South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, is set to take place in just over three weeks, and festival organizers have issued a warning regarding a scam targeting musicians.
The scam involves fraudulent invitations claiming to offer performance slots at the festival, but requiring artists to pay a fee to secure their spot.
SXSW organizers have stated that the festival does not charge musicians to perform, and any communication requesting payment should be considered suspicious.
Artists are advised to verify invitations directly with SXSW officials to confirm their legitimacy.
The festival’s team is working with law enforcement to address the issue, and musicians are encouraged to look out for warning signs such as unfamiliar email addresses or requests for payment.
Official invitations from SXSW will come from verified sources and will not request payment for performance slots.
SXSW organizers have emphasized that any fees associated with the festival are related to registration or travel expenses, not performance fees.
The festival remains focused on ensuring its integrity and providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents.
Industry professionals have called for increased awareness among musicians to prevent further incidents, and the festival’s official channels have been actively sharing information on how to identify scams.
Artists are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to SXSW officials.