New Scam Targets Cruisers: What To Know About The “Sip ‘n Paint” Scam

What’s the deal with this new “Sip ‘n Paint” scam targeting cruisers?

“Sip and Paint” experiences, where participants drink cocktails and munch on snacks while painting under the guidance of a skilled instructor, have exploded in popularity on land. And recently cruise lines have joined this trend and started offering similar painting classes at sea. So, sadly, it was only a matter of time until scammers figured out a way to capitalize on both the popularity and high cost of these events on cruise ships.

The scam, targeting cruisers on cruise-related Facebook pages, roll-call groups, and online forums, goes like this: A poster uses a fake profile to post a message very similar to this one…

It will include photos of prepared packages and happy cruisers participating in a “Sip ‘n Paint” experience. Often the option to comment on the post will be turned off by the poster, so others can’t warn of the scam. Anyone who reaches out to the scammer via a direct message, will be sold a tale about the class and asked to transfer “just $25” to the scammer to cover the cost of shipping the painting supplies in advance of the cruise.

There is no class. There are no painting supplies. And now you’re out $25.

This latest scam appears to be replacing the “cruise ducks scam” and the “shot glass scam” which are very similar and ran rampant in Facebook roll call groups.

You can read about the “cruise ducks scam” here:

What to do if you see this “Sip ‘n Paint” scam

If you see a post like this in one of your groups, you should immediately do three things.

Warn your fellow cruisers via a separate post (as you will likely not be able to comment on the original post).
Alert the admin of your group so they can remove the post.
Report the fake account to Facebook (or Cruise Critic, Reddit, etc).

I also encourage you to share this article with your cruise-related groups and your fellow cruise-mates, so people know in advance what to look out for. It makes me sad and angry to see people taken advantage of in this way, but hopefully we can prevent this latest cruise scam from spreading.

Thanks! Happy cruising! And (legitimate) painting!

Class Dismissed.

Today’s Bonus Cruising Tip

I ALWAYS buy travel insurance (especially during these uncertain times) to cover my cruises, but I NEVER purchase it through my cruise line. It costs more and covers less than policies you purchase on your own. I go through sites like travelinsurance.com* to compare plans and prices and get the best deal for the coverage I want. Spend less on insurance and spend more on excursions, special onboard cruise experiences and…future cruises!

Homework (10 points): Have you seen this scam (or any others) in any of your cruise groups? Share to the comments.

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Prof. Cruise