The adult content creator space is booming, but so are the scams. From fake accounts to catfishing to financial fraud, creators face real risks when seeking collaboration partners. Here's how to protect yourself.
Common OnlyFans Collaboration Scams
Stay alert: These scams are more common than you think. According to creator surveys, nearly 1 in 3 creators have encountered at least one scam attempt when seeking collab partners.
The Catfish
Someone uses stolen photos and a fake identity to lure you into a "collaboration." They may ask for money upfront, request explicit content before meeting, or worse. This is the most common scam and the easiest to prevent — by using verified platforms.
The Bait-and-Switch
A creator agrees to specific terms, then changes them on the day of the shoot. They might push for content you didn't agree to, refuse to honor the compensation agreement, or bring uninvited people to the shoot.
The Content Thief
After a collaboration, one creator posts all the content without crediting the other, or sells it on piracy sites. Clear written agreements before the shoot help prevent this.
The Advance Fee Scam
A "photographer" or "producer" asks for an upfront fee to book a studio or equipment, then disappears with the money. Legitimate professionals don't ask for full payment before any work is done.
How to Verify Someone's Identity
Before any collaboration — virtual or in-person — verify the other person is who they claim to be:
- Use a verified platform — On CollabPls, creators with a blue check have completed X's government ID verification. Look for the badge — it's the gold standard.
- Check their social media history — Real creators have months or years of consistent posting. New accounts with few posts and inflated followers are red flags.
- Do a reverse image search — If you're suspicious, reverse-search their profile photos to make sure they're not stolen from another creator.
- Video call before meeting — A 2-minute FaceTime call confirms they look like their photos and are a real person.
- Ask for references — Experienced creators will happily connect you with past collaboration partners.
Pro Tip: The quickest verification shortcut? Check if they have a blue check on CollabPls. It means they've completed X's government ID verification — so you know they're real, 18+, and accountable.
Questions to Ask Before Any Collaboration
Before committing, have a thorough conversation covering:
- What specific content do you want to create?
- What are your hard boundaries?
- Where will the shoot take place? (Never agree to an unknown location)
- What equipment do you have?
- How will we split the content?
- When can we each post it?
- What's the compensation arrangement?
- Can I see examples of your previous work?
Protecting Yourself Financially
- Never send money upfront to someone you haven't met
- Use payment platforms with buyer protection (PayPal, Venmo) instead of wire transfers or crypto
- Get compensation agreements in writing (DMs count as a paper trail)
- For paid collaborations, consider a 50/50 split — half upfront, half on delivery
- Keep receipts and records of all financial transactions
Good to know: Payment platforms like PayPal offer buyer/seller protection that crypto and wire transfers don't. Always use a traceable payment method for paid collaborations.
What to Do If You Get Scammed
If you become a victim of a collaboration scam:
- Document everything — screenshots of conversations, payment receipts, any evidence
- Report the account on the platform where you connected
- If financial fraud occurred, report it to your bank and consider filing a police report
- Warn other creators through trusted communities
- If content was stolen, issue DMCA takedown notices to the hosting platforms
The Safest Way to Collaborate
The easiest way to avoid scams is to use platforms that surface verification status. On CollabPls, creators with a blue check have completed X's government ID verification — you know they're real, 18+, and accountable. Look for the badge. It's the closest thing to a background check you'll find in the creator space.
Combine platform verification with common-sense safety practices (public first meetings, shared locations, written agreements) and you'll dramatically reduce your risk.