting this to all scam pages/ads I come across before I report them in the hope that more will become aware of the scams. So sorry that this is happening to you.

[@workoutpixie]

Absolutely appalling news Robin. Many other artists like myself out here are particularly troubled to hear of yet another Scam. But this one is especially bad because we know you for your works of art that are particularly unique to you. I’ll be on the lookout with everyone else so I can do my part to help stop those scam attempts. Thank you for making us all aware.

[@user-ne5ri6lt3y]

I bought the spinning dandelion fairy believing it to be the genuine article. After only 3 months and being out of pocket to the tune of almost £40, I find that the dandelion head has come off the main sculpture and is beginning to rust. I am so angry. I thought it was a beautiful sculpture, Scammers should hang their heads in shame.

[@clairetindall7724]

I have been scammed by these people and was infruriated but I cannot imagine how distressing it has been for you. I'm truly sorry that your wonderful work has been degraded in this way. Stay strong.

[@Roninlord25a]

I have been helping you as much as I can. I have reported over 80 of these sites when facebook advertises them.

[@DominoSprite]

Gosh, I'm so sorry you've had such a hard battle. I've followed your work on and off for at least 6 or 7 years and once I settle down with a house and garden, would love to be in a position to commission a piece. Just last night I was hit by a targeted scam on my FB wall and couldn't believe it. I posted a screenshot to your FB post, went back to report, wasn't quite sure how to set the report as I thought it may fall under character impersonation, went to search how to report on Google, then went back and couldn't find any trace of the advert or FB acknowledging a report received... I was so angry and worse than reporting and the generic "we have found that this doesn't breach our community standards" response FB dish out. It's utter shite that things appear to be getting worse for artists and that there's so many loopholes for these scammers to exploit. Your video has hit the nail on the head about this bringing in capital to these companies that allow these scams to carry on 🤬 I hope this video reaches far and wide along with the likes of Martin Lewis constantly pressing for change. Although, have you seen that they're now using his voice in fake videos with AI manipulation? ☹️

[@CAMPFIRESKY]

Bravo !!! Every time I see these scams on FB, I report them and post that it is a scam. So sorry this is happening to you. Your work is amazing!

[@kellyblackwell49]

I am so very sorry. I just saw an ad on social media and searched the image because I knew there was NO WAY the items being sold were the beautiful artwork I was seeing in the pictures. I ended up finding your website. So glad I did. I reported the ad and I do hope the best for you. Your art is stunning.

[@cynthiaanderson4729]

I'm so glad somebody sent me your link. Sadly it was after I scammed. Trying to get my money back. Just wanted to let you know that your work is so beautiful. The price alone should have clued me in. They sent me such trash. I'm so sorry this is happening to your art

[@apsleybabe1920]

So sorry that you continue to have this stress, as a genuine fan I adore your images and am just waiting until I can get to Trentham to see them. Stay strong and don't become too disillusioned and jaded! Thank you for the beauty you share with us

[@PrincessChichiCoco]

Robin I am so sorry for you! I completely understand and comprehend what your feeling! I'm so afraid to place my ingredients on my best truly miraculous skincare for fear of copycats.

[@user-dm8ug3ti9f]

Here in Russia we admire your art! And I constantly tell everyone about your work, so that scammers do not appropriate your work!

[@cherylloper7320]

Robin, I am one of those that got scammed!!! I did receive product, but nothing like what you so beautifully craft. I can't tell you how cheap and disgusting it is. I retired last year and thought it could be my retirement gift to myself! I'm an avid Gardner and dreamed of a beautiful fair in my garden! I should of known!! Im so sorry this is happening to you! Some kind person sent me your video and whenever I see these ads, I will stand up loudly and warn folks away! My grandparents are from England and love that you are too! I'm in WA ST USA

[@gloriaroberts7352]

After watching your video, I'm afraid I've been a victim of this scam as well. I bought, what I thought, was the most beautiful sculptures for my garden, at such a good price too, ($144 for 6 fairies). I was so excited, I couldn't wait for them to be delivered. But when I opened the package, I found flat, diecast copies of the fairies. They were nothing like the beautiful sculptures that were posted on Facebook. I contacted Ponsterd Store, and they gave me the runaround. They wanted me to keep the fairies and would give me 30% of my money back. If that wasn't bad enough, they said if I really wanted to return the fairies, I would have to ship them to China; China was not where they were delivered from, but here in the US. Thank you for setting the record straight, because I really thought you were part of the scam, my apologies. Your work is so beautiful, inspiring even. Maybe one day I'll be able to afford one of your fairies, I would love that. Gloria Roberts-Gibbs

[@diannemire375]

Good job, Robin!! Sorry to hear that scammers are using you for profit. On a more happier note, I love your little bird! Chirping and she looks sweet. Keep making your remarkable wire fairies.....

[@Lenzz2]

FYInfo' Robin ... each time I see one of the fake ad's (from what seems like endlessly different websites) on Facebook I not only report that ad' as a 'scam'. But also leave a comment on the ad' warning others about the fact you have not authorised anyone to manufacture replicas. So too, that they are breaching copyright laws ... and that if anyone does go on to order ... that if, they do actually receive anything at all, it's not going to look remotely like the original sculptures that they show in the video sequence. Best of luck getting the word out and hope you continue producing your inspirational sculptures ...

[@ChristineExplores]

I'm so very sorry to hear this! I keep getting ads for your fairies on the Duolingo app while trying to learn a foreign language. I love fairies, so I immediately came to KZbin to do some research to find out more about these sculptures. And I'm soooo glad I did, because I found YOU! I will never purchase from those scammers. I absolutely love your work, so you now have a new fan! I just subscribed to your channel! 🧚💞

[@ImbaliCrafts]

I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. I wish I could do more than just report ads when I see them. You have inspired thousands and shared your knowledge so freely, it is just wrong that your are left to fight such an injustice without the support you deserve. At least know that your fan-base will have your back wherever possible.

[@devraviers3481]

First of all, thank for the duck monitoring the time, she was adorable. Secondly, I fell pry to a scammer a few years ago. A few days later, because I follow you, I saw the BBC interview and immediately contacted PayPal and reported the purchase as fraud. The scammer actually emailed me telling me they would send the product and to lift the report. I emailed back stating that they were scammers and a fraud and I wanted nothing to do with them as they were stealing the intellectual property of the artist. Now ever time I see a fake ad I report them. I no longer comment on the post as I got reported for bullying and hate speech 🙄. It’s horrible that you have to ho through this.

[@Light_Worker]

I am going to spread this video on FB. I already volunteered my time to tell everyone to be aware from scammers who are posting this images. Good job on listing this video

[@katieeasley3945]

I'm so sorry this is happening to you!! Your work is ethereal and majestic - it is more than a crime for these scammers to be doing this. I just saw a fake ad on Facebook - and will absolutely report any and all fakes I come across. All the very best to you!!!

[@sabrinawootton2893]

Guilty of being scammed this past couple of weeks by the imitation fairy people. Such a disappointment. I am so sorry for what you're facing with this scam. I was played for a fool. Your work is beautiful.

[@Fantasy_Wire]

Don’t feel bad. They’re very good at it

[@janetcarter592]

Just realised I have been scammed by these people. I ordered the 6 set as I had no clue they were scammers and were stealing your work. I am so sorry they have targeted your beautiful work but even sorrier for myself right now. I am absolutely gutted as my fairies were supposed to be part of a memorial to my beautiful daughter Heidi who died in June and I know now they are going to be absolute rubbish. I want to weep.

[@angeljenn8469]

Im so sorry these scammers are making you have to work so hard to stop it. But i am SO glad your not going out of business. I saw something saying that and I was so sad to think your AMAZING creations would end i am extremely happy you will continue to create! If I could afford one of your pieces i would buy one in a HEARTBEAT!! I do love to watch you make them God has blessed you with unbelievable creativity please never stop!

[@ditzycarley8997]

Just gone into your main website to check as I've just been on the scammers ad on Facebook. So glad I came on here, so many people are going to fall for it sadly. I'll report them in the future to help stop them 🤞 good luck

[@sheridusseault5955]

Your work and photography of your work are absolutely amazing! What an incredible artist and what beauty you have brought into the world. I will continue to report as well. It must make you feel so helpless. But, keep creating!!

[@pamsar]

I am so sorry you have to keep going through this, your work is amazing, and its wrong that these scammers are so difficult to eradicate. I will continue to report any that I see as I'm sure many of your other fans will.

[@lynnshaw5625]

I got scammed ! I have been turning these people in everytime I see them scamming your beautiful work .

[@richardchristian4901]

Thank you for this information. I have already contacted the scammers that I am NOT happy with there fraud. After I purchased the item that I thought was yours I was very upset! I won't go into detail as i am sure the credit card company will cancel the transaction! I just got to ship these things back to where they came from! California!!

[@user-ub4km8oi5d]

I get ads on facebook on a daily basis reporting to be the artist who is 'unfortunately having to close up shop' the pictures are obviously stolen from your web page. When I see them I comment on the fact they are scammers and post a link to your web page. Strange thing is that when I try to report the ad to facebook, I click on report ad and the ad just disappears with no option to report!!!!!! As an aside, why do you not have a contact us on your web page so that theses scammers can be reported to you directly? It would seem that Facebook have even removed the facility to report these scammers!!!!

[@aaronrogers4759]

Scammers got me! Love your work. Keep fighting the thieves.

[@cjswei735]

I reported and Facebook just keeps saying it doesn't violate their advertising policy, which is absolutely false. The only way to being them down is to have someone sue Meta that has been harmed by their false advertising, subpoena the records and ask for damages in the 100s of millions.

[@jamiewilson9262]

Well said!! Wish you weren't going through this, Sir.

[@debbiejordan8629]

I fell foul to this scam. I thought that I was ordering your beautiful handmade fairies, as they had used your images on their website. I received mass produced junk, that didn't resemble your items at all. I live in Austria. The website claimed that the products were handmade in the US. The crap that they sent, came from China! I claimed a refund, but the seller kept offering me a reduction. I then put in a claim through PayPal, which eventually led to me getting a refund, although I had to pay €20 to return the rubbish. On the customs form, I put the value as €0, as the item is s#it. The product went from Austria to China, where to Sat for six months in customs. They then returned it to Austria, who tried to deliver it back to me, for a charge, which I obviously refused. It's winging it's way back to China at this very moment! I'd just like to say that your work is absolutely amazing!

[@helenparry8506]

Hi Robin, I was scammed a year or so ago. I am sorry to hear they are back again. Good on you for trying to fight the system. I don't tend to post on Facebook but I have posted today with this link to try and get the message out.

[@suel1172]

Thank you for this Robin! 🙏 I love your beautiful fae and you and your art deserve to be respected. May I share this video? Many thanks 🙏

[@TheArtofPapercraft]

I report these scams every time and the result from Facebook is simply not to show these ads to me again. This actually helps the scammers and means I can't report them anymore.

[@DominoSprite]

Yeah, I went to report one last night and reported as imitation and asked for a link... Went to get the Fantasy Wire link and when I went back to FB, it'd vanished and no report of my report was on my updates tab and the advert had mysteriously vanished... I was so angry and more so than when you report something and you get the generic "this doesn't go against community standards" reply. Urgh

[@carrolfinlay6963]

Just reported 2 of them today, and will continue to do so

[@jenniferbonham8317]

I report them every time Robin. Just reported another one this morning! I cannot imagine how upsetting this must be for you.

[@muzzmurray2306]

Your sculpture are beautiful. I in my naivety have just been scammed. I will now proceed with the long process of trying to get my money back. I wish you well for the future

[@Fantasy_Wire]

Sorry to hear that. I hope you can get your money back

[@carissaperkins2302]

I just got scammed and am so disappointed as your sculptures are beautiful

[@wavehead11]

Please everyone continue to fight the good fight and report ads and comment on them so people aren’t duped. I feel like the only meaningful thing to do is to delete my social media accounts

[@rosebranch49]

I’m so sorry to hear this. I fell for the scam and will continue to share your video as often as I can. What a world we live in.

[@user-ne5ri6lt3y]

I too was conned out of almost £40, the sculpture is falling apart and beginning to rust. I could weep.

[@silviyagregory4415]

For what is worth Sir, I would take it as free publicity for you. The people who can afford your sculptures will not fall for the scams. I found you through a fake Facebook add and can only dream to one day own one of these beautiful peaces. The scammers probably sell the small kits from China that have no instructions and people would hopefully realize they fell for a scam once they received them. I reported a fake add to Facebook but it’s still up and it says it has multiple variations. Good luck to you! You have one more fan now!

[@margaretlaurence8840]

I am just about to report a scammer on Facebook....just came to your site to check.

[@tersalove3]

I will continue to post your link on all of the scams I see. Your work is beautiful and this is all a bunch of BS…

[@suzannecastellano1343]

your creations are beautiful. It's sad and terrible that these scammers can do this

[@scottgray6276]

Wow! I’m sorry you’re going through this…. I’m trying to rid myself of a scammer, myself!

[@kimberlynicholson9303]

So sorry your art is breathtaking and I agree they don’t care as long as they get there slice of our money in the end. Best of luck I hope you never stop creating beautiful things! With out people like you bringing such beauty, joy and wonder into the world it can be a ugly place.

[@gemmadodgson4390]

I’ve posted your video in the comments of another scam going around Facebook and reported it.

[@CharlesEngbers]

1:22 Best Statement on the World Wide Web. Thank you!

[@enjoyliving1955]

Thank you for all you do to let us know about your efforts to bring these scumbags to light. I'm so sorry for the pain and suffering they are causing. Your products are beautiful and what is happening is very troublesome and unfortunate. Again, Thank you.

[@rocki_bb]

Your work is beautiful and I appreciate that you took the time to make this video. I've subscribed to your channel

[@PauletteOliva]

I am so very sorry you're going through this. Your work is absolutely gorgeous. I wish you so much luck in this impossible endeavor. I agree with you about Facebook/Meta. Disgragceful.

[@JamesRandall1]

Sorry this is happening to you. A scam ad on Facebook showed me your work... the pricing is obviously a lie.... Truly Magical work and not sure how my wife will exist without one of your creations!

[@lucietwin9822]

I’ve tried to stop a lot of the scammers on Facebook and will keep doing it. Bless you. I hope you can block them soon x

[@debbiegonzales8035]

I definitely was scammed. I purchased one and received one flat 15" cutout fairy. What a joke it was.

[@babybelle5]

I see the fake ads all the time on Facebook, and I just tried to report it but end up stopped because Facebook either wants a Facebook page as proof of who the scammer is imitating, or a url - and when I copy and paste in your URL, it doesn't let me send it.. the send is disabled. This hurts my heart .. I wish you well and wish I could help.

[@melsyme4059]

Sadly I was recently scammed...but it lead me to find your beautiful artwork. 😊🙏❤️

[@evamanus7934]

I will report when I see the fake ones from now on

[@sheilaantosko]

I got scammed as well on a garden peice. Wished the video here would of been out at that time. I got took for about 60

[@rnilson1501]

Sorry man where do u get the bulk wire please

[@virginialockwood6302]

I would love to have one of your beautiful sculptures. Where can I go

[@beverlyflude9175]

Unfortunately I was scammed, won’t happen again, every time I see the advert I always comment it’s a scam. Glad your not going out of business

[@waynebauer6269]

Love your work

[@existentialhangover1124]

People should automatically know better when purchasing a sculpture with that magnitude of beauty and size that you're not going to get one for 50 bucks. I saw them advertised as well.. they do an excellent job trying to make these 2D cheap knockoff "sculptures" look like the 3D originals.. but if you're looking closely, it's obvious. If something looks too good to be true, then don't be fooled. The internet is rife with these types of scams. It won't be fixed anytime soon.

[@burnsmycookies]

Doing what I can on fb scammers posts by telling everyone that has bought from these scammers to dispute it with their credit card company. It's the only way to get back at these scammers by hitting them in their wallet. Telling fb doesn't do any good, in fact I usually get put in "fb jail" for 24 hours saying that I'm spamming!!!

[@tracydoss8656]

I get banned from the scammers pages for calling them out. Facebook has actually sent me a warning for posting facts against the scammers. I refer all to your page. Hoping that spreading the truth helps you.

[@Fantasy_Wire]

This is the tragic thing, meta actively protect the scammers 👍🏻

[@dakln2f]

yeap, I purchased one and it's so disappointing. How do we stop this!!

[@Fantasy_Wire]

We can’t! Until governments change rules on social media then scammers will continue to make millions unfortunately

[@sunshine3914]

If everyone who purchased with a credit card reports the scam, it would knock a bunch of them off.

[@user-kb7ey7yd2h]

I have reported dozens od their dds today, I ordered and paid for all but one.. I'm so pissed and upset..

[@sunshine3914]

Report the scam to PayPal or whatever you used.

[@Argyll9846]

I've logged scammers of your sculptures on Facebook, but as you say they are only interested in the revenue scammers bring into their business. I've also logged other scam sites on Facebook, they are all still there.

[@rm1764]

I took the bait. Had no idea it was a scam. Ordered 3 of your beautiful fairies and was beyond disappointed and angry. And now that I’ve seen your video, I’m angry for you as well! Is there anything I can do to help…how do I report?

[@MLong-uv8cw]

I knew that ad was a scam. It's getting harder to use the internet w/o being bombarded by scammers...so sad! Please do not buy anything from ads but only from legitimate companies that you know exist.

[@leeannbruner9494]

every time I see those scams I post this video on the page

[@evamanus7934]

I thought I bought one but was scammed

[@Hyperrr835]

I've just been scammed by them

[@normanstephens5815]

I got scammed.

[@Fantasy_Wire]

Sorry to hear that

[@vickydesotelle9779]

I was scammed on Face Book!

[@suzannegroffie256]

I reported one ad I saw today on IG. I don’t trust anything I see for sale on social media anymore through ads.

[@MarieSLyman]

I’m so sorry Robin. I have been a big fan of yours for many years and it breaks my heart to see this happening to your art. Glad you made this statement. I hope all the scammers and corrupt businesses are brought to justice. Much love to you. 🤍🙏🏼

[@NataliePattenJewellery]

I've seen and reported scams claiming to be you. They say imitation is the highest for of flattery, and it is because your work is the best and the most beautiful, but its really heartbreaking that you as an artist is having to go through this as well as the customers and people appreciating your work

[@spoiledartist9471]

I got a batch of ad’s today on Facebook and reported every single one, with the pretending to be someone else… I know it is a drop in the bucket 🪣 but I am glad I did it