Rich, famous, and on top of the world, rappers want their toys with all the glitz and glam that illustrates their success wherever they go. Dressing in diamonds, gold, and luxury cars, these artists are susceptible to targeting by hungry scammers and frauds who are after their money. Big-name cars like the V12 Lamborghini make waves in hip-hop circles, and big-name artists flaunt all their cash by making such hefty purchases. These cars are a way to show those back home and all around the world the ladders climbed by those at the top of the game. There is no question that luxury cars making appearances in hip-hop tracks is a tradition dating from the early days, and artists are increasingly focused on spreading that image from their music to real life.

A car can be a visual representation of your personality. Brands like Subaru utilize this, and it’s clear through their commercials: young couples or families venturing out into the wilderness for a secluded camping trip. Cars like the Maybach 57 and 62, on that same note, have caught the eyes of rappers as a fully-tuned, polished rides that scream luxury at its finest. We all buy and wear things that paint us in a certain light, but it’s no secret that in the world of hip-hop, your clothes, ice, and rides are an expression of your brand, artistry, monetary success, and elite place in society.

Of course, with success like that comes great risk as well. Late last year, several articles came out claiming that 2 Chainz had almost been scammed out of over $18,000 he owed on his Rolls Royce. He claimed that someone posing as a lawyer from Highline Holdings Group vigorously texted him to pay off the $18,000+ remainder of his bill that once was more than $260,000. The individual was quite persistent in carrying out the scheme, and repeatedly attempted to convince 2 Chainz that he owed the company money. Fortunately, 2 Chainz was smart enough to detect the scam and avoid paying this fraudster. He wasn’t the first to be targeted by such bottom-feeders for his extravagant income, however, and he certainly won’t be the last. This is a coin that has two sides, however, hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz, was recently sued for $16.15 million after he allegedly re-sold and fraudulently used high-end vehicles like a Range Rover. To sum it up: big money, big problems.

There is something to be said for working your way to the top after a childhood with less fortune, and this is the type of promise our country was founded on. An important element of success is the ability to detect nonsense when it stands in front of you. Rappers and other high-income artists are living at a societal level that puts a target on their backs for these types of shady business dealings. Money is an addictive thing that is hard to let go of and even harder to do without, and when someone with just the right criminal mind finds a potential path to obtaining a large sum of cash in a small amount of time, it not likely that the average family is the most efficient target. A mindful eye is a good idea in any case, especially when you are parading a high-priced car and a wrist wrapped in gold.