When buying an NFT, it’s important to check that what you’re buying is authentic – rather than a copycat or illegitimate piece.
There are steps you can take to check if an NFT is authentic.
To combat copycat NFTs:
- Use official links. To ensure you’re buying NFTs from the original creator, only use official links from their profile.
- Check the price. Copycat NFTs are often listed at a low price to take advantage of unknowing buyers. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Check the transaction history. Most NFT marketplaces provide full ownership history for an NFT. For example, if you see a Pudgy Penguin listed on an NFT marketplace, but the metadata says it was minted after July 22, 2021, it is likely to be a copycat.
- Check the blockchain. Most creators only use one blockchain. Is the NFT on the blockchain that the creator is known to use?
- Use trusted NFT marketplaces. Popular NFT marketplaces – such as OpenSea, Blur and Magic Eden – have ways to authenticate NFTs from popular collections. To ensure you’re purchasing the real deal, stick to trusted marketplaces.
To combat NFTs using stolen artwork:
- Do a reverse image search. This will determine if the art for the NFT is original, and if it was created by the same artist.
- Ask the NFT creator. If you are skeptical of an NFTs’ art, you’re likely not the only one. Raise this question with the NFT creator. What is their response? Do they provide a reasonable answer – or do they argue, refuse to answer, or block you?