I’ve heard from a couple people (most recently Andy Anderson) that there’s a scam going around where someone will email a photographer with a 10 day shoot overseas and then ask them to pay half of a work permit to guarantee they will show up for the job. It’s more involved then that with phone calls to a real person supposedly looking to hire a photographer but the idea is to get you to pay the fee. Drop a comment if you’ve had a similar request.
Update: Another version of the scam from the comments.
Another variation is an offer of a shoot in your local area, where they will send a deposit or offer the full fee, where you would keep half the fee if the shoot is canceled. The shoot would then be canceled and they would ask that the half be returned. The original check was bogus and will bounce in about 45 days, but because of a kink in the banking system it appears to have gone through during that time. If you send the refund, you will be out that amount when the check clearing system finally runs its course and debits the bogus check amount.
Another one:
I haven’t experienced this one, but a few months ago I was nearly scammed on a fine-art print order… a good sized print order came in through my website – a week later I received a cashiers check for almost double the amount of my invoice. The “client” wrote to explain that they were moving and her husband mistakenly included the shippers’ fee in my check… could I please wire the difference to the shipper so they could get started. I was totally suspicious but when the check cleared I was more convinced that it was an honest error. Just to make sure I checked with my bank and indeed, while they made the funds available, it can take up to 2 weeks for a check to clear. Sure enough, 10 days later all the money was deducted from my account. Luckily, all I lost was some time.
166 Comments
WOW. so messed up. thank you for getting the word out. i look forwarding to hearing more about it as the story develops.
I get these at least twice a month. The scammers find me via Photoserve and Blackbook and every time I get hit up for a retarded 10 day shoot or to help out a minister overseas it reminds me how well my money is being spent with sourcebook ads.
I got this email on Saturday. They said the got me through PhotoServe (which I am on), so I was curious. But the email they sent wasn’t written well, so that kind of made me suspicious. But I emailed back out of curiosity. They responded right away saying that the assignment was a 10 day shoot for T-Mobile. They would provide all the models and location scouting, provide all transportation needs with a daily food allowance and a 22,000 pound shoot fee – additional info would be provided upon signing the contract. They also said they would provide all the equipment needed (that I thought was strange).
Anyway, the shoot was to start on May 6th. They mentioned the work and shooting permits, but did not mention anything about having me pay for them. I guess I didn’t get that far in the negotiation. Since they wanted to start on May 6 (next Tuesday) I told them that I was already booked and couldn’t make it. I never heard back from them after that.
Last month I had two emails requesting photo services in europe. The words chosen are kind of unusual, so I disregarded the request. I am finding more people are commenting on it now.
The most recent:
Hello,
My name is Micheal Brown, an Agent with ITGO LIVE MODELING AGENCY.
I had the rare privilege of view your portfolio/profile on portfolios.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 10 day photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on itgoliveagency@live.ca and I will fill you in on the details.
Regards,
Br
I had the same experience as Keith.
Looked odd, so I just ignored it.
I don’t get it.
What do they have to gain from this other than finding out if your email address is live unless maybe they want to abduct you once you get to Nigeria or wherever.
Weird.
I got this one below a few weeks ago which seems to be the same or similar to what others are getting. Definitely bogus:
Hello,
I acknowledge the receipt of your mail. My clients said that i should inform you the information that you need for the work.
Neme of the Grope;ZAMZOR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL.
Your studio will go and cover the event at another location?:seminar halls is located at:483 Great House Road Stratford Hall Stratford, VA 22558.
You have to cover all the photograph event that we need for the 22 days seminar.
And also make sure that you cover all the sensitive photographs so that you will not miss any part of the show.
Time for work from:9am to 2pm every day for the 22 days.
I do appreciate all your effort since my first contact with you. This seminar will be held in 10 states, we have confirmed photographic sessions of two states and we have made out one payment of $10,500 which is deposit for you and of the next location where this seminar will hold after your state.
The certified cheque that was endorsed by the our president today is to cover your total cost and that of your counterpart. You are hereby required to confirm that once you receive this cheque, you will pay it into your account, deduct 5,000 as your deposit and forward the balance(5,500) to your counterpart.
Hence, I will need your urgent response to this mail confirming that you will handle this matter as instructed.SO provide me.
(1)your name as i will write it on the cheque
(2) your address where i will send the cheque and
(3) your phone number so that we can have easy communication.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR BALANCE WILL BE WHEN THE DELEGATES ARRIVED TO YOUR STATE.
Kind regards,
Mr Willson Richard Terry
My favorite part of the Michael Brown email – which I also received – was that
“all necessary photo gadgets will be supplied”
I responded as politely as possible letting him know that not only was I booked already but that I had my suspicions he was a scam artist.
Never heard back from him.
It’s known as “Advance Fee Fraud” and is easy to spot once you know what to look for. More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance_fee_fraud
Wow…that is totally crazy. I’ve heard of these scams before. Let’s hope that no photographer falls for their tricks.
Thanks for the post. I’ve found your blog to be very useful lately.
This is my first comment to your blog, but I’ve been reading your posts every day. You do a good job with the site – hopefully you’ll be able to profit from this blog soon.
My blog if your interested is: http://pressworm.blogpost.com
*I haven’t developed my photography website yet – working on it, but I should have it done either mid-May or the latest early June.
-Carlos
Same Experience this past week. “photo gadgets”, 22K pounds, and T-mobile”. Here’s the full email:
Thanks for indicating interest to be a part of this epoch making shoot session.
This session is being together by (T-MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS), a household name in Telecommunication.
For this Job, some home based Models and Photographers have already been contracted but the Company wants this shoot to have a bit of International feel which is why our Agency have been saddled with the responsibility of providing a few International Photographers which is why you were contacted.
The contract sum for this Job is 22,000 Pounds and a daily allowance of 100 Pounds.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID PASSPORT, A UK WORK PERMIT AND
A UK PHOTOGRAPHY LICENSE (from the British Home Office here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in the UK.
For this Job you will be required to work with the Home based and International Models that have and will be contracted in very choice and picturesque Locations such as beaches, hilltops and fashionable parks and environs.
You are to know that all your traveling expenses will also be covered and you will also receive an upfront payment of 50% as soon as acquire the needed documents that will stand as proof that you will really honor the contract.
If you wish, you can come with your personal photography gadgets but note that the Client will also be providing the needed gadgets.
Kindly note this Job is billed to kick off in the last week of April 2008 so we require your utmost dedication and allegiance.
Let me know if you require any other info.
Regards,
Hilary Mbeki.
+44 704 576 5852.
http://newagetalentagency.7p.com
It’s obvious, but fun to play with them to see how long they will string it along.
I have had two such emails over the last3 months. I write back in both and cc it to Interpol. Have not had anything more to date. I think it came off creativeheads.net as it was only after placing my details on there site I was contacted. I mean no disrespect to creativeheads.net…
Yep, I got this a couple of weeks ago. They said they found me through Workbook. I accidentally replied without writing anything … and they replied to that saying it was for T-Mobile. But the link they gave was for a lame model recruiting site or something. It just seemed fishy so I knew it wasn’t legit.
Here’s the one I received:
Hello,
My name is roger Harris,33 Male from London,England Am freelance modeling agent working for Glamour Magazine in recruiting models, Make Up artist and Hair stylist,I’m currently recruiting models for a special edition of the magazine which will take place withing the 3rd week of Dec. 2007 . I need a photographer in the US to work with. I saw your profile while surfing the Internet, I appreciate your profile and I would like us to do some works together,I presently have good offer for you. I want to know if you are interested in working with us in this End of the year edition of Glamour Magazine.
Please let me know if you are interested in the Job. You stand a chance of making reasonable $1650 from this deal,and even a noticeable fame. Let me know if you are interested in my offer and I would give you further details.
Get back to me as soon as possible.
Best Regards
Roger Harris
http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk
@Luis,
I got this same or well similar email too. I replied and then this was their answer which is why I thought something was strange.
Hello
Thanks for the response and interest, this is a special offer, This email explain more details.The whole shoot will be within the 09th of MAY. 2009 ,the taken pictures will be used for the magazine cover of Glamour Magazine, (www.glamourmagazine.co.uk) Glamour Magazine is a united kingdom based magazine company and has branches in some countries around the world. .The shoot is just for 2days and you will be paid $4,800 for the whole project,the Job is Urgent so you are to get back to me as soon as possible so that i can arrange on how to get you the part payment.You will be paid $800 as your part payment The date for the shooting is not yet fixed,i will have to make arrangement for that ahead from now,there is a company financing this whole project,i will email you the exact date for the shooting as soon as the arrangement is completed with our client. As part of our working policy and ethics,we give part payment to our clients before we proceed with any job and balance immediately after the work, your accommodation, transportation and feeding we be free cause we will make provision for it .The payment will be mailed out to you as soon as you send your Full Name and Contact Address in this format below:
Name to be written on check :
Complete Mailing address,
city,
state,
zip code :
Cell/Phone number :
As i told you earlier there is a company financing this whole project they will be taking care of your payment as well as the Modelling agent Fees, the payment would be mailed directly to you alongside the Modelling fee. Immediately you have it,you will take out your $800 and send the remaining to the Modelling agent in Nc. so that the models can get ready. Then you will be paid the balance of $4000 immediately after the shooting, I hope i am able to make things clear to you. Please I will like you to check your email on a regular basis, i might have updates for you.
Thanks and God bless,
JOHN
Weird huh.
Another variation is an offer of a shoot in your local area, where they will send a deposit or offer the full fee, where you would keep half the fee if the shoot is cancelled. The shoot would then be cancelled and they would ask that the half be returned. The original check was bogus and will bounce in about 45 days, but because of a kink in the banking system it appears to have gone through during that time. If you send the refund, you will be out that amount when the check clearing system finally runs its course and debits the bogus check amount.
As other posters have commented, the language cues and non-industry terms tend to give them away.
man… I can’t even get a spam offer for a job! how lame!
I haven’t experienced this one, but a few months ago I was nearly scammed on a fine-art print order… a good sized print order came in through my website – a week later I received a cashiers check for almost double the amount of my invoice. The “client” wrote to explain that they were moving and her husband mistakenly included the shippers’ fee in my check… could I please wire the difference to the shipper so they could get started. I was totally suspicious but when the check cleared I was more convinced that it was an honest error. Just to make sure I checked with my bank and indeed, while they made the funds available, it can take up to 2 weeks for a check to clear. Sure enough, 10 days later all the money was deducted from my account. Luckily, all I lost was some time.
I got a few of these; they were pretty obviously bogus, like the ones mentioned above. Has anyone seen this site: http://www.419eater.com/ ?
The genius behind it has done very elaborate, often hilarious, pranks on people that were trying to scam him. It’s definitely worth a look.
Hasn’t happened to me, but thanks for the heads up
These scams have been going on for awhile in the wedding industry. They target photographers, florists, DJs, you name it. It’s interesting to see that they are progressing into commercial photography as well. The three red flags are 1. The language in emails or on the phone is just a little off. 2. Very little attention to details concerning the finished images. 3. Asking for or sending you money. Generally if you trace the IP address back it’s from Nigeria or Benin were the majority of these scams originate. If it just doesn’t feel right it’s probably not. If you have time on your hands it can be rewarding to string the crooks along for a few weeks. Jim mentioned http://www.419eater.com, also http://www.scambaiter.com these sites are excellent sources of information and inspiration for scambaiting.
[…] Read More… […]
The lession we can all take from this (and hopefully a painless lesson) is GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING BEFORE PROCEEDING.
If they refuse to sign then start asking some serious quesitons – both to yourself and to them. If they send you a contract read it CAREFULLY. You wouldn’t believe what they try to get away with.
One question I had on my mind when offered this is why are they telling me what I would be paid. That “might” work in the editorial world, but not necessarily in the advertising world.
I have a list of questions sitting next to my phone that I ask before seriously thinking about taking any job. This helps me construct an estimate that is realistic and not a waste of time for me or the art buyer.
Here are some:
Name of art director/art buyer with contact info.
Can I see some layouts? (vital if sending an estimate)
Budget (not always given but worth asking)
What is the usage required?
How many other photographers are bidding on this job?
Who pays for models?
Styists, props, ?
Fee breakdown – who pays for what? And is it in writting?
There are many, many other questions on the sheet.
If anyone wants a copy just email me and I’m happy to send it to you – keith@keithbarraclough.com
I have had this email for the last 2 years.. about 2 or 3 times a month.. I had 4 of them on Friday alone.. They find you if your name is listed in some sources I guess.
I included the email I recieved below. The highlight for me was that it was from none other than Mr. Marcus Garvey himself! Truly an honor. A little research revealed that dozens of other photographers contacted the bogus location in Maryland about the same event which doesn’t even host events like the one described. Enjoy the entertaining read…
-Kiino
Hello,
My name is Mr. Marcus Garvey, I want you to handle of Physics seminar going on round the globe for my clients,which your country is the next place this seminar will take place.
If you are a very good documentary photographer and portrait shooter.
They were non governmental organization by name; THE INTERNATIONAL PEACE MOVEMENT with sole ambition of bringing peace to the world,
I will be happy to discuss this more with you. by day rate for documentary photography that is not going to be used on the cover of a magazine or newspaper.that is just for images we need for internal use,
You will go and cover the event at another location?:seminar halls is
located at:483 Great House Road Stratford Hall Stratford, VA 22558.
This seminar will start from 1st June to 22 June same month in the year 2008. Get back to me with your total cost for the 22 days.
So we can get this done. confirmation that you will be free to handle this project.i find your email from : photoserve.com
You can call me to confirm:+447045708395.
32 Liverpool Avenue, Doncaster,
South Yorkshire, DN2
Mobile:+44-7045-708-395
Fax:+44-7006-069-192.
Kind regards,
Mr. Marcus Garvey
I got the same exact email that Keith got early on, and responded the same with nothing back from them. Funny because the article photo serve did on the campaign I shot was for the US Postal Inspection, a PSA against email scam and mail fraud. Funny…
Until recently I did not have similar problems.
More than that is to my huge surprise (!!!) one American business monthly magazune has paid to me for three photo-session of persons of business though in a sketch one my photo has been printed only – for me in this situation it is a point of peak of correct work of the photoeditor with photographers! (-thanks Thos!)
With the American and European editions till now all cooperation was successful and correct, I can not complain. I do not take in calculation single letter which ask – to depart to the Chechen Republic and to make a portrait of the hero of national war, or the request for my photos on a mobile phone (I such and are not present:)) – all this the spam and seriously concerns to it it is not necessary.
Last my case not payments of money for work was just in my country :), I have worked on shooting of a film of one and a half month (-practically daily shoot the reporting) and producer have not paid me of any money.. It was necessary to give these photos to photobank and to wait “a small fish” for purchases of these photos in a photo bank.
To such situations at me in the my country it is necessary to be ready, and I try to not do from this tragedy and more quickly to forget it whenever possible, and to return to a business channel of other work.
Sorry my bad English.
Knowing who your working for is a no brainer really.
The real scams are the ones that have a high percentage of working:- photo competitions and many pay for review, its the ability to get, “names” involved and the concept of prestige, importance and ego that makes it all work. Its interesting to see some of your fellow bloggers getting involved. Those who engage in this are gambling and the odds are against them.
Rob can start photoscam.com
Hello,
My name is Henry James,i work with Manhattan Construction Company and am a citizen of USA ,the company that i work for we have a big contract in NEW ZEALAND to build a petroleum refinary for the country and there i met my finacce Susan.
We are planning to have our wedding in June 20th 2008 which is on friday.
I would be happy if you can perform on my wedding day and the weeding will held in your city and they are still working on it and as soon as the venue is ready i will let you know.
We will need your services for 4hrs and let me know your fee,we will be in State in may 20th 2008 by then the contract will have been finished.Looking forward to read from
you soon.
I’ve received like 3 o 4 of these over the last 2 years, maybe 2 and a half years. I got pretty excited when I got the 1st one, but I checked it out and found it was a scam in 2 minutes.
Funny, I remember in every one of these you could read that of “and even a noticeable fame”. LMAO.
I meant 3 or 4, not 304 :)
There are many variations of this type of scam. A couple of years ago, photographers who are members of the SportsShooter.com community were hit with a similar scam for those wanting to “purchase”gear. from the SS classifieds. Basically, the same drill, send a certified check for too much money, ask for the remainder back via check.
The good folks at SportsShooter handled it by allowing members to posts classifieds that could only be responded to by other Sportsshooter members.
I recall seeing a couple of funny variations on the wedding photography theme, really just stupid grammar mistakes. Like, my “wife” and I are getting married and I would like you to fly to “exotic island” and photograph our wedding.
I get these type of letters almost weekly along with the “My Dear Beloved” and “My Husband, the Late Nigerian Dictator”.
Occasionally there is justice for these folks. I have a buddy who is a Federal Assistant D.A., he told me a great story about how one of the Nigerian scamsters made the mistake of purchasing property in the United States with his ill-gotten gains and decided to visit his “property.”
He never made it to customs or immigration. He was greeted by FBI agents and my friend as stepped of the jetway into the terminal. My friend was quite pleased that they had caught one of these guys.
This same premise is used for private used car sales. A friend was selling a vintage VW bug, the buyer over paid by a few G’s then asked for the difference back. Fortunately my friend was suspicious and contacted the bank who verified the scam. This happened few years back, before this scam was so popular. My point is be careful with any transaction. Cash money is where it’s at!
It seems like these scammers try this trick everywhere they possibly can. I can only guess it works since they keep on trying. If you know what to look for, mainly asking for money or some silly baroque wire transfer or cashier’s check for an incorrect amount and how to even things up–always ending up with you sending them money, it’s pretty obvious. And when you call them on it, such as outright calling them a scammer, they vanish quickly.
The trick to uncovering these scams is to look at the language used. 99% of the time the scammers are Nigerian. They just are, there’s no hiding that fact. Their choice of English sounding names is often quite hilarious as is their grammar.
Also check the address of the “agency” on Google Maps or similar. It won’t exist.
They are getting more sophisticated and are now setting up websites to trick us into thinking their “cause” or agency is bona-fide.
Caveat Emptor everyone.
PP
I received a version of the Cheque refund scam a while ago. I received several offers to photograph a wedding out of the country, It seemed super shady and thankfully I was aware of similar scams at the time. About two months later I received an almost identical (to the word) offer from a different e-mail address.
Some people just don’t know when to quit.
There’s no end to the attempts. For chuckles, enjoy reading some of the “fighting back”…maybe even a photo essay in there. See here: http://www.419eater.com/
I think it is the rare instance when one gets a call out of the blue offering to fork over money and jobs. If I get a call from an unknown I always ask how they got my name. For the especially suspicious I say I only work on referral. Any reputable client who will potentially offer you a great job will not even discuss job details until they fully vet you or have a strong referral from someone that you have already worked with. Whenever I’ve gotten the call that starts with “this will be great for you” the red flag goes up.
With that said, I received this the other day:
“I am David Wong, an attorney at law. A deceased client of mine, shares the same last name as yours.I have contact you as his next of kin because he left some money behind which will be confiscated. Contact me for more information via E-mail linkwongdavid@hotmail.com
Wormest Regards”
Kind of makes you feel worm all over doesn’t it?
This was the intro I got to get my interest:
“Hello,
My name is Mr. Hilary Mbeki, an Agent with NEWAGE
TALENT AGENCY UK.
I had the rare privilege of view your
portfolio/profile on blackbook.com and I thought I
could seek your interest for a 10 day photography
contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on
hilary_newage_agency@hotmail.com and I will fill you
in on the details.
Regards,
Hilary.”
The shoot was supposedly a 10 day shoot in London and the UK for T-Mobile. The fee was 22,000 pounds or $44,000 plus air and assistants. It sounded legit, but when they wanted me to cover half the fee for the attorney who would provide the work permit AND I was to wire the money to them Western Union, that’s when I knew it was a scam.
I also asked for names of the client, art director, art buyer…anyone that might be legit and couldn’t get a name from them.
Very sad that people like this are out there.
419 is amazing.
and the fact that they never asked for a bid for these high paying jobs didn’t raise any eyebrows?
Yep! I got this message today and it looked like an obvious scam. Googled the agency and saw your site. Thanks.
Hello,
My name is Micheal Brown, an Agent with ITGO LIVE MODELING AGENCY.
I had the rare privileage of view your portfolio/profile on http://www.agpix.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 10 day photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on itgoliveagency@live.ca and I will fill you in on the details.
Regards,
Brown.
+44 704 576 6033
i received a few of those recently, stemming off my images on..
– photoserve
– photographers direct
– blackblook
the classic line, ‘i had the rare privlidge to see your work’.
Rob Casey
I usally receive 1 or 2 scam email every month, only few of them are well written. I believed that this kind of email were sent only to non english speaking photgraphers…
They find me from Google.
Same thing here, twice. First to shoot a series of hotels “in your country” the second to shoot a physics conference “in your city”. Very rare that I get a client offer to pay an advanced fee, unheard of it to be in the initial email – instant scam alert.
Local producers I work with over here have also alerted me to another scam, a little more cunning and harder to pick out. It involves a documentary or commercial production company contacting you in order to have you do the local production for a job they have lined up with whoever or whatsit. Emails bounce back and forth, locations locked down, talent booked and so on and so on then the all of a sudden they need your help to secure visas for entry into (in this case) Japan. If you go through with it the next thing you know Immigration are knocking on your door concerning a little problem with the people who’s visa you sponsored disappearing. Not a nice place to be. Not the kind of thing you fall for twice.
Hello, just got one of the Michael Brown come to UK for a 10 day photo shoot… thought it was bogus from the start, glad i goggled the ITGO model agency and your site came up.. read the comments and remembered last summer someone wanted to have me shoot a gathering for his 86 yr old mother… he would send money even more so and i could send a small amount to his sister to start the rent of the chairs ect…hmmm i thought… any one asking for a small amount to be sent raises the radar on me.. so i said sure send the money and in 2 weeks i would send the sister her share… never heard from them
great site keep an eye out for us
Michael
Hey Rob, I have received probably over 30 of these fake job email requests over the past years. I helped a fellow photographer catch one before it was too late. He is a fine art photographer and received a check and he was suppose to pay the shipper from this. It sounded strange to me and suggested to take it to the bank and have them track it. It was fake and the scammers called him a bunch of times asking him to cash it. He played it out for awhile to mess with them and told him he sent the money. They started to get aggressive and we would just laugh at them over the phone. They stopped calling. Then, I heard another photo friend of mine got scammed, over a wedding email. So watch the wedding scam too. I never went for any of these because the written English was terrible, or the way they described the job (not in industry lingo) or the ad mock ups were so bad (a child could do better). One was from Mexico and that was pretty obvious that it was a scam. I looked up their website and called. I didn’t get an agency saying “so and so can I help you”, I got “hello”. Crazy NO? I can send you the PDF if you want to post it?
Thanks for all your work, Rob you rock! I LOVE THIS BLOG!
Cheers, Dawn Kish
Love google for this. And, I’d never heard of the scam before this (thought that Nigerian one was long dead) so it’s good to keep getting the word out. Post any variations you get here so google can find it.
I had some success by posting these scams as soon as I received them on the ASMPNorCal website forum I built.
The lesson – you will get a ton of traffic if you post these scams *verbatim* on your websites because people will google the names and phone numbers in the emails to verify when they have doubts. Post enough of the scams and the scammers might just stop pestering you.
Check out the responses that some of the scams I posted got – incredible that working photographers would fall for this stuff – but I’m happy that they didn’t get duped.
http://asmpnorcal.org/drupal/?q=node/437
As for the creepy scams like the one on this thread where you are actually talking to someone – I had one of those awhile back to photograph an island in the Caribbean for a real estate development. Pretty revolting spending time on the phone with somebody doing their best to deceive you – again, google to the rescue on this one – no links or information he gave checked out as legit on google.
> Hello,
>
> My name is Chris Kirkland, an Agent with ITGO LIVE MODELING AGENCY.
>
> I had the rare privilege of viewing your portfolio/profile on http://www.portfolios.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 10 day photography contract in the UK.
>
> If yes, then email me back on itgoliveagency@googlemail.com and I will fill you in on the details.
>
> Regards,
> Chris.
> +44 704 571 6167.
Hello,
My name is Chris Kirkland, an Agent with ITGO LIVE MODELING AGENCY.
I had the rare privilege of viewing your portfolio/profile on http://www.portfolios.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 10 day photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on itgoliveagency@googlemail.com and I will fill you in on the details.
Regards,
Chris.
+44 704 571 6167.
Just redeived the same e-mail. My address was skimmed from correspondence I was having with a friend. I can tell because the their e-mail address shortcut for me is unique, and that is what showed in the “To:” heading.
Creepy!
The range of tricks that scammers will try is endless. I played along with one scam from England that went on for months and ended quite nicely when 2 counterfeit AMEX travelers cheques for $3000.00 US showed up in an envelope postmarked from Nigeria with no return address.
The cheques were bad photocopies that were obviously manipulated. I contacted AMEX security in the States and they were very very interested in getting ahold the the cheques and the counterfeiters. ( happy to share what they looked like with anyone)
The commercial crime division of the RCMP said it happens way too frequently and they simply do not have the resources to chase these sorts of crimes overseas.
Only takes a instant and gut response to know its a scam. Just like the bad “real” clients that have something to hide…
Blogs like this are a great help in getting the word out and found it after googling “ITGO LIVE….” when I received Mr Brown’s email.
Thanks for the good work!
REally hate these things…got one today. Sent him back a nasty note.
My name is Micheal Brown, an Agent with ITGO LIVE MODELING AGENCY.
I had the rare privileage of view your portfolio/profile on photosource-enhanced.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 10 day photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on itgoliveagency@live.ca and I will fill you in on the details.
Regards,
Brown.
+44 704 576 6033
Yes I just received this same email and sounded very fishy to me:
Hello,
My name is Micheal Brown, an Agent with ITGO LIVE MODELING AGENCY.
I had the rare privileage of view your portfolio/profile on photosource-enhanced.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 10 day photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on itgoliveagency@live.ca and I will fill you in on the details.
Regards,
Brown.
+44 704 576 6033
Thank you to others who post and make it easy to figure out that these things are a scam.
Same one everyone got!!
Hello,
My name is Micheal Brown, an Agent with ITGO LIVE MODELING AGENCY.
I had the rare privileage of view your portfolio/profile on photosource-enhanced.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 10 day photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on itgoliveagency@live.ca and I will fill you in on the details.
Regards,
Brown.
+44 704 576 6033
I just received the e-mail message from Michael Brown requesting that I do 10 day shoot in the UK, fee’s 22,000 pounds,,,,same message, same guy. Found me on Photo Source- Enhanced ,,,,he’s was very impressed with the gadgets I use!
Yup…got it also…hope no one is that stupid.
Hello,
My name is Micheal Brown, an Agent with ITGO LIVE MODELING AGENCY.
I had the rare privileage of view your portfolio/profile on photosource-enhanced.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 10 day photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on itgoliveagency@live.ca and I will fill you in on the details.
Regards,
Brown.
+44 704 576 6033
The moral of the story is not that there are scams but that everybody should protect themselves from identity theft, which these folks do plenty of as well.
Just make sure your credit report agencies send you email update when your credit report is updated or senses fraudulent activity as well as send premptive letters to all three major credit agencies(templates here:http://www.idtheftcenter.org).
You can do this at:
http://www.FreeCreditReport.com
http://www.myfico.com
and others, usually it is a very cheap service you should carry just like you should business insurance or medical insurance. If the scammers have your email, they can also get a hold of your identity. Period. You can also buy identity theft insurance but that seems like overkill…..
As for myself, I don’t care, I don’t even have email……
I Just got one, and it says the same… I knew it it was something like a scam because they are from London and most of this scams says they are from there, the Yahoo email ends on SE and is just too weird clients don’t say that they are not that nice. I hate those scammers they should burn in hell.
I’ve responded to 2 of these types of emails, suspecting they were scams, with the following:
1. I require a signed contract with all details, payments and terms in writing
2. I will not book the shoot until I receive full payment and the funds clear my bank
3. I will not refund or transfer any balance requested
I provided a fairly high estimate for the shoot (200% my normal fee).
I never heard back from either.
Now I just delete them if they aren’t caught by my spam blocker. It takes up enough of my time to deal with legitimate requests.
Hey, I got mine! Seemed fishy so I googled “Itgo Live Modeling Agency UK” and this is the first place I hit. Glad to see I’m not the only one who is cautious. The text has morphed a bit … it’s no longer Micheal Brown. Now it’s Chris Kirkland. Don’t fall for this scam! Here is the full text:
Subject: Photography!!!
From: info_itgolive_modelagency@yahoo.co.uk
Reply-To: itgoliveagency@googlemail.com
Hello,
My name is Chris Kirkland, an Agent with ITGO LIVE MODELING AGENCY.
I had the rare privilege of viewing your portfolio/profile on http://www.portfolios.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 10 day photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on itgoliveagency@googlemail.com and I will fill you in on the details.
Regards,
Chris.
+44 704 571 6167.
I received the scam e-mail tonight (4/30/08) and decided to look up the website the sender supposedly “saw” my portfolio on. The give-away in this case is the site supposedly used to view my site is one I never use. Additionally, when clicking on the site they post (www.portfolios.com) it gives a redirect to another site (http://www.creativeshake.com/).
Typically I do not open these messages in the first place. Tonight I found it in my junk mail file and thought I’d see what the latest scam going around is. I am copying the text of the message, along with the scammers’ contact information as posted in the message.
Beware! I recommend, as do others, simply ignoring these messages.
The message text follows.
Respectfully,
Richard S. Hockett, MBA, DTM
SunRidge Photo
Hello,
My name is Chris Kirkland, an Agent with ITGO LIVE MODELING AGENCY.
I had the rare privilege of viewing your portfolio/profile on http://www.portfolios.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 10 day photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on itgoliveagency@googlemail.com and I will fill you in on the details.
Regards,
Chris.
+44 704 571 6167.
same scam for photographers. Here is a copy of the email. It is important we pass this information along!
“Hello Tatiana,
Thanks for indicating interest to be a part of this epoch making shoot session.
This session is being together by GREG TANN BOUTIQUE UK (GTB), a yet to be launched Clothesline in the UK.
For this Job, some home based Models and Photographers have already been contracted but the Company wants this shoot to have a bit of International feel which is why our Agency have been saddled with the responsibility of providing a few International Photographers which is why you were contacted.
The contract sum for this Job is 22,000 Pounds and a daily allowance of 100 Pounds.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID PASSPORT, A UK WORK PERMIT AND
A UK PHOTOGRAPHY LICENSE (from the British Home Office here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in the UK.
For this Job you will be required to work with the Home based and International Models that have and will be contracted in very choice and picturesque Locations such as beaches, hilltops and fashionable parks and environs.
You are to know that all your traveling expenses will also be covered and you will also receive an upfront payment of 50% as soon as acquire the needed documents that will stand as proof that you will really honor the contract.
If you wish, you can come with your personal photography gadgets but note that the Client will also be providing the needed gadgets.
Kindly note this Job is billed to kick off 9th/10 of May 2008 so we require your utmost dedication and allegiance.
Let me know if you require any other info.
Regards,
Chris Kirkland.
+44 704 571 6167
http://itgolivemodelingagency.itgo.com
http:gtb.com (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)”
A couple of weeks ago. Figured it was a scam but also spoke with a handful of Brits who pretty much helped to confirm it. Sent a nasty email to the scamster and called it a day.
This scam email came to me this morning. Thanks for all the posts. I plan to sign them up for every junk email possible..lol
Full Email:
Hello ,
Thanks for the quick response and interest.The taken shots and pictures will be used for the magazine cover of my client whose website is http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk.It has just been established in the United Kingdom also.Presently the company needs a photographer for next month’s edition and i’m giving you the offer.Your Jobs will be exhibited on their website and also after the first set of pictures are being sent.
Their magazines will be sent to you in order for you to know about the company.Subsequently depending on how you fit this suits , you could be invited over to the company to sign a contract with us.The location of the shoots will be somewhere close to where you are located.There is an assigned make up artist for the project.As soon as we agree, the Make up artist will get in touch with you to agree on the location, date and time of the shoots.
As written in my previous mail, you will get $500 to start with,which will be sent to you immediately. After payment has been received, the photo shoots can be taken and sent to the company. There will be a pre-arranged hair/ make up artist,including the models,that will be coming over to you for the shoots. They will be contacting you for proper arrangement of time and location after payments has been made. Guess the arrangement is understood?In order for payment to be made to you,provide me with the following details so we can mail you the payment:
FULL NAME:
FULL HOME ADDRESS:
CITY:
STATE:
ZIP CODE:
HOUSE PHONE NUMBER:
CELL PHONE:
Warmest Regards
Robbin Ajian
+447024042820
—–Original Message—–
From: robbin ajian
To: sfspencer1@columbus.rr.com <—- not me
Sent: Thu, 1 May 2008 5:56 am
Subject: photoghraper ‘s job offer
Hello,
My name is Robbin Ajian i am a freelance modeling agent working for Glamour magazine in New York,recruiting models for Essentials Magazine and currently wanting photographers for shoots for a new and special edition of the magazine.I saw your profile and pictures while surfing the internet, I appreciate them and I would like us to do some work together.I presently have a good offer for you. I want to know if you are interested in doing a photography job with us because I need photographers with good working experience who can take superb shots of models who will be on the magazine cover of one of next month’s edition.Please let me know if you are interested in the Job. You stand a chance of making a reasonable $500 from this deal to start,and even a noticeable fame. Let me know if you are interested by mailing me with your acceptance and I would give you further details and you can as well visit the website….
http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk
If interested,Get back to us with the information below
Photographers only
Name:
age:
Gender:
Ethnicity:
Professional information:
Regards
Robbinajian Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
Plan your next roadtrip with MapQuest.com: America’s #1 Mapping Site.
Hey all,
I got the same scam this morning. It looked fishy so I just googled the “modeling agency” and viola! here you are. Good work and thanks for posting.
Hello,
My name is Chris Kirkland, an Agent with ITGO LIVE MODELING AGENCY.
I had the rare privilege of viewing your portfolio/profile on http://www.blackbook.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 10 day photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on itgo.liveagency@yahoo.se and I will fill you in on the details.
Regards,
Chris.
+44 704 571 6167.
I just got one of these too!
Thank you all for sharing. It cleared a lot of things.
I actually talked to Michael Brown today. Wanted to see how far he would take it, and yes, he actually called me to discuss “the shoot”. Got quite agressive, asking me to “just sign the contract and send it back to me…”
Crazy.
@ 67: You got him to call you ! Smart work. I hope you kept him on the phone for a while at transatlantic rates.
There is a rather brilliant site all about scams – here is a page with tips on how to deal with them:
http://www.419eater.com/html/baiting.htm
It mainly deals with the 419 scams that mostly seem to come from Nigeria (“My name in Mbutu Ombekale and I am the Prince of Nigeria and would like to give you $8,000,000”) but a 419 scam is basically “advance fee fraud” and this seems to be the same idea, pretty much.
The “scambaiters” on the site basically try to get the scammers to waste as much time and money as possible – even to the point where they arrange to meet them at the airport, or send them photographs of themselves holding signs saying stupid things or doing stupid things. One guy even got a scammer to send him a dollar, as proof of his trustworthiness. Look at the “Trophy Room” section of that site if you fancy a laugh.
So go for it – BAIT THEM. Get them to send you stuff. Or even tell them “Hey that’s great, I will be in the UK next week on a shoot – maybe we could meet up?”
Can anyone get better than a phone call ?
RDP
Here’s the version we received:
From: Micheal Brown
Date: April 30, 2008 4:51:36 AM GMT-07:00
To: XXXXXXX@raineystudios.com
Subject: PHOTOGRAPHY!!!
Reply-To: itgoliveagency@live.ca
Hello,
My name is Micheal Brown, an Agent with ITGO LIVE MODELING AGENCY.
I had the rare privileage of view your portfolio/profile on
photosource-enhanced.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 10
day
photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on itgoliveagency@live.ca and I will fill you in
on the details.
Regards,
Brown.
+44 704 576 6033
Same here, funny enough i have gotten two of them and i have been barely in business a year, maybe they are targeting new comers:
Dear Gustavo Fernandez,
My name is Brian. I am Supervising Events Planner/Promoter with Karavan Evento Creatore. We are seeking to employ the services of a professional Photographer in an up-coming event in Manchester,UK.
The dates are 8th and 9th of May 2008. The photographer will be taking photo shots of participants, Location(landscaping), Building(s) interior, Refreshments. Time frame will be 4 hours daily. The event is a two days long Alumni class re-union and retreat. An estimate of 150 people are expected to be in attendance. The location will be a 6 acres ranch in the UK. And the photographer will be shooting during the day.(morning, noon, afternoon)
We initially booked a photographer, but he(the photographer) canceled due to some unforeseen circumstances. That if why we have to get a replacement within the limited time frame.
Karavan Evento Creatore is a new and registered events management company. I co-own it with a friend. We currently work on contract bases. Our official website should be up and running in some weeks.
Because of the time constraint, we will appreciate your quick response. Considering this will be your first work with us(should you agree, and we are satisfied with your works), you will only be documenting the event.
If you will be available on this dates, and are interested, kindly send us a some of your previous works. This may be a link to your website, or an email of your recent works.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Brian Woods (Supervisor)
+447024071784
For: Karavan Evento Creatore
and the second…
My name is Theodore Purcell and I am a geologist and I work with an oil servicing company here in our Aberdeen branch as field supervisor.I met my wife who is a south African last year and we would like to seal it this April.
Her parents insisted that we must have a traditional wedding in their and later pick a country of our choice for the church wedding and so we have decided to do it in the US because she has two of her cousins in the STATES and she said it has always been her dreams to wed in the UNITED STATES. So we have chosen somewhere in Columbus, Ohio in USA.
In the light of this, we would need a professional photographer to help us cover the events in there in the state, because we believe it will not be cost wise to include a photographer to the list of people that will be coming for our wedding in the UNITED STATES. As regards, the size of the wedding and the size or dimension of the photograhs to be taken at the event, my planner will be coming over to your office for he will be in the best position to give my requirement and other neccessary details.
1.)So I want to know if you will be available to cover the event which will come up on the 26th of April this year, 2.)You shall be arriving 1 day before the ceremony to avoid dissapointment (It depends)., 3.)I want to know how much you charge for a 6hr coverage excluding transportation and accommodation for it will be taken care., 4.)I want to know your deposit so as to get assured of the date without any form of disappointment.
Due to the nature of my job, i intend paying with a certified cashiers drawn in the US bank and made payable in full to you or your company. If you don’t have problem with that let me have the Full NAME and ADDRESS want the payment mailed to.
Regards,
Theodore Purcell teddy1975p@yahoo.com
Well, that´s why i´m searching for comments about the mentioned e-mail. Of course, yes I´m interested about the job but get very suspicious about it. Chris Kirkland (who rarely coincides with a premier league soccer goalkeeper name) write to me about the job, the 22 k pounds, the 50% upfront, the dates of the kick off 11/12 may 2008, etc.
Thank you for reading your comments. I have not idea that this was a scam because I did not imagine what is the tricky movemente but I clearly see what is the goal.
Nigerians, whatever, any way, like we said here in México: “With money dance the dog” if they sen me documents and I can cash it, well could be serious. If not, what it is, I will not expend a dime on that kind of job.
Thank you to all of your comments.
PS. (Did I write like them? I thought I have an acceptable english but I do not know if you can read my comments and guess that I am from Mexico or another country. (LOL)
I just got this two days ago.
Thanks for indicating interest to be a part of this epoch making shoot session.
This Job is being put together by GREG TANN BOUTIQUE. (A soon to be launched clothing design in the UK).
For this Job, some home based Models and Photographers have already been contracted but the Company wants this shoot to have a bit of International feel which is why our Agency have been saddled with the responsibility of providing a few International Costume, Wardrobe, fashion, lifestyle and Food stylists which is why we contacted you.
Your Job is to provide your professional duties to the Models in the aspect of Fashion, Wardrobe, Costume and Fashion while the Food Stylist will take charge of the food aspect by adding professionalism to the act.
The contract sum for this Job is 22,000 Pounds and a daily allowance of 90 Pounds.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID PASSPORT and A UK WORK PERMIT (from the British Home Office here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in the UK.
You are to know that all your traveling expenses will also be covered and you will also receive an upfront payment of 50% as soon as acquire the needed document that will stand as proof that you will really honor the contract.
You are eligible to come with all your utensils and 2 personal Assistant and their traveling expenses will also be covered.
Kindly note this Job is billed to kick off 12th/13th of May 2008 so we require your utmost dedication and allegiance.
Let me know if you require any other info.
Regards,
Justine Fish.
+447045716167.
+447045766033.
http://new-world-talent-agency.webs.com
Let me post you a latest communication I have from ITGO, they did not attach the contract paper yet
Below is all the info you need to proceed:
A UK WORK PERMIT is a document that grants you permission to have a paid Job in the UK which without it, you cannot be gainfully employed in the UK while a UK PHOTOGRAPHY LICENSE qualifies to work as a Photographer in the UK.
Below is the process of obtaining the Permit and License:
Procuring a Regular UK work Permit and a UK Photography License are quite easy but takes a whole lot of time say 3-4 weeks for the Permit and 2-3 weeks for the License and such time we do not have.
But it could both be gotten in 3-4 working days. All that you need to do is to employ the Services of a UK based Attorney who will apply for an Expedited Permit and License on your behalf with a letter of Recommendation form the company offering the Job and the Application will be done in the British Home office here in the UK and the office of the PPA (PROFFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION.) the body in charge of all acts of photography in the UK.
But this is done for a fee that the company will foot 50% of the fee while you will foot the balance 50% as a sign of commitment on your part to honor the Job because we have had cases in the past when Client pay for all that is required and employees end up not showing up after giving some flimsy excuses so as a measure to curb such excesses it was agreed that employees pay something so that they will be obliged not to breach the contract.
And note that once you have procured the above documents, they become your SOLE PROPERTY which means in a case where you are to pick up any Modeling Job in the UK in future you will not have to go through this process again which is also part of the reason you are paying part of the charges.
So if you are down with this you can do well to contact any UK based Attorney of your choice but if that will be much trouble, we will recommend an Attorney for you.
I have attached a review copy of the contract paper for you to view and have a clearer picture.
Regards,
Chris Kirkland.
+44 704 571 6167.
Hello,
My names are James Brown; I want to reserve you as a photographer that can cover our forth coming crusade in your state. This crusade will last for six days starting from August 21st each session of the crusade will last for 5hours.
I will want you to get back to me with your total cost. Please bear in mind that our group will take care of your transportation, feeding and lodging accommodation.
Thanks and God bless you.
James Brown
Cell: +44 70457 90076
Tel: +44-702-409-3067
Fax: +44-700-596-1818
Faith Ministries
209 Wood Street, Upper Walthamstow,
London E17 3NU
I got a version of the print sales scam recently. The first one was pretty basic to get you to reply;
Hello and gooday
My name is Greg and i am interested in your photography,i would like to know if your photography is available for purchase,also if you are wondering what i need your prints for,well i need them for my personal use to decorate my newly furnished apartment i just aquired so therefore i would be needing the prints frammed,so let me know whats sizes of prints could be made because i would prefer 16×20,so thanks a lot and hope to read from you asap,also please please try to resend your website adress again because i would like to verify somethings,have a blessed day and patiently await your response
regards
Greg
I emailed some basic info over and the reply alerted you to the scam. I get print sales requests often enough to know the real ones, but when they mention things like ‘my shipment broker in the uk’, thats when you know.
Their reply was;
Hello dear Micheal
thanks a lot for your e-mail i really appreciate it,please note and have it in mind that i would be needing the following prints below in size 16×20 and i would like to have them frammed,because as i said earlier i would be needing them for my personal use to decorate my new apartment i just aquired in spain here.
as regards shipment of the prints dont worry about that because my shipment broker in the uk there would come over to your place to pick up the prints after you must have recieved funds/payment for them because he has some other fixtures and furnitures that i just orderd to pick up for me alongside this prints i would like to order/purchase.
—–
So I guess then they send you a cheque accidentally including the shipping, which you then have to refund to them…..
Hey all,
I am a NY based stylist and just received this scam email a few days ago (see below). Thanks to your postings I can see it is scam although I was weary about it upon receipt.
Hello Zulma,
Thanks for indicating interest to be a part of this epoch making
shoot session.
This Job is being put together by GREG TANN BOUTIQUE. (A soon
to be launched clothing design in the UK).
For this Job, some home based Models and Photographers have
already been contracted but the Company wants this shoot to
have a bit of International feel which is why our Agency have
been saddled with the responsibility of providing a few
International Costume, Wardrobe, fashion, lifestyle and Food
stylists which is why we contacted you.
Your Job is to provide your professional duties to the Models in
the aspect of Fashion, Wardrobe, Costume and Fashion while the
Food Stylist will take charge of the food aspect by adding
professionalism to the act.
The contract sum for this Job is 22,000 Pounds and a daily
allowance of 90 Pounds.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID
PASSPORT and A UK WORK PERMIT (from the British Home
Office here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in
the UK.
You are to know that all your traveling expenses will also be
covered and you will also receive an upfront payment of 50% as
soon as acquire the needed document that will stand as proof
that you will really honor the contract.
You are eligible to come with all your utensils and 2 personal
Assistant and their traveling expenses will also be covered.
Kindly note this Job is billed to kick off 15th/16th of May 2008 so
we require your utmost dedication and allegiance.
Let me know if you require any other info.
Regards,
Justine Fish.
+447045716167.
http://new-world-talent-agency.webs.com
YEP! this happened to me too (i’m still currently in the midst of it) as a stylist which i’m not full time; i’m a photographer. what was really weird about it was that they found me via the fashion spot, where i’ve been involved for years and have worked with, and emailed me through my website. such an elaborate scam.
Almost identical to the photography scam…. there are 2 here…the second they actually sent counterfeit canadian money orders and wanted us to cash them and send the money back to the UK….. you never get paid up front in this industry…. you’re lucky to get paid in 45 days….
Thanks for your interest to be a part of this modeling contract that is being put together by MARTIN LORRAINE CLOTHINGDESIGNS(A soon to be launched clothing designs in the UK).
The contract sum for this Job is 30,000 Pounds, a monthly salary of 2000 Pounds and an accommodation allowance of 910 Pounds monthly.
For this Job, MARTINLORRAINE DESIGNS which is the Client will be in charge of all traveling expenses and it must be noted that we are actingas your sole representative between you and the Client offering this Job and therefore we are entitled to 10% of the contract sum and you will only get to meet or speak with your employers only when you arrivethe UK so all questions should be directed to me.
Like you already know the duration of this contract is 2 months as you will be involvedin lots of advertisements, bill board shoots, shoot sessions and media parleys.
BELOW ARE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS AND OBLIGATIONSYOU MUSTMEET BEFORE ARRIVAL.
1. YOU MUST POSESS A VALID TRAVELPASSPORT, A UKWORK PERMIT AND A UK MODEL
LICENSE FROM THE BRITISH HOMEOFFICE HERE INTHE UK.
2. YOU MUST BE READY TO ACT AT A VERY FAST PACEBECAUSE THISJOB IS BILLED TO
KICK OFF IN SECOND WEEK OF MAY 2008 ANDMOSTIMPORTANTLY,
3. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SECURE AN APARTMENTUPFRONTAT YOUR OWN EXPENSE
THROUGH THE OFFICIAL HOUSING AGENCY FOR THIS CONTRACT. (COMFORTABLE HOUSING/ESTATE AGENCY) AND THIS IS THE SOLE REASON WHY YOU ARE BEING PAID A MONTLY ACCOMMODATION SALARY. THIS IS SO BECAUSE THE CLIENT REQUIRES A BIT OF COMMITMENT ON YOUR PART THAT YOU WILL HONOR THIS CONTRACT.
NOTE 1: All the expenses that will be incurred in getting all the necessary documents for this Job will be picked up by the Client and also note that the Client (MARTINLORRAINE) requires your utmost secrecy on this Job because it intends to take the other Clothing Companies in the UK by surprise so it is expected that you do not let a 3rd party into this which is also part ofthe reason they are paying you such a high fee.
NOTE 2: As soon as you secure an apartment, the Client will be paying you an upfront payment of 50% ofthe contract sum (15,000 Pounds) alongside the money with which you will book your travel ticket and it will be mailed to you via courier along with your work documents (UK WORK PERMIT AND UK MODEL LICENSE).
Hope you get the drift in all these? If you are still keen on moving ahead,get back to me so I can fill you on the next step.
Regards,
Jordan Mills
+44 704 576 6033
http://new-world-talent-agency.webs.com
Thanks for the response.The date for the shooting is not fix, i will have to make arrangement for that ahead from now,i will email you the contract form and exact date for the shooting a week before as soon as the arrangement is completed with our client,please I’ll want you to start practicing your poses,like i said you have 12 Fashion outfits to cover,types of clothes are jeans and jackets.
As part of my working policy and ethics,i receive part payment from any client before i proceed with any job and balance immediately after the shooting,this is to identify a serious client and ascertain the job,i hope you comprehend this fact.
So i got in touch with our client and part payment will be mailed to you, until you receive and confirm payment we will not shoot, your total pay for the job is $ 1000:00 and part payment of $ 500 will be mailed to you first and the balance of $ 500 after the shooting, i hope you understand? Send me your payment details as to which our client is to mail out your part payment to you in the
Form below:
Name to place on check :
Complete Mailing address, city, state, zip code :
Phone numbers (mobile/cell phone inclusive) :
Your Date of Birth:
Your Age:
After you confirm the part payment, we will all have a fixed date for the shooting that best fits, make-up, hair etc would be taken cared of at the Studio. Remember, you can come along with anyone of your choice, get in touch with your required payment details at once.
Mr Mark Johnson
3212511437
This one we took to the limit…they sent 6 counterfeit canadian money orders and asked us to cash them and forward the cash back to the UK via Western Union….. reported to the canadian phone email scam police…… we still have the money orders…signed by some woman in Quebec Canada….mailed from middle east…. common sense prevailed…..
this E-mail was come to me last week
thank you your web site
Hello Mogi,
Thanks for indicating interest to be a part of this epoch making shoot session.
This Job is being put together by GREG TANN BOUTIQUE. (A soon to be launched clothing design in the UK).
For this Job, some home based Models and Photographers have already been contracted but the Company wants this shoot to have a bit of International feel which is why our Agency have been saddled with the responsibility of providing a few International Costume, Wardrobe, fashion, lifestyle and Food stylists which is why we contacted you.
Your Job is to provide your professional duties to the Models in the aspect of Fashion, Wardrobe, Costume and Fashion while the Food Stylist will take charge of the food aspect by adding professionalism to the act.
The contract sum for this Job is 22,000 Pounds and a daily allowance of 90 Pounds.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID PASSPORT and A UK WORK PERMIT (from the British Home Office here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in the UK.
You are to know that all your traveling expenses will also be covered and you will also receive an upfront payment of 50% as soon as acquire the needed document that will stand as proof that you will really honor the contract.
You are eligible to come with all your utensils and 2 personal Assistant and their traveling expenses will also be covered.
Kindly note this Job is billed to kick off 23rd/24th of May 2008 so we require your utmost dedication and allegiance.
Let me know if you require any other info.
Regards,
Matthew Song.
+447045766033.
http//new-world-talent-agency.webs.com
Hey Mogi!
we could have worked together! LOL. I got the same letter. I was suspicious about the misspelled words and vague descriptions. I have worked with talent agencies before, and this one threw up a ton of red flags.
copied below…
Hello phil,
Thanks for indicating interest to be a part of this epoch making shoot session.
This Job is being put together by GREG TANN BOUTIQUE. (A soon to be launched clothing design in the UK).
For this Job, some home based Models and Photographers have already been contracted but the Company wants this shoot to have a bit of International feel which is why our Agency have been saddled with the responsibility of providing a few International Costume, Wardrobe, fashion, lifestyle and Food stylists which is why we contacted you.
Your Job is to provide your professional duties to the Models in the aspect of Fashion, Wardrobe, Costume and Fashion while the Food Stylist will take charge of the food aspect by adding professionalism to the act.
The contract sum for this Job is 22,000 Pounds and a daily allowance of 90 Pounds.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID PASSPORT and A UK WORK PERMIT (from the British Home Office here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in the UK.
You are to know that all your traveling expenses will also be covered and you will also receive an upfront payment of 50% as soon as acquire the needed document that will stand as proof that you will really honor the contract.
You are eligible to come with all your utensils and 2 personal Assistant and their traveling expenses will also be covered.
Kindly note this Job is billed to kick off 25th/26th of May 2008 so we require your utmost dedication and allegiance.
Let me know if you require any other info.
Keep posting the new ones and google will keep serving them up with the headline – Photographer Scam. Brilliant.
I just received this one this week. Their english is a little bizarre for supposed UK citizens too — sounds like someone is either A) using babelfish or B) trying too hard to sound ‘professional’.
This is their e-mail address:
jameson.wallsagency@live.com
And this is the shoddy supposed agency website:
http://jamesonwalls-talentagency.4t.com
thanks for putting up this post!
t
I just received these today.
Great site and I thank everyone.
Dave
Hello,
My name is John Marger i am a freelance modeling agent working for Glamour magazine in New York,recruiting models for Essentials Magazine and currently wanting photographers for shoots for a new and special edition of the magazine.I saw your profile and pictures while surfing the internet, I appreciate them and I would like us to do some work together.I presently have a good offer for you. I want to know if you are interested in doing a photography job with us because I need photographers with good working experience who can take superb shots of models who will be on the magazine cover of one of next month’s edition.Please let me know if you are interested in the Job. You stand a chance of making a reasonable $500 from this deal to start,and even a noticeable fame. Let me know if you are interested by mailing me with your acceptance and I would give you further details and you can as well visit the website….
http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk
If interested,Get back to us with the information below
Photographers only
Name:
age:
Gender:
Ethnicity:
Professional information:
Regards
John Marger
Hello Dave,
Thanks for the quick response and interest.The taken shots and pictures will be used for the magazine cover of my client whose website is http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk.It has just been established in the United Kingdom also.Presently the company needs a photographer for next month’s edition and i am giving you the offer.Your Jobs will be exhibited on their website and also after the first set of pictures are being sent.
Their magazines will be sent to you in order for you to know about the company.Subsequently depending on how you fit this suits , you could be invited over to the company to sign a contract with us.The location of the shoots will be somewhere close to where you are located.There is an assigned make up artist for the project.As soon as we agree, the Make up artist will get in touch with you to agree on the location, date and time of the shoots.
As written in my previous mail, you will get $500 to start with,which will be sent to you immediately. After payment has been received, the photo shoots can be taken and sent to the company. There will be a prearranged hair/ make up artist,including the models,that will be coming over to you for the shoots. They will be contacting you for proper arrangement of time and location after payments has been made. Guess the arrangement is understood?In order for payment to be made to you,provide me with the following details so we can mail you the payment:
FULL NAME:
FULL HOME ADDRESS:
CITY:
STATE:
ZIP CODE:
HOUSE PHONE NUMBER:
CELL PHONE:
Warmest Regards
John Marger
+447024042820
Because I do shoots globally and advertise as such, I always do a real attempt at researching a request BEFORE even making any contact or emails. I come from a recent 14 years as a military magazine and combat photographer. Having gone through all kinds of terrorist training and being stuck in situations that could have gone very bad very fast, I think I get very cautious about vague emails like this. I am not that silly to give ANY money away, but more afraid of actually getting to a place and being kidnapped or worse put into a slave trade of photo prostitution. Here is an email I received this morning…
“Hello,
Your portfolio was viewed and scrutinized on portflios.com.
Will you welcome a 14 day Job contract in the UK as a Photographer?
If yes, reply to jameson.wallsagency@live.com and I will feed you all the needed details.
Regards,
Wayne Dunn”
Surprisingly my first reaction was “cool a new job.” the first thing I noticed was they mentioned portfolios.com were I do have a website, but that was about as far as it went. Typically if anybody is researching a photographer, they will sure enough find you maybe on sites like portfolios.com or blackbook.com or any other social network like NPPA, Editorial Photographers, SportsShooter.com, etc. But they will need to also refer to your website to see more, and all of these places have the ability to have a link to your main website. Especially if we are talking a 2 week job in the UK.
So the first thing I did was research the name of the company. The guy didn’t have ANY signature to give clues (but then again he could be an idiot). So I typed in the email that it was sent from. jameson.wallsagency@yahoo.co.uk
What ended the research right then and there was a link to this post. BAM it worked. Thank you Rob for posting this page.
Aaron, I got the same email. It seemed fishy, but I asked for more info…Here is his reply:
Hello ,
Thanks for indicating interest to be a part of this epoch making shoot session.
This session is being together by (T-MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION), a household name in Telecommunication and like you already know its for 14 days.
For this Job, some home based Models and Photographers have already been contracted but the Company wants this shoot to have a bit of International feel which is why our Agency have been saddled with the responsibility of providing a few International Photographers which is why you were contacted..
The contract sum for this Job is 30,000 Pounds and a daily allowance of 100 Pounds.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID PASSPORT, A UK WORK PERMIT AND A UK PHOTOGRAPHY LICENSE (from the British Home Office here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in the UK.
For this Job you will be required to work with the Home based and International Models that have and will be contracted in very choice and picturesque Locations such as beaches, hilltops and fashionable parks and environs.
You are to know that all your traveling expenses will also be covered and you will also receive an upfront payment of 50% as soon as acquire the needed documents that will stand as proof that you will really honor the contract.
If you wish, you can come with your personal photography equipments such as lightings and Digital Camera but note that the Client will also be providing the needed equipments and also a producer will be employed by the Client.
Kindly note this Job is billed to kick off 30th May 2008 so we require your utmost dedication and allegiance.
Let me know if you require any other info.
Wayne Dunn.
+44704 571 6167.
http://jamesonwalls-talentagency.4t.com
——————————————————————————–
Sök efter kärleken!
Hitta din tvillingsjäl på Yahoo! Dejting: http://se.meetic.yahoo.net
When it smells funny do not eat it.
The same goes for jobs that are to sweet to be true. Food poisoning is not very much fun, and so are bogus job offers. These idiots are to lazy to even change their verbage, though they can find the time erect a bogus web site http://jamesonwalls-talentagency.4t.com/index.html
There email is the same bull shit as all the others with just the agency or requesting employer swapped out.
Original Email:
From: JAMESON WALLS AGENCY
Subject: PHOTOGRAPHY!!
Date: May 20, 2008 10:28:03 AM PDT
To: My Name Here
Reply-To: jameson.wallsagency@yahoo.se
On May 20, 2008, at 10:28 AM, JAMESON WALLS AGENCY wrote:
Hello,
Your portfolio was viewed and scrutinized on portflios.com.
Will you welcome a 14 day Job contract in the UK as a Photographer?
If yes, reply to jameson_wallsagency@yahoo.se and I will feed you all the needed details.
Regards,
Wayne Dunn
follow up email after requesting more info:
From: Wayne Dunn
Subject: Re: PHOTOGRAPHY!!
Date: May 21, 2008 2:34:15 AM PDT
To: My Name Here
Reply-To: jameson.wallsagency@yahoo.se
Hello Rob,
Thanks for indicating interest to be a part of this epoch making shoot session.
This session is being together by (T-MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION), a household name in Telecommunication and like you already know its for 14 days.
For this Job, some home based Models and Photographers have already been contracted but the Company wants this shoot to have a bit of International feel which is why our Agency have been saddled with the responsibility of providing a few International Photographers which is why you were contacted..
The contract sum for this Job is 30,000 Pounds and a daily allowance of 100 Pounds.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID PASSPORT, A UK WORK PERMIT AND A UK PHOTOGRAPHY LICENSE (from the British Home Office here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in the UK.
For this Job you will be required to work with the Home based and International Models that have and will be contracted in very choice and picturesque Locations such as beaches, hilltops and fashionable parks and environs.
You are to know that all your traveling expenses will also be covered and you will also receive an upfront payment of 50% as soon as acquire the needed documents that will stand as proof that you will really honor the contract.
If you wish, you can come with your personal photography equipments such as lightings and Digital Camera but note that the Client will also be providing the needed equipments and also a producer will be employed by the Client.
Kindly note this Job is billed to kick off 30th May 2008 so we require your utmost dedication and allegiance.
Let me know if you require any other info.
Wayne Dunn.
+44704 571 6167.
http://jamesonwalls-talentagency.4t.com
Går det långsamt? Skaffa dig en snabbare bredbandsuppkoppling.
Sök och jämför hos Yahoo! Shopping.
———————
The only real benefit I received out of this scam was it reminded me I needed to get my passport renewed.
cheers
Rob
Just got one.
From: info.royalclothing@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: PHOTOGRAPHY!!
Date: May 22, 2008 8:31:34 PM EDT
Reply-To: agentgilbert.royalclothing@yahoo.co.uk
Hello,
My name is Mr. Gilbert Presley, an Agent with ROYAL CLOTHING NETWORK, an about to be launched clothing line in the UK..
I had the rare privilege of view your portfolio/profile on portfolios.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 14 day Photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on my email on agentgilbert.royalclothing@yahoo.co.uk and I will fill you in on the details.
Regards,
Gilbert.
+44 704 571 6167
I just got one too –
From: info.royalclothing@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: PHOTOGRAPHY!!
Date: May 22, 2008 4:54:45 PM PDT
Reply-To: agentgilbert.royalclothing@yahoo.co.uk
Hello,
My name is Mr. Gilbert Presley, an Agent with ROYAL CLOTHING NETWORK, an about to be launched clothing line in the UK..
I had the rare privilege of view your portfolio/profile on portfolios.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 14 day Photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on my email on agentgilbert.royalclothing@yahoo.co.uk and I will fill you in on the details.
Regards,
Gilbert.
+44 704 571 6167
The very same happened to me .I am a hairstylist and was given the same hype for hair services for the models.I of course tried to get info on the talent agency and designer, and that is when I found this site.I hope they catch them before they get someone who does not do their homework.
This is mine, received on May,23th:
first mail was:
Hello,
My name is Mr. Gilbert Presley, an Agent with ROYAL CLOTHING NETWORK, an about to be launched clothingline in the UK.
I had the rare privilege of view your portfolio/profile on portfolios.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 14 day Photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on my email on agentgilbert.royalclothing@yahoo.co.uk and I will fill you in on the details.
Regards,
Gilbert.
+44 704 571 6167
After I have asked for more infos, this was the answer:
Hello ,
Thanks for indicating interest to be a part of this epoch making shoot session.
This session is being together by (ROYAL CLOTHING NETWORK), a soon to be launched clothing line and like you already know its for 14 days.
For this Job, some home based Models and Photographers have already been contracted but the Company wants this shoot to have a bit of International feel which is why our Agency have been saddled with the responsibility of providing a few International Photographers which is why you were contacted..
The contract sum for this Job is 30,000 Pounds and a daily allowance of 100 Pounds.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID PASSPORT, A UK WORK PERMIT AND A UK PHOTOGRAPHY LICENSE (from the British Home Office here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in the UK.
For this Job you will be required to work with the Home based and International Models that have and will be contracted in very choice and picturesque Locations such as beaches, hilltops and fashionable parks and environs.
You are to know that all your traveling expenses will also be covered and you will also receive an upfront payment of 50% as soon as acquire the needed documents that will stand as proof that you will really honor the contract.
If you wish, you can come with your personal photography equipments such as lightings and Digital Camera but note that the Client will also be providing the needed equipments and also a producer will be employed by the Client.
Kindly note this Job is billed to kick off 4th June 2008 so we require your utmost dedication and allegiance.
Let me know if you require any other info.
Gilbert Presley.
+44704 571 6167.
…………………..
This is something I got my email this morning… wish people had better things to do with their time.. lol
Hello,
Your portfolio was viewed and scrutinized on portflios.com.
Will you welcome a 14 day Job contract in the UK as a Photographer?
If yes, reply to jameson_wallsagency@yahoo.se and I will feed you all the needed details.
Regards,
Wayne Dunn
hahaha… I dont even have anything worth ‘scrutinizing’ on portfolios.com.
Oh well.
thanks for posting all these. have been playing along to see where it goes, cant be bothered anymore so said i’ve been booked. emails have been from Tony Lesscot at Royal Clothing UK. coulda done with a quick 30000 pounds though.
This thread is really helpful. First thing I did when receiving a suspicious email is check here. It would be great to have an ongoing place to post such scams even when this thread becomes too long to manage and search.
Looks like”Gilbert’ is now “Tony”. Just received this one today:
Hello,
My name is Tony Lescott, an Agent with ROYAL CLOTHING NETWORK, an about to be launched clothing line in the UK.
I had the rare privilege of view your portfolio/profile on http://www.lebook.com and I thought I could seek your interest for a 14 day Photography contract in the UK.
If yes, then email me back on my email on tony.royalclothinguk@yahoo.co.uk and I will fill you in on the details.
Regards,
Tony.
Good Dy and thanks for been there.
Yes I have been receiveing e-mails from this address: jameson_wallsagency@yahoo.se from a person that signs under the name of Wayne Dunn. He offered me a contract for 30.000 Bitish Pounds for 15 days work as a photogapher in London and he is been insisting that I am to hire a LAWYER FOR 400 POUNDS IN ORDER FOR ME TO GET A WORK PERMIT. HE DID SUGEST THE NAME OF A MAN BY THE NAME OF MARTIN LLOYD AS THE LAWYER FOR ME TO GET IN CONTACT WITH
Your portfolio was viewed and scrutinized on portflios.com.
Will you welcome a 14 day Job contract in the UK as a Photographer?
If yes, reply to jameson_wallsagency@yahoo.se and I will feed you all the needed details.
Regards,
Wayne Dunn
Good Dy and thanks for been there.
Yes I have been receiveing e-mails from this address: jameson_wallsagency@yahoo.se from a person that signs under the name of Wayne Dunn. He offered me a contract for 30.000 Bitish Pounds for 15 days work as a photogapher in London and he is been insisting that I am to hire a LAWYER FOR 400 POUNDS IN ORDER FOR ME TO GET A WORK PERMIT. HE DID SUGEST THE NAME OF A MAN BY THE NAME OF MARTIN LLOYD AS THE LAWYER FOR ME TO GET IN CONTACT WITH
Your portfolio was viewed and scrutinized on portflios.com.
Will you welcome a 14 day Job contract in the UK as a Photographer?
If yes, reply to jameson_wallsagency@yahoo.se and I will feed you all the needed details.
Regards,
Wayne Dunn
Photogs check this out…
photographers scam is true: here is a copy of an email from the ministries for a California photo shoot.
Cheers,
Phil Klein
http://www.philkleinphotographer.com
“SAMPLE OF ONE OF SEVERAL EMAILS BELOW”
Hello,
Thanks for your email, the crusade will start from August 21st to August 26th. I am waiting for your total cost.
Sincere regards,
David.
On Mon, May 26, 2008 at 6:39 PM, James Brown wrote:
Hello,
Thanks for your email, I will need your assistance to make sure that this crusade is a successful one, we want to keep the record of all that will happen in the event. Please also note that you will have to load the picture for us in a hard drive. The crusade will last for 5hrs every evening for the number of days that you have been informed (6 days)
As it stands now that ministry have not concluded on the venue where the crusade will take place though we have concluded that it will be in your state. Remember that we will take care of your feeding, lodging and transportation/flight as the case may be.
Do prepare your total cost of handling this project for us and get back to me to enable me handle your payment immediately without delay. Be informed the kind of photo will be for organization.
Sincere regards,
James Brown
Faith Ministries
209 Wood Street, Upper Walthamstow,
London E17 3NU
Cell: +44 70457 90076
Tel: +44-702-409-3067
Fax: +44-700-596-1818
I’ve received three modified versions of this apparent scams in the last 24 hours alone:
Subj: Please Read this as quickly as possible
Body:
i am doing an assignment in photography at my school and i was wondering if you could email me some information about your career and your family life. this is all for an assignment, i’m not going to stalk your or something. please right back to me as soon as possible so that i can find out if you would be able to give me this information or not.
thank you.
emily louise.
Royal Clothing Network is at it again! This time however they have moved onto clothing designers. They have certainly stepped up from just the emails. They have created there own website, thankfully with enough circuitous information to raise an eyebrow.
So tell your clothing designers now to keep an eye out!
Here is the email they are scamming to fashion designers. I’ve posted it on my site as well and have passed it around to hundreds of designers so hopefully it will start popping up in google search (I originally searched for the company Bozimo Linds Designs and didn’t find anything about the scam).
“Thanks for your interest to take up this Job, your profile Matched most of the criterias as stated by the Company which was why you were contacted.
This Job is being organized by BOZIMO LINDS DESIGNS a new clothing designs that will be launched come July 2008.
You will be required to bring in your Wealth of International ideas to add to the Launch of the clothing design, you will be involved in the making of Casual wears, official Attires, Evening wears for Men, Women,and Children.
Like you rightly know, this contract is for 3 weeks and all your travelling expenses and accommodation will be totally taken care of by the company. The entire contract sum for this contract is 40,000 Pounds and you will be paid a daily allowance of 120 Pounds. All the materials needed are already in place so all we require is your presence and if possible an Assistant.
REQUIREMENTS:
All you need to make this Job a reality is a VALID PASSPORT AND A UK WORK PERMIT (Obtainable from the Home Office here in the UK).
You will be paid a 50% upfront payment of 20,000 Pounds after you might have secured your UK WORK PERMIT.
One important thing you must note in this Job is that it comes up 9th July 2008 as this idea of employing Foreign Fashion Designers was a very late one and we at about now in the last lap of events before the launch, so I employ you to kindly clear up any likely conflicting schedules.
Get back to me in good time if you require any additional info.
Regards,
Princewill Johnson.
009447045716167. (Phone).
http://bozimo-linds-designs.4t.com“
I have recently recieved a very similar request.
Thanks for your interest to be a part of this modeling contract that is being put together by MARTIN LORRAINE CLOTHING DESIGNS(A soon to be launched clothing designs in the UK).
The contract sum for this Job is 30,000 Pounds, a monthly salary of 2000 Pounds and an accommodation allowance of 910 Pounds monthly.
For this Job, MARTINLORRAINE DESIGNS which is the Client will be in charge of all traveling expenses and it must be noted that we are acting as your sole representative between you and the Client offering this Job and therefore we are entitled to 10% of the contract sum and you will only get to meet or speak with your employers only when you arrive the UK so all questions should be directed to me.
Like you alreadyknow the duration of this contract is 2 months as you will be involveding lots of advertisements, bill board shoots, shoot sessions and media parleys.
BELOW ARE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU MUST MEET BEFORE ARRIVAL.
1. YOU MUST POSESS A VALID TRAVEL PASSPORT, A UK WORK PERMIT AND A UK MODEL LICENSE FROM THE BRITISH HOME OFFICE HERE IN THE UK.
2. YOU MUST BE READY TO ACT AT A VERY FAST PACE BECAUSE THIS JOB IS BILLED TO KICK OFF 5TH OF JULY 2008 AND MOST IMPORTANTLY,
3. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SECURE AN APARTMENT UP FRONT AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE THROUGH THE OFFICIAL HOUSING AGENCY FOR THIS CONTRACT. (COMFORTABLE HOUSING/ESTATE AGENCY) AND THIS IS THE SOLE REASON WHY YOU ARE BEING PAID A MONTLY ACCOMMODATION SALARY. THIS IS SO BECAUSE
THE CLIENT REQUIRES A BIT OF COMMITMENT ON YOUR PART THAT YOU
WILL HONOR THIS CONTRACT.
NOTE 1: All the expenses that will be incurred in getting all the necessary documents for this Job will be picked up by the Client and also note that the Client
(MARTINLORRAINE) requires your utmost secrecy on this Job because it intends to take the other Clothing Companies in the UK by surprise so it is expected
that you do not let a 3rd party into this which is also part ofthe reason they are paying you such a high fee.
NOTE 2: As soon as you secure an apartment, the Client will be paying you an upfront payment of 50% of the contract sum (15,000 Pounds) alongside the money with which you will book your travel ticket and it will be mailed to you via courier along with your work documents (UK WORK PERMIT AND UK MODEL LICENSE).
Hope you get the drift in all these? If you are still keen on moving ahead,get back to me so I can fill you on the next step.
Regards,
[…] zu diesen Betrugsversuchen und einige andere Versionen werden hier, hier, hier und hier […]
I got scammed on craigslist. An ad was put up saying that there will be a family reunion to be shot. I gave them my fee and they said that the reunion will be in salt lake city and the family will be paying for the flight and accomodations for the weekend of june 14 and 15. However I didnt get any flight details and they didnt contact me until today (a day before the shoot). In that email they said that they are sending me a check (which was way over what I quoted) and that I need to take my service fee and send them the rest. I knew it was too good to be true. It sounded very good to me and since I am a semi pro photographer, I was looking to make some money. I was suspicious since the re-union was for a palentologist that when I googled didnt even show up. I forwarded the email to the government spam service and will send them a copy of the check as well when I get it.
Here is the version tat I received today.
____________________________________________________
Hello,
Your portfolio was viewed and scrutinized on ujenatalent.com
Would you welcome a 2 Month Photography contract in the UK ?
If yes, reply to psalm_talent_agency@yahoo.se and I will feed you all the needed details.
Regards,
Amber Fredrick.
+447045716167.
here is one i got and a responce
Hello,
Your portfolio was viewed and scrutinized on poftfolio.com
Would you welcome a 2 Month Photography contract in the UK ?
If yes, reply to psalm_talent_agency@yahoo.se and I will feed you all the needed details.
Regards,
Amber Fredrick.
+447045716167.
————————————————————————
And
Thanks for your interest to be a part of this modeling contract that is being put together by BECKY SANDERS DESIGNS(A soon to be launched clothing designs in the UK).
The contract sum for this Job is 40,000 Pounds, a monthly salary of 2000 Pounds and an accommodation allowance of 910 Pounds monthly.
For this Job, BECKY SANDERS DESIGNS which is the Client will be in charge of all traveling expenses.
Like you already know the duration of this contract is 2 months as you will be involved in working with the Models who will be doing lots of advertisements, bill board shoots, shoot sessions and media parleys.
BELOW ARE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU MUST MEET BEFORE ARRIVAL.
1. YOU MUST POSSESS A VALID TRAVEL PASSPORT, A UK WORK PERMIT FROM THE BRITISH HOME OFFICE HERE
IN THE UK.
2. YOU MUST BE READY TO ACT AT A VERY FAST PACE BECAUSE THIS JOB IS BILLED TO KICK OFF 30TH OF JUNE 2008 AND MOST IMPORTANTLY,
3. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SECURE AN APARTMENT UP FRONT AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE THROUGH THE OFFICIAL HOUSING AGENCY FOR THIS CONTRACT. (COMFORTABLE HOUSING/ESTATE AGENCY) AND THIS IS THE SOLE REASON
WHY YOU ARE BEING PAID A MONTHLY ACCOMMODATION SALARY. THIS IS SO BECAUSE THE COMPANY REQUIRES A BIT OF COMMITMENT ON YOUR PART THAT YOU WILL HONOR THIS CONTRACT.
NOTE 1: All the expenses that will be incurred in getting all the necessary documents for this Job will be picked up by the Client and also note that the Company requires your utmost secrecy on this Job because it intends to take the other Clothing Companies in the UK by surprise so it is expected that you do not let a 3rd party into this which is also part of the reason they are paying you such a high fee.
NOTE 2: As soon as you secure an apartment, the Client will be paying you an upfront payment of 50% of the contract sum (20,000 Pounds) alongside the money with which you will book your travel ticket and it will be mailed to you via courier along with your work document (UK WORK PERMIT ).
Hope you get the drift in all these? If you are still keen on moving ahead,get back to me so I can fill you on the next step.
Regards,
Amber Fredrick.
+44 704 571 6167.
http://psalmtalentagency.co.uk
Yet another, this time asking for a Social Security number, but it’s optional :)
Hello,
My name is Thomas Brown I own a magazine company in the United Kingdom,It has just been established in United Kingdom and the website of the magazine is under construction and I currently need photographers for the first edition and of my magazine named TARGET MAGAZINE.I saw your profile and the samples of your works while surfing the internet on ujena talent website, I appreciate them and I would like us to do some works together.I presently have good offer for you,my company has opportunities for photographers.
I want to know if you are interested in the job because I need a photographer who will help shoot for the first edition of the magazine.Please let me know if you are interested in the Job.
DETAILS ABOUT THE JOB?
You have 12 different photo shoots to cover.
The shooting will hold at your studio in your location at a notified date that will be given to you later ,so you don’t have to worry about traveling,the name and address of the model you will work with will be forwarded to you before the date of the shooting .
HOW MUCH WILL YOU EARN?
You stand a chance of making reasonable $4,500 from this deal,and even a noticeable fame. Let me know if you are interested in my offer and I would like you to give me your details as listed below…
first name:
last name:
Contact Home Address:
City:
State:
Zip code:
Mobile phone#:
Work phone#:
Age:
Social Security# (optional):
Yahoo Instant Messenger: _ (If you don’t have one then you
activate a yahoo account).
I await your response.
Thanks.
Thomas Brown
thomasbrownuk1984@hotmail.com
+447031905452
my assistant just got one too… when she asked fir more info they sent her something for models.. she replied.. that Michael ( me) am a photographer NAOT a model we received this back.
Hello Emily ,
The issue of the details applying to Models was a mistake,
Thanks for indicating interest to be a part of this epoch making shoot session.
This session is being together by (BECKY SANDERS DESIGNS), a soon to be launched clothing design.
For this Job, some home based Models and Photographers have already been contracted but the Company wants this shoot to have a bit of International feel which is why our Agency have been saddled with the responsibility of providing a few International Photographers which is why you were contacted.
The contract sum for this Job is 25,000 Pounds and a daily allowance of 100 Pounds.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID PASSPORT, A UK WORK PERMIT AND A UK PHOTOGRAPHY LICENSE (from the British Home Office here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in the UK.
For this Job you will be required to work with the Home based and International Models that have and will be contracted in very choice and picturesque Locations such as beaches, hilltops and fashionable parks and environs.
You are to know that all your traveling expenses will also be covered and you will also receive an upfront payment of 50% as soon as acquire the needed documents that will stand as proof that you will really honor the contract.
If you wish, you can come with your personal photography gadgets but note that the Client will also be providing the needed gadgets and you are also entitled to come along with one assistant.
Kindly note this Job is billed to kick off 3rd of July 2008 so we require your utmost dedication and allegiance.
Let me know if you require any other info.
Amber Fredrick..
+447045716167.
http://psalmtalentagency.co.uk
I guess the clothing line hasen’t been launched jet ;-)
I received this yesterday.
Hello ,
Thanks for indicating interest to be a part of this epoch making shoot session.
This session is being together by (BECKY SANDERS DESIGNS), a soon to be launched clothing line and like you already know its for 10 days.
For this Job, some home based Models and Photographers have already been contracted but the Company wants this shoot to have a bit of International feel which is why our Agency have been saddled with the responsibility of providing a few International Models which is why you were contacted.
The contract sum for this Job is 30,000 Pounds and a daily allowance of 100 Pounds.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID PASSPORT, A UK WORK PERMIT AND A UK MODEL LICENSE (from the British Home Office here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in the UK.
For this Job you will be required to work with the Home based Photographers that will be contracted in very choice and picturesque Locations such as beaches, hilltops and fashionable parks and environs.
You are to know that all your traveling expenses will also be covered and you will also receive an upfront payment of 50% as soon as acquire the needed document that will stand as proof that you will really honor the contract.
Kindly note this Job is billed to kick off 3rd July 2008 so we require your utmost dedication and allegiance.Let me know if you require any other info.
Amber Fredrick.
+44704 571 6167.
http://psalmtalentagency.co.uk
Looks like I just got one of these, this one from Seek Work Consulting. Text below:
Attn:
We would like to offer you a 6 months job offer on a cruise ship as a photographer. Your information has been reviewed and recommended to the Asian owned cruiser,(M.V Custavia) under the operational policies and management of Express Cruise & shipping Company, Ghana, representatives to British Gurkha Overseas Services, Nepal.
The Vessel has just anchored at the Takoradi Habour, and your application has been granted as a prospective staff. The contract period is 6months, and remuneration is very attractive.
If you would like to secure this job please reply to this email or call our Operation Manager Mr. Mark Smith directly on +447024077622 as soon as possible and we shall see to it that your desired position is reserved for you.
Regards,
Sarah Cole,
Seek Work Consulting
London, England.
Email:silogar_consultant@mac.com
Phone: +447024077622
Today I got the same message:
We would like to offer you a 6 months job offer on a cruise ship as a photographer. Your information has been reviewed and recommended to the Asian owned cruiser,(M.V Custavia) under the operational policies and management of Express Cruise & shipping Company, Ghana, representatives to British Gurkha Overseas Services, Nepal.
The Vessel has just anchored at the Takoradi Habour, and your application has been granted as a prospective staff. The contract period is 6months, and remuneration is very attractive.
If you would like to secure this job please reply to this email or call our Operation Manager Mr. Mark Smith directly on +447024077622 as soon as possible and we shall see to it that your desired position is reserved for you.
Regards,
Sarah Cole,
Seek Work Consulting
London, England.
Email:silogar_consultant@mac.com
Phone: +447024077622.
I just got the same message:
Attn:
We would like to offer you a 6 months job offer on a cruise ship …….etc etc
…… desired position is reserved for you.
Regards,
Sarah Cole,
Seek Work Consulting
London, England.
Email:silogar_consultant@mac.com
Phone: +447024077622.
samke in my mailbox:
We would like to offer you a 6 months job offer on a cruise ship as a photographer. Your information has been reviewed and recommended to the Asian owned cruiser,(M.V Custavia) under the operational policies and management of Express Cruise & shipping Company, Ghana, representatives to British Gurkha Overseas Services, Nepal.
The Vessel has just anchored at the Takoradi Habour, and your application has been granted as a prospective staff. The contract period is 6months, and remuneration is very attractive.
If you would like to secure this job please reply to this email or call our Operation Manager Mr. Mark Smith directly on +447024077622 as soon as possible and we shall see to it that your desired position is reserved for you.
Regards,
Sarah Cole,
Seek Work Consulting
London, England.
Email:silogar_consultant@mac.com
Phone: +447024077622.
email here too, in Venezuela.
Attn:
We would like to offer you a 6 months job offer on a cruise ship as a photographer. Your information has been reviewed and recommended to the Asian owned cruiser,(M.V Custavia) under the operational policies and management of Express Cruise & shipping Company, Ghana, representatives to British Gurkha Overseas Services, Nepal.
The Vessel has just anchored at the Takoradi Habour, and your application has been granted as a prospective staff. The contract period is 6months, and remuneration is very attractive.
If you would like to secure this job please reply to this email or call our Operation Manager Mr. Mark Smith directly on +447024077622 as soon as possible and we shall see to it that your desired position is reserved for you.
Regards,
Sarah Cole,
Seek Work Consulting
London, England.
Email:silogar_consultant@mac.com
Phone: +447024077622.
It seems to me these guys would be way more successful if they would learn proper english…lol
Not that we want them to be better at this junk.
I received this email here in Canada….it is great to have websites like this…thanks :)
My name is John. I am Supervising Events Planner/Promoter with Karavan Evento Creatore. We are seeking to employ the services of a professional Photographer in an up-coming event in Manchester, UK.
The dates are 15th and 16th of May 2008. The photographer will be taking photo shots of participants, Location(landscaping), Building(s) interior, Refreshments. Time frame will be 4 hours daily. The event is a two days long Alumni class re-union and retreat. An estimate of 150 people are expected to be in attendance. The location will be a 6 acres ranch in the UK. And the photographer will be shooting during the day.(morning, noon, afternoon)
We initially booked a photographer, but he(the photographer) canceled due to some unforeseen circumstances. That if why we have to get a replacement within the limited time frame.
Karavan Evento Creatore is a new and registered events management company. I co-own it with a friend. We currently work on contract bases. Our official website should be up and running in some weeks.
Because of the time constraint, we will appreciate your quick response. Considering this will be your first work with us(should you agree, and we are satisfied with your works), you will only be documenting the event.
If you will be available on this dates, and are interested, kindly send us a some of your previous works. This may be a link to your website, or an email of your recent works.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
John Mathies (Supervisor)
+447024071784
For: Karavan Evento Creatore
Here’s what I got. Note that they don’t seem to be interested in my qualifications nor portfolio.
I *did* have a legit job come through this way once. They needed a head shot at a site about two hours from me, and claimed I was the only photographer they could locate in the Portland, Oregon metro area. (Yea, right.) They showed no interest in my qualifications, claiming only to have found my website. But I spent about two non-billed hours checking them out (easy to do, since they were an ad agency in Missouri, and the Better Business Bureau there knew them, and I also talked to the talent’s boss, whom I found via directory assistance), and got my standard hourly plus expenses out of the deal. So there are stupid ad agencies as well as stupid scammers out there!
On 19 Aug 08, at 07:29, silogar_consultant@me.com wrote:
Good day,
I am emailing to inform you that we have a job opening on a Cruise Vessel as a Photographer managed by Akosombo Cruise & shipping Company, Ghana, representatives to British Gurkha Overseas Services, Nepal.
The Vessel has just anchored at the Takoradi Habour and we would like to grant you an offer to work onboard with a very good remuneration.
The contract period is for 6 months and remuneration is very attractive.
If you would like to secure this job please reply to this email or call our Operation Manager Mr. Evans Brew on +447023064998 as soon as possible, we shall make sure your desired position is reserved for you as we are the Consulting Agency.
Best of luck,
Celine Whitney,
Pacific Consult,
London, England.
Email: consult.pacific@yahoo.com
Phone: +447023064998
The same one as Byesmith received :o
Job openning as a Photographer…..
From: silogar_consultant@me.com
Sent: August 19, 2008 2:32:38 PM
To:
Good day,
I am emailing to inform you that we have a job opening on a Cruise
Vessel as a Photographer managed by Akosombo Cruise & shipping Company,
Ghana, representatives to British Gurkha Overseas Services, Nepal.
The Vessel has just anchored at the Takoradi Habour and we would like
to grant you an offer to work onboard with a very good remuneration.
The contract period is for 6 months and remuneration is very
attractive.
If you would like to secure this job please reply to this email or call
our Operation Manager Mr. Evans Brew on +447023064998 as soon as
possible, we shall make sure your desired position is reserved for you
as we are the Consulting Agency.
Best of luck,
Celine Whitney,
Pacific Consult,
London, England.
Email: consult.pacific@yahoo.com
Phone: +447023064998
Same thing here- I’ve received many of these this year (& in ’07)- kinda scary since they reference our industry pretty well- wish I could strangle them with my bare hands:
———
Hello,
I am Stuart Palmer from SIFY MODEL AGENCY, Your portfolio was viewed and scrutinized on blackbook.com and I thought I might seek your interest in a 10 days Photography contract in the UK?
If Interested, reply to sify_model_agency@yahoo.se and I will fill you in on all the details.
Regards,
Stuart Palmer
+44 704 576 5852
————
Yeah, come on over here “Stuart” (or is it Rosie Palmer) and I’ll show you how I use my tripod on scammers.
Similar Scam came to us. We own a small florist/decorating company and we got an email from Folly Hammond. Very broken english from the UK. wanted us to plan a wedding for him very short notice and send a deposit to his pastor/minister for him. We go no actual information we needed to plan a wedding all he talked about was the deposit he was sending us for our services and to make sure we send money to his minister from his childhood. HUGE SCAM, we did receive a check that he wanted us to deposit in our bank account. We didn’t of course. Even if you need the money don’t fall for it. Watch Out for Folley Hammond Wedding Scams!
I thought this e mail sounded odd. I typed in the comapny name and came up with this post.
I also had a man call and ask if I could get camera equiptment. I quoted him an overinflated ballpark price and suggested ebay. He sent a credit card and asked me to process the order. I checked witht the credit card co and they were stolen. I e mailed him back and said they were declined. He kept sending me different cards I just said that after the 4 try we require cash. It is as same as the art print scam as soon as everything reverses they have the money.
here is the e mail scam I got
“I am emailing to inform you that we have a job opening on a Cruise Vessel as a Photographer managed by Akosombo Cruise & shipping Company, Ghana, representatives to British Gurkha Overseas Services, Nepal.
The Vessel has just anchored at the Takoradi Habour and we would like to grant you an offer to work onboard with a very good remuneration. The contract period is for 6 months and remuneration is very attractive.
If you would like to secure this job please reply to this email or call our Operation Manager Mr. Evans Brew on +447023064998 as soon as possible, we shall make sure your desired position is reserved for you as we are the Consulting Agency.
Best of luck,
Celine Whitney,
Pacific Consult,
London, England.
Email: consult.pacific@yahoo.com
Phone: +447023064998″
Wow! In one day I was offer a job as a Photographer and a Fitness Consultant! Nothing suspicious there!
On Aug 29, 2008, silogar_consultant@me.com wrote:
Good day,
I am emailing to inform you that we have a job opening on a Cruise Vessel as a Photographer managed by Akosombo Cruise & shipping Company, Ghana, representatives to British Gurkha Overseas Services, Nepal.
The Vessel has just anchored at the Takoradi Habour and we would like to grant you an offer to work onboard with a very good remuneration. The contract period is for 6 months and remuneration is very attractive.
If you would like to secure this job please reply to this email or call our Operation Manager Mr. Evans Brew on +447023064998 as soon as possible, we shall make sure your desired position is reserved for you as we are the Consulting Agency.
Best of luck,
Celine Whitney,
Pacific Consult,
London, England.
Email: consult.pacific@yahoo.com
Phone: +447023064998
Attn,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. We are happy to inform you that you have been employed on one of our Cruise ship as a Fitness Instructor.
The ship set sails in two months time, during this time, we will have enough time to process your documents and give you all the information you would need about the ship before you set sail. After you have provided your information, the Company will send you our Brochure about the ship and all the necessary information you will need onboard.
Please find attached our acceptance letter from the Company and also a Deed of Accord from Ghana Merchant Board Association stating your employment with us. A placement fee of $100.00USD is to be paid; this fee includes the Agency Fee in London and Ghana Merchant Board Fee. No fee is to be paid to the Company for processing of your cable visa.
Please fill out the forms and present to us including your scanned data side of your passport (we will use that to prepare your cable visa), your passport picture and your CV (we already have that). When all necessary protocols have been observed, we will present your documents to the embassy for them to process your cable visa. When it’s ready, we will go ahead and book your flight ticket and send all necessary documents to you via FedEx for you to prepare for your trip. The Company brochure and terms of contract will be sent to you via FedEx when we receive all necessary protocols.
Thank you and we hope to explain further if there should be any misunderstanding.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Hi All!
I run an event planning and wedding coordination firm in Los Angeles. I just received an email from Folly Hammond too! This time he is pretending to be getting married!
Thank goodness I searched the name online and found this blog!
I will spread the word about this scam! Keep up the good work!
Carolyn
got one from Pacific Consulting
———————
Good day,
I am emailing to inform you that we have a job opening on a Cruise Vessel as a Photographer managed by Akosombo Cruise & shipping Company, Ghana, representatives to British Gurkha Overseas Services, Nepal.
The Vessel has just anchored at the Takoradi Habour and we would like to grant you an offer to work onboard with a very good remuneration. The contract period is for 6 months and remuneration is very attractive.
If you would like to secure this job please reply to this email or call our Operation Manager Mr. Evans Brew on +447023064998 as soon as possible, we shall make sure your desired position is reserved for you as we are the Consulting Agency.
Best of luck,
Celine Whitney,
Pacific Consult,
London, England.
Email: consult.pacific@yahoo.com
Phone: +447023064998
I just got your email right now and i am pleased that you are intrested and you are going to go ahead with the shoot.The job is urgent so everything should be made ready asap.If you have more headshots iwould like you to send them.
The shoot will be holding on the 29th of september and will be holding for 2 days.Accomodation and feeding will be handled by us. As part of my working policy and ethics, i receive part payment from any client before i proceed with any job and balance immediately after the shooting, this is to identify a serious client and ascertain the job, i hope you comprehend this fact.
I’ve contacted our client and they said security deposit and studio fee will be paid, until we receive and confirm part payment we will not shoot, your part payment is $500 and the balance in cash on the last day of the shoot,I hope you understand ? Send me your payment details as to wish our client is to mail out your part payment to you below
Full Name –
Home address(no p.o box pls) –
City –
state –
Zipcode –
Pls get back to me with the information i asked for…as soon as security payment is recieved by you i will give you further instructions ok.Also the contract and flight ticket will be mailed to you 2 days to the shoot.
This Job is a real opportunity to showcase your self..Models that the client see fit will be retained as long time models and given a longer contract and much more pay.Hope you are having a nice day.
employment.1960@yahoo.co.uk
Hello there,
This is to inform you that payment has been approved on your name and all necessary arrangement has been made regards materials and the equipments for the shoot, the shoot will take place in the location as earlier mentioned to you, transportation has been arranged as we will come over to pick you up to be taken to the location, your photograph will be enclosed to your profile assignment file, this shoot is an opportunity for you in the industry because this shoot will be spread across the globe to be seen everywhere, this may be your open door, it all depends on your ability to work and obey all rules and regulation guiding this assignment.
I am presently in Australia and will be back before the shooting date, while our clients traveled yesterday for prayer for the success of the shoot although she is an Australian but wants to shoot her catalog in USA also establish her branch company in the States. Equipments and materials for the shoot will be arranged and shipped by an Associate, but I need to inform you on this because my client issued your part payment of $600 plus the materials charge $2250 which means you will be expecting a check of $2850 from her as soon as you receive the check you will deduct your part payment of $600 while you send $2250 to the company that will supply the materials for the shooting, further information will be given as soon as you get the check.
I understand that my client should have issued the money directly to the company but they do not accept check payment and the cost of money transfer outlet here is very high, considering the money that has been invested in this shoot we decided to issue the total sum to you so you can help cash the check, deduct you part payment and help transfer the balance to the company because it always cheaper from the united states since we do not want occurrence of any kind of delay while she is in her journey, she wants everything to be ready before she comes back, then we shall start the shooting.
The Shooting is just a day (6 hours). Immediately after the shoot your balance.
Your High co-operation will be needed till end of the shooting, do get back to me to confirm the receipt of this email also if it is well understood.
Regards,
This is real time I just got the overage check today…
Oct 4th
“Am Suzana James by name, I am a Co-Ordinator, Wedding / Event
Planner.I have a client wedding,which will be coming up on 22th of
November, 2008. I do have so many client’s date at hand…
At below venue:
24 Sandalwood Street,
Pensacola, FL 32505
Your service will be needed at the wedding. Over 100 Guests from USA,
United Kingdom (U.K) and around the world will be at the wedding. My
client (Jeremy) presently lives and work in Leeds, UK… Etc…”
Oct 28th
Hi Robert,
Below is the package my client has picked and approved for the wedding.
The Day Lily:
2 Hours Pre-Wedding, Complete Ceremony Coverage, 4 Hours Reception Coverage
Wedding Formal Photo Session… Etc…
$1,295.00
My client is willing to make payment out to you. Payment will be made
out to you in check, get back to me with name, address and phone
number so payment can be made out to you so as to get your service
booked for the wedding.”
Oct 29th
“Thanks for the information. I’ll like ou to confirmthe information
before payment is been made out to you.
Will the check be made out to Scott Hughes Photography and Design and sent to
923 NE 17th Terrace
Ocala, Florida 34470
Get back to me if am right soi can get the information forwarded to my
client for payment.
Thanks…”
Oct 30 TODAY
I received a check in the mail today for 3,850.00 it is much more than the amount I quoted… I was going to check it at the bank since it is the same bank I have my account at… I checked the address on the check belong to a business in Miami, a business for industrial tractor sales… hmmm
I looked up the person on the return address on the DHL package, an address in Calif… The person does exist on Google in Calif, no listed address and I think a working phone number…
I was going to call the “client” via the phone number on the DHL package, however, I thought I would check my email to see if there was any correspondance…
Then I received this email…
Hi Robert,
I am glad to inform you that payment has been made out to you. It was
sent out to you via DHL. Here is the tracking number to the package
(8xxxxxx). Get it tracked on http://www.dhl.com
Once you get it, deduct your fee out of it and get the remaining
difference sent to the african singer via western union so as to get
their service booked for the wedding.
Below is the information you need to get the money sent to the
singervia Western Union:
Name : Oyewole Nurudeen
Address: P.O Box 1019
City : Cotonou
Country : Republic Of Benin.
Text Question : Event
Answer : Wedding.
Once you get it sent, get back to me with the following information
Sender’s Name
Sender’s Address
MTCN
Amount sent
Note : Deduct all fee and charges from the money you are sending to the singer.
I then decided to check out the Republic of Benin and then internet scams associated with it… I also googled Photography job scams Cragislist… And I found your site…
Thank God…
So what next? I think I am going to print out a paper trail of the emails… this site and then couple it together and deliver it to our local Sheriff complete with the address on the DHL package. Maybe they can track down the address in Cali…
Weird.
I am looking for work as a freelance photog, my site for my portfolio is
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scotthughesphoto/
Let me know if there is anything I can do for anybody… I am trying to take care of my family!
Hope this helps! Thanks for this site… It is good to know…
My name is Jose Antonio Martin; I want to reserve you as a photographer that can cover our forth coming seminar in your state/country. This Seminar will last for six days starting from January 21st each session of the Seminar will last for 5hours.
I will want you to get back to me with your total cost. Please bear in mind that our group will take care of your transportation, feeding and lodging accommodation if need be.
Thanks and God bless you.
Jose Antonio Martin
Jimenez Agency Co.
Tel: +44 704-57-90076
Tel: +44-702-409-3067
Fax: +44-700-596-1818
E-mail: joseantomails21@gmail.com
156 Wood Street, Upper Walthamstow,
London E17 3NU
@gregor titze,
Dear Gregor,
My name is Gilles, I am a French photographer, and I have also been in contact with Jose Antonio Martin. …. I would like to know if you worked with him, and how you sorted out… Unfortunatelly I have some problems with him… Please get in contact with me asap, it is urgent! Thank you in advance for you reply.
Gilles
My name is Jose Antonio Martin; I want to reserve you as a photographer that can cover our forth coming seminar in your state/country. This Seminar will last for six days starting from January 21st each session of the Seminar will last for 5hours.
I will want you to get back to me with your total cost in Euro Currency. Please bear in mind that our group will take care of your transportation, feeding and lodging accommodation if need be.
Thanks and God bless you.
Jose Antonio Martin
Jimenez Agency Co.
Tel: +44 704-57-90076
Tel: +44-702-409-3067
Fax: +44-700-596-1818
156 Wood Street, Upper Walthamstow,
London E17 3NU
@Mikaela,
Dear Mikaela, and dear all people who got in contact with Mr Martin
My name is Gilles, I am a French photographer and I have been in contact with Jose Antonio Martin. Could you please get in contact with me to tell me if you worked with him and how you sorted out, as unfortunatelly I have some problems with him. thank you in advance for your reply.
Gilles
Hello Patrick,
Thanks for your prompt response to my mail. I do appreciate all your effort since my first contact with you. Like I informed you earlier that this seminar will hold in almost the whole countries of Europe, we have a moderator that will also work with you on this project. This group has made out payment for your cost and that of the next Moderator who is in charge of logistics of this seminar.
The certified cheque that was endorsed by the group president yesterday is to cover your total cost and that of the moderator. You are hereby required to confirm that once you receive this cheque, you will pay it into your account, deduct your due cost and forward the balance to the moderator.
Hence, I will need your urgent response to this mail confirming that you will handle this matter as stated.
With best regards,
Jose Antonio Martin
Jimenez Agency Co.
Tel: +44 704-57-90076
Tel: +44-702-409-3067
Fax: +44-700-596-1818
156 Wood Street, Upper Walthamstow,
London E17 3NU
My name is Jose Antonio Martin; I want to reserve you as a photographer that can cover our forth coming seminar in your state/country. This Seminar will last for six days starting from January 21st each session of the Seminar will last for 5hours.
I will want you to get back to me with your total cost in Euro Currency. Please bear in mind that our group will take care of your transportation, feeding and lodging accommodation if need be.
Thanks and God bless you.
Jose Antonio Martin
Jimenez Agency Co.
Tel: +44 704-57-90076
Tel: +44-702-409-3067
Fax: +44-700-596-1818
156 Wood Street, Upper Walthamstow,
London E17 3NU
Hello,
I am is Mr Martin Bruce,I am looking for an experienced wedding photographer who will handle my wedding dinner for a group of people who will be attending the wedding ceremony.Seven will arrive few days before the wedding day.
The wedding is expected to hold on the 20th December,2008 and 25 to 40 guests are expected to attend.
Get back to me with your total cost as we don’t have much time with.
you will have to contact me on my email mb_reserv1@yahoo.com
Best Regards,
Martin Bruce
My name is Jose Antonio Martin; I want to reserve you as a photographer , bla, bla , bla , bla……
I got his mail today…and i say….just delete.
Jonn Leffmann
Sweden
First mail:
My name is Jose Antonio Martin; I want to reserve you as a photographer … bla bla bla
Second mail:
Thanks for your email; I will need your assistance to make sure that this Seminar is a successful and documented. We want to keep the record of all that will happen in the event. Please also note that you will have to load the picture for us in a hard drive. The Seminar will last for 5hrs every morning for the number of days that you have been informed (6 days) this seminar is on information technology.
As it stands now, we have not concluded on the venue where the Seminar will take place though we have concluded that it will be in your state. Remember that we will take care of your feeding, lodging and transportation/flight as the case may be. There will be 45 participants per session of the seminar.
Do prepare your total cost of handling this project for us and get back to me to enable me handle your payment immediately without delay.
With best regards,
Jose Antonio Martin
Jimenez Agency Co.
Tel: +44 704-57-90076
Tel: +44-702-409-3067
Fax: +44-700-596-1818
156 Wood Street, Upper Walthamstow,
London E17 3NU
UK scam. 10 day shoot
Yes I have also been approached by these scammers, here is a taste from a email I received. I also spoke to some french dude on the phone in reference to the shoot. I was sus when I inquired why the shoot was not going through a ad or design agency and when I was told that the concepts would be my responsibly ” therefore just go over there and shoot whatever”.
As a holder of a EU passport I was requested to scanned my passport to prove I could work there and also provide my bank details for payment.
I was also sent a bogus employment contract from their so called client Vodafone UK. Which my contact at the AOP in London checked out did not exist at the address on the header of the contract.
from email: alltalent_castinginc@yahoo.co.uk
contact Alvin Cooper
This session is being put together by VODAFONE TELECOM COMPANY UK and like you already know its for 10 days.
For this Job, NOKIA which is the Client wants just foreign Talents for the shoot which is why our Agency have been saddled with the responsibility of providing a few International Models which is why you were contacted and there will not be any show of NUDITY.
The contract sum for this Job is 35,000 Pounds, a daily allowance of 100 Pounds and a 1,700 Pounds for all your travel arrangement since you will be required to book your roundtrip ticket yourself at any airline of your choice.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID PASSPORT, A UK WORK PERMIT (from the British Home Office here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in the UK.
For this Job you will be required to work with the Home based Models that will be contracted in very choice and picturesque Locations such as beaches, hilltops and fashionable parks and environs.
You are to know that all your traveling expenses will also be covered and you will also receive an upfront payment of 50% as soon as acquire the needed document that will stand as proof that you will really honor the contract and all traveling expenses will also be covered.
Kindly note this Job is billed to kick off 27th November 2008 so we require your utmost dedication and allegiance but if the timing does not suit you, just let me know.
so needless to say I was disappointed to find this out, although happy I went by my gut and checked it out.
Golden Rule…
If it sounds to good to be true,
It probably is….
cheers
Tom
Well I also got an email and honestly it did sound to good to be true and I guess the saying is true if it sounds too good it probably isn’t true!!
Hello Roberta,
Thanks for indicating interest to be a part of this epoch making shoot session.
This session is being put together by VODAFONE TELECOM COMPANY UK and like you already know its for 10 days.
For this Job, VODAFONE TELECOM which is the Client wants just foreign Talents for the shoot which is why our Agency have been saddled with the responsibility of providing a few International Models which is why you were contacted and there will not be any show of NUDITY.
The contract sum for this Job is 35,000 Pounds, a daily allowance of 100 Pounds and a 1,700 Pounds for all your travel arrangement since you will be required to book your roundtrip ticket yourself at any airline of your choice.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID PASSPORT, A UK WORK PERMIT (from the British Home Office here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in the UK.
For this Job you will be required to work with the Home based Models that will be contracted in very choice and picturesque Locations such as beaches, hilltops and fashionable parks and environs.
You are to know that all your traveling expenses will also be covered and you will also receive an upfront payment of 50% as soon as acquire the needed document that will stand as proof that you will really honor the contract and all traveling expenses will also be covered.
Kindly note this Job is billed to kick off 7th December 2008 so we require your utmost dedication and allegiance but if the timing does not suit you, just let me know.
You are allowed to come with an assistant and all equipments will be provided by the Client but if you wish you can come with a few of yours.
Let me know if you require any other info.
Regards,
Alvin Cooper.
+44 704 576 5852.
http://alltalent-casting.gq.nu
Second email:
Hello Roberta,
I am glad you are ready for this Job, believing you already have a valid travel passport, below is all the info you need to proceed:
A UK WORK PERMIT is a document that grants you permission to have a paid Job in the UK which without it, you cannot be gain fully employed in the UK.
Below is the process of obtaining the Permit:Procuring a Regular UK work Permit is easy but takes a whole lot of time say 3-4 weeks such time we do not have.
But it could both be gotten in 2-3 working days. All that you need to do is to employ the Services of A UK Based Solicitor who will apply for an Expedited Permit on your behalf with a letter of Recommendation from the company offering the Job and the Application will be done in the British Home Office here in the UK.
But this is done for a fee that you will be footing as a sign of commitment on your part to honor the Job because we have had cases in the past when Client pay for all that is required and employees end up not showing up after giving some flimsy excuses so as a measure to curb such excesses it was agreed that employees cover the cost of of obtaining the Expedited Permit and they will be fully reimbursed for the total amount spent on acquiring the Permit on their arrival in the UK.That way they will be obliged not to breach the contract.
And note that once you have procured the above document, they become your SOLE PROPERTY which means in a case where you are to pick up any Job in the UK in future you will not have to go through this process again which is also part of the reason you are paying the charges.
This is the reason why you have also been given the nod to get the Permit through any means you deem fit or any UK Based Solicitor you want as all we require from you is just the Permit and the receipt of the total amount you paid so as to enable easy reimbursement.
So if you are down with this you can do well to contact any UK Based Solicitor of your choice but if that will be much trouble, we will recommend a Solicitor for you who will handle the Job for you within the short time available. I have attached a review copy of the contract you will be signing on your arrival so you have a better understanding.
Regards,
Alvin Cooper.
+44 704 576 5852.
Here’s the bogus contract from Vodafone:
VODAFONE TELECOM COMPANY UK.112 LAVENDER GARDENS.LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT Employment Agreement, between VODAFONE TELEOM COMPANY UK (the “Company”)and Roberta Ruocco (Employee).1. For good consideration, the Company employs the Employee on the following termsand conditions.2. Term of Employment. Subject to the provisions for termination set forth below thisagreement will begin 7th December 2008 terminate on 17 th December , 2008 unless soonerterminated.3 . SALARY.* CONTRACT SUM: 35,000 Pounds (50% OF THIS WILL BE PAID AS UPFRONT AFTEREMPLOYEE WOULD HAVE SECURED THE NEEDED DOCUMENT) AND THE BALANCE 50%WILL BE PAID ON ARRIVAL IN THE UK.)FLIGHT EXPENSES: 1,700 Pounds. (THIS WILL BE WIRED TO YOU ALONGSIDE THE 50%UPFRONT PAYMENT).DAILY ALLOWANCE: 100 Pounds. 4. Duties and Position. The Company hires the Employee in the capacity of InternationalPhotographer/ Representative. The Employee’s duties may be reasonably modified at theCompany’s discretion from time to time.5. Employee to Devote Full Time to Company. The Employee will devote full time,attention, and energies to the business of the Company, and, during this employment, willnot engage in any other business activity, regardless of whether such activity is pursuedfor profit, gain, or other pecuniary advantage. Employee is not prohibited from makingpersonal investments in any other businesses provided those investments do not requireactive involvement in the operation of said companies.6. Confidentiality of Proprietary Information. Employee agrees, during or after the term ofthis employment, not to reveal confidential information, or trade secrets to any person,firm, corporation, or entity. Should Employee reveal or threaten to reveal this information,the Company shall be entitled to an injunction restraining the Employee from disclosingsame, or from rendering any services to any entity to whom said information has been oris threatened to be disclosed, the right to secure an injunction is not exclusive, and theCompany may pursue any other remedies it has against the Employee for a breach orthreatened breach of this condition, including the recovery of damages from theEmployee.7. Reimbursement of Expenses. The Employee may incur reasonable expenses forfurthering the Company’s business, including expenses for Work Permit, Miscellaneousexpenses, and similar items. The Company shall reimburse Employee for all businessexpenses after the Employee presents an itemized account of expenditures, pursuant toCompany policy.
Page 2
8. Disability. In the event that the Employee cannot perform the duties because of illnessor incapacity for a period of more than 0ne week, the compensation otherwise due duringsaid illness or incapacity will be reduced by 150 USD (10 percent). The Employee’s fullcompensation will be reinstated upon return to work. However, if the Employee is absentfrom work for any reason for a continuous period of over 7 days, the Company mayterminate the Employee’s employment, and the Company’s obligations under thisagreement will cease on that date.9. Termination of Agreement. Without cause, the Company may terminate this agreementat any time upon 7 days’ written notice to the Employee. At the Company’s request theEmployee will continue to perform his/her duties and may be paid his/her regular salary upto the date of termination. In addition, the Company will pay the Employee on the date ofthe termination a severance allowance of 650 USD less taxes and Social Securityrequired to be withheld, without cause; the Employee may terminate employment upon 7days’ written notice to the Company. Employee may be required to perform his or herduties and will be paid the regular salary to date of termination but shall not receiveseverance allowance. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in thisagreement, the Company may terminate the Employee’s employment upon 7 days’ noticeto the Employee should any of the following events occur:(a) The sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets to a single purchaser or group ofassociated purchasers; or(b) The sale, exchange, or other disposition, in one transaction of the majority of theCompany’s outstanding corporate shares; or(c) The Company’s decision to terminate its business and liquidate its assets;(d) The merger or consolidation of the Company with another company.(e) Bankruptcy.10. Death Benefit. Should Employee die during the term of employment, the Companyshall pay to Employee’s estate any compensation due through the end of the month inwhich death occurred11. Assistance in Litigation. Employee shall upon reasonable notice, furnish suchinformation and proper assistance to the Company as it may reasonably require inconnection with any litigation in which it is, or may become, a party either during or afteremployment.12. Effect of Prior Agreements. This Agreement supersedes any prior agreement betweenthe Company or any predecessor of the Company and the Employee, except that thisagreement shall not affect or operate to reduce any benefit or compensation inuring to theEmployee of a kind elsewhere provided and not expressly provided in this agreement.13. Settlement by Arbitration. Any claim or controversy that arises out of or relates to thisagreement, or the breach of it, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the rulesof the British Royal Arbitration Association. Judgment upon the award rendered may beentered in any court with jurisdiction.14. Limited Effect of Waiver by Company. Should Company waive breach of any provisionof this agreement by the Employee, that waiver will not operate or be construed as awaiver of further breach by the Employee.
Page 3
15. Severability. If, for any reason, any provision of this agreement is held invalid, all otherprovisions of this agreement shall remain in effect. If this agreement is held invalid orcannot be enforced, then to the full extent permitted by law any prior agreement betweenthe Company (or any predecessor thereof) and the Employee shall be deemed reinstatedas if this agreement had not been executed.16. Assumption of Agreement by Company’s Successors and Assignees. The Company’srights and obligations under this agreement will inure to the benefit and be binding uponthe Company’s successors and assignees.17. Oral Modifications Not Binding. This instrument is the entire agreement of theCompany and the Employee. Oral changes have no effect. It may be altered only by awritten agreement signed by the party against whom enforcement of any waiver, change,modification, extension, or discharge is sought.Signed this_____ day of _____________________ 20____________________________________
__________________________________________CompanyEmployee
Of course when they tell you you have to fly all the way to the UK to sign the contract and then they give you the money, it does sound kinda funny, plus no ad agency…I sent a series of serious questions like who my Vodafone contact is and requested a conference call with Vodafone prior to signing/departing and they never replied so I guess I scared them off!!
Hello,
we are looking for a fashion photography for our forth coming fashion shooting and we will take care of the hotel reservations including your air ticket to and fro.
If you like you can call me,below is the details of the Job;This is a standard photo shoot session that is billed to last for 3 week. It entails working with a fashion Models in such locations as the beach,studio, picturesque locations like hilltops with a beautiful background scenery (No nudity).
The contract worth for this shooting is 19.500 Euro per each photographer (NineteenThousand Five Hundred Euro ) with a daily allowance of 150 Euro.
Of the entire contract worth, we are entitled to 10% as your agent for this contract. This does not affect any other arrangements that you may have made earlier
with any other agent.
For this job, hotel reservations and including your air ticket are completely taken care of. All that you are to procure are an international passport,a photographer License and an official work permit from the Benin home office here in benin(that is if you haven’t had a paying job in the Republic du Benin before).
Let me know if there is any other info you may require.
Have a nice day.
Regards,
Mr Chris tann.
Benin Travel Guides and Porto-Novo Tourist Information
Boulevard De La Marina
Cotonou,Benin
West Africa
Tel:+229-97727228
Email:t_chris76@yahoo..fr
I´ve had the same scam (commission to takt pictures at a seminar)
the 6000 pound check came in the post and i was supposed to send 5000 pounds on to the person organising the seminar.
I also talked to the the person who sent me the check, Jose Antonio Martin. He spoke bad english and sounded african.
I was supposed to to wire the money to:
Bank Name: Progressions Credit Union
Bank Address: 2919 East Mission Avenue
Spokane, Washington 99202 USA
Phone 1 509 535 0191
Toll Free 1 800 828 8691
Account Name: Byron J. Heyroth
Account routing Number: 325182687
Account Number: 00021621005
here is the contact of Mr Jose Antonio Martin:
Jimenez Agency Co.
Tel: +44 704-57-90076
Tel: +44-702-409-3067
Fax: +44-700-596-1818
156 Wood Street, Upper Walthamstow,
London E17 3NU
and this is the number he called me from:
+2348033306347
This is a serious fraud as I would have lost 5000,- English Pounds
be careful…
Hi,
My name is Phillip Williams.I am planning to have my wedding ceremony on April 25, 2009 at Odyssey Cruises , 600 Water St SW Ste 202 Washington, DC 20024 (Directions Nearest water street sw) .I am looking for a good photographer who will come and do the snap shots on the D-day. I came across your listing on the net and decided to contact you. I want to know your charges for the following required services if you are to work for between 6 and 8 Hours on that day.
However,I will be making the payment by means of a Check.Let me have your full Names,Address,Phone Number, where the Check will be mailed to for the Payment.Moreso, should you be out of state, the Hotel accommodation will be provided for by me. Waiting to read from you soon as regards this.
Thanks and have nice day. Regards.
Phillip williams
@A Photo Editor,
We just got this one too ;)
God forbid they ever find a decent proofreader that could actually match up the signed name with the email address, much less use proper grammar.
The mail read below what I sent to my:
Hello
I’m glad I received your email stating your interest to be part of this work. Like you rightly saw in the first email I sent to you, the work is 7 days.
This session Photo-Shoot is prepared by MATILDA TYLER DESIGNS. A new clothing line is billed to be launched late June. As an attempt to usher in the launch, they are offering International Talent 6 / Model 7 days Photo-Shoot contract. You will be required to work with a few local-based models that have already been recruited here in London.
You will be working with some local photographers and studios and quaint places like beaches, parks and hills. This is a direct offer of employment is not a casting or a test. The idea of inclusion of talents and models of Foreign Affairs to be part of this outbreak was designed quite some time later is much what happened is advised to respond very quickly to the proposed work and let us know if you ready to proceed. AGENCY The agency creative talent has been overwhelmed by the task of providing 6 Foreign Models and Talent from all over the world. We fully analyze the full profile and it seemed good enough for Employment, which is why we have contacted you, but the final decision to be part of the filming will be made by you.
The daily routine for this session will be decided by the shoot by photographer and all image rights agreement is between you and when you finally arrive. At the moment the official website of the Customer (MATILDA TYLER DESIGNS) has not risen, but will immediately after the session just before firing the official launch of this is because the tracks of this session of shooting is also used for their website for where some have tried in the search and nothing comes out of customers not worried.
For this work he was paid a fee contract / salary of 40,000 pounds United Kingdom, a daily allowance of 100 pounds United Kingdom and a travel grant of £ 1,500 United Kingdom. Accommodation will be provided by the Customer in the form of hotel accommodation and reserve your suite as soon as arrival is safe.
All that is required to provide for this work are a valid passport, a work permit and United Kingdom United Kingdom MODEL A LICENSE / CERTIFICATE (from the British Home Office and the office of the British Fashion Council here in the United Kingdom ), ie if you’ve never had a paid job in the United Kingdom, but if you have a valid EU passport, you do not need permission to work, but only needs the United Kingdom Model License / Certificate.
You will receive an advance payment of 50% of the contract plus the amount of travel allowance (21,500 pounds United Kingdom) after that you should have received the necessary documents or the process to be submitted as proof that you will be in honor of the task. This work is billed to start on June 22, 2009 as you know what is recommended to approach this offer with the urgency it requires and if the timetable does not suit, which let me know urgently seeking a replacement for you.
If you require any information please let me know.
Regards,
Bruce Brand.
+44-704-576-5852
http://creativetalents.gq.nu
Here’s another e-mail scam to beware of:
Hello Dear photographer,
My name is Henrik 35yrs old from London, United kingdom,i am a Freelance modeling agent working under Heat Magazine (www.Heatworld.com),i came across your photography profile online while surfing on the internet it’s really great and i will like to do some work with you,I,ve got a fashion outfit which will be coming up in United States between 4th August – 7th August 2009 in Florida,pls get back to me for more details,if you are interested in this job because it is urgent.
i look forward to read from you soon
Regards
Henrik
i had the same email and his name was paul kings and it was for a modeling contract for vodafone, what a scam artist, i hope no one falls from this sick person tricks
first email i received:
Hello,
How are you doing today?
My name is Martin Barton a member of KOOKAI DESIGNS UK.
I went through your profile on http://www.bookpariscasting.com and i was wondering if you would be interested in a 7days Photo shoot session here in the UK,if yes send me an email to kookai_uk@yahoo.se and i will give you all the necessary information you need to know about the job.
Have a great day,
Martin Barton.
KOOKAI UK.
2nd email:
Hello ,
I am glad you have responded to my email and you are willing to learn the full details. This Job is not different from what you are already used to. The Client offering you this 7 day Job (KOOKAI ) is a well known outfit well known for different accessories ranging from Women and Girls outfit such as bags, lingerie, jewels and so on.
Through these collections KOOKAÏ expresses its strength and sensitivity by offering a personal and creative interpretation of current trends. This legendary fashion brand is distinguished by a deliberately accessible high-range positioning.
The dynamic and reactive company shares a passion for fashion with its designers. Stylists and model-makers working under the supervision of Catherine Marnata have created a collection that is completed by an original accessories range. Exclusive prints, rich fabrics, fashion details and fine cuts are hallmarks of KOOKAÏ collections and attract free-thinking strong women by weaving an emotional bond to the clothing. This emotion is linked to the pleasure of creating and is conveyed by the sales teams in the “industrial chic” style boutiques.
This time we are searching for 5 International Models and Talents to be a part of the launch of some of our brand new designs here in London United Kingdom so your Job now is to add your wealth of International experience into making this launch a very successful one.
You will be working with a few Local Photographers in Studios, and picturesque locations such as beaches, parks and hilltops and there will NO NUDITY. This is a direct Job offer not a casting or an audition. The idea of including Foreign Talents and Models to be a part of this shoot was conceived rather late so time is a little far spent so you are advised to respond very swiftly to this Job proposal and let us know if you are ready to proceed.
The daily routine for this shoot session will be decided by the photographer in charge and all image rights will be agreed between you and the Client when you eventually arrive.
You will be paid 50,000 Great Britain Pounds for the 7 day duration and added to that will be 2,500 GBP which you will use in booking your round trip travel ticket which will be sent to you alongside a 50% upfront payment after you must have met all terms and obligations of the contract on your part.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID PASSPORT, A UK WORK PERMIT and A UK MODEL LICENSE/CERTIFICATE (from the British Home Office and office of the British Fashion Council here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in the UK but if you possess a valid EU Passport, it means you will not be needing the Work Permit but will need just the UK Model License/Certificate.
Accommodation will be taken care of by us as you will be staying at an Hotel throughout the duration of the contract and we will also be catering for your daily upkeep.
Like you already know this Job is billed to start 10th September 2009 but if there is any change in date, you will be duly informed. If you have any question do not hesitate to let me know.
Best Regards,
Martin Barton.
+447024083573
THis is a scam??????????? I just recieved this email and thought it was ligit!!!!! it is a scammmm????
Well I guess this scam is alive and kicking. I received the firs E-mail yesterday:
Hello ,
Your portfolio was viewed on creativesource.ca and I am seeking your
interest on a 7 day Shoot Session which is billed to start26th Oct
2009 here in London.
Interested?Email me on kookai.uk@w.cn for all the detailed info.
Best Regards,
Martin Barton.
http://kookai.com
And the second one today:
Hello ,
I am glad you have responded to my email and you are willing to learn the full details. This Job is not different from what you are already used to. The Client offering you this 7 day Job (KOOKAI ) is a well known outfit well known for different accessories ranging from Women and Girls outfit such as bags, lingerie, jewels and so on.
Through these collections KOOKAÏ expresses its strength and sensitivity by offering a personal and creative interpretation of current trends. This legendary fashion brand is distinguished by a deliberately accessible high-range positioning.
The dynamic and reactive company shares a passion for fashion with its designers. Stylists and model-makers working under the supervision of Catherine Marnata have created a collection that is completed by an original accessories range. Exclusive prints, rich fabrics, fashion details and fine cuts are hallmarks of KOOKAÏ collections and attract free-thinking strong women by weaving an emotional bond to the clothing. This emotion is linked to the pleasure of creating and is conveyed by the sales teams in the “industrial chic” style boutiques.
This time we are searching for a few International Photographers to be a part of the launch of some of our brand new designs here in London United Kingdom so your Job now is to add your wealth of International Photography experience into making this launch a very successful one.
You will be working with a few Local Models in Studios, and picturesque locations such as beaches, parks and hilltops and there will be NO NUDITY. The idea of including Foreign Photographers to be a part of this shoot was conceived rather late so time is a little far spent so you are advised to respond very swiftly to this Job proposal and let us know if you are ready to proceed.
You will be paid 49,000 Great Britain Pounds for the 7 day duration and added to that will be 1,800 GBP which you will use in booking your round trip travel ticket which will be sent to you alongside a 50% upfront payment after you must have met all terms and obligations of the contract on your part and a daily allowance of 120 Pounds.
All you are required to provide for this Job are a VALID PASSPORT, A UK WORK PERMIT and A UK PHOTOGRAPHY LICENSE/CERTIFICATE (from the British Home Office and office of the British Fashion Council here in the UK), that is if you have never had a paid Job in the UK but if you possess a valid EU Passport, it means you will not be needing the Work Permit but will need just the UK PHOTOGRAPHY License/Certificate.
Accommodation will be taken care of by us as you will be staying at an Hotel throughout the duration of the contract and we will also be catering for your daily upkeep.
All Photography facilities and gadgets will be provided by us but if you feel there is need to come with yours then that will be appreciated.
Like you already know this Job is billed to start 26th October 2009 but if there is any change in date, you will be duly informed. If you have any question do not hesitate to let me know.
Best Regards,
Martin Barton.
Boy doesn’t that sound tempting? Fortunately, I did a little Google search and stumbled on this thread.
Keep your heads up!
another email scam:
Hello ,
Hope you are having a great day?. Before I proceed to fill you in on the details of this Job, I need you to know that Fashion is the dream of every young age because it gives them the opportunity on a golden platter to the job. In addition, most countries in the world now serve their interests in this area.
Among these countries, we find Great Britain. Fashion in this country is available on a large number of seats. More than other public service jobs. Britain helps every fashion designer to increase the level of this job.
This is a 2 weeks Modeling contract comes as slice of luck on your behalf but I believe you put up your public online portfolio to attract Jobs and auditions. Well I want you to know that you have been selected for this Job not for Audition but as direct booking because we took our time to study your profile. You have every right to down this Job offer if the timing or conditions does not suit you.
This Job is put together by Beth Ditto at Evans Clothes Collection, a fast growing Clothes Collection in London owned by Ms Beth Ditto a Woman who understands the language of fashion. Beth Ditho deals on all Women and Men ranging from Tops, Knitwear, Dresses and Tunics, Trousers and Skirts, Leggings, coats and Jacket, Lingerie and Sleepwear etc. You will be involved in Photo-Shoots to advertise the clothes and attires
They are about to launch some new designs so they are seeking to involve the services of some foreign based Models and Talents. We at this Agency has been appointed to provide the foreign Models who will working with the already contracted home based Models which is why we conducted an online search and contacted quite a lucky few which you happen to be more among.
The Client will be paying you 50,000 Pounds plus a weekly allowance of 720 Pounds and a travel allowance of 1,750 Pounds which you will use in booking your roundtrip ticket. You will need a valid Passport or ID Card (IF YOUR COUNTRY BELONGS TO THE EU) for this Job while all other documentations will be taken care of over here in London.
Due to the number of Models coming from around the World for this Job and Launch of the designs, You will be required to secure an apartment for the 2 week duration and the Client has decided they will be covering 70% of the apartment cost while you will be covering the other 30% of any apartment you eventually settle for. The reason you are covering a minimal part of the cost is just to ensure that you have a 100% commitment to honor the Job because there have been cases in recent past when all expenses ranging from travel and accommodation are covered and at the tail end employee fails to turn up so it was decided that employees takes part in covering 30% cost for their own apartment for this Job.
You will also get a part payment of 50% of the contract sum (25,000 Pounds plus the travel allowance of 1,750 Pounds) which means after you secure the apartment, you will receive an upfront payment of 26,750 Pounds.
Hope you understand the terms and conditions? If you are down with it, you let me know so I can send you a copy of the contract so we can proceed since we do not have much ample time left (Job starts 26th October 2009).If you are not okay with the terms, you let me know so you can be replaced. You might know your way around London so do not bother too much of how to get an apartment as the Client has already employed the services of a UK based Housing Agency.
For any question you might have, you are advised to send me an email. I await your response.
Warm Regards,
Lee Bowyer.
+447024083573.
http://www.bethdittoatevans.co.uk/
Another email scam (targeting photographers) that I’ve come across a few times in the last year or so…
You – the photographer – receive an email ‘on behalf of’ a potential client. Most often these emails are supposedly written by a family member or professional assistant, because the high-falutin’ alleged client is just too busy or important to contact you themselves.
The go-between is writing to book your services. Most often for an event or wedding at a location or venue in another province (for Canadians) or state (for Americans).
They’ll go so far as to give you a date and a venue. So it actually sounds legitimate-ish. But it gets sketchy when they say that they’ll require you to take care of your own travel arrangements and accommodation and that you’ll need to book these immediately.
They finish the email by stating that as soon as you’ve booked your travel and hotel, you’ll be reimbursed after sending the ‘client’ an invoice for your services.
The purpose of this scam seems solely to fool unwitting photographers into an expenditure of money for booking flights and hotels.
Anyone with an ounce of sense is going to ask this potential client many more questions before agreeing to book travel arrangements.
At that point if – for example – you ask for a contact email to directly communicate with the client, or if you ask for a contact number, you won’t get either. It’ll then become very apparent that you’re being taken for a ride.
Fortunately, it’s a short one.
@Tamea Burd, that’s just weird… I suppose there must be people out there that will book travel for an assignment from a first time client without a contract, but I can’t imagine there’s very many of them.
It seems more like an example of the “Business School of Hard Knocks” to me. As I was once told– Entrepreneurs’ Rule #1 is that money only exists when you have it in hand. #2: A signed contract is occasionally acceptable as a temporary substitute.
Just got this one from Eng Byron Heyroth….very fishy so googled and found the same name above. Funny That! Will be warning other Wedding people..
Origional;
Hello,
I am looking for an experienced wedding planner who will handle my wedding
and arrange the reception dinner for a group of people who will be attending
the wedding ceremony. The wedding is expected to hold on the 10th of
December 2009 and 50 guests are expected to attend.
As I do not know what the guests might choose for their meals and drinks, i
will make a prepayment as initial deposit for this booking via credit card
once availability is confirmed by you. You are to arrange for a venue for
the wedding (its a civil wedding), a place for the reception ,Videography,
Music Entertainment,Photography,cake and flowers.
If there is any items that is beyond your capability,you let us know so that another company can handle it. Get back to me with your response as we don’t have much time with us so that we can process our accommodation within the region more convenient for you and us. I look forward to your reply.
Kindly get back to me if you are interested by a return mail via this email byron.heyroth@yahoo.com or call for more details.Cell: Please you can call me with this number below. +4470359 47519 Regards, Eng Byron Heyroth
After my reply pointing out that I am in NZ
Hello,
Thanks..our wedding have to be in Montreal. I want you to look for Accommodation .I’m really very glad to hear from you. It’s nice of you to respond to my inquiry.. It is the wish of my finance to get married in your area and I have to give in to her wish and due to the fact I do not have any one there, you will be responsible for all arrangements.
I will be arriving with my Fiance 7 days before the wedding and I need you to also make arrangement for our accommodation. I will need you to book 2 double rooms for us for 7 nights and one honeymoon suite for the night of the wedding 10th of December 2009.
We have a budget of about 50,000 Pounds which includes payment for your fees, all the other vendors you will be working with and that of our logistic agent aside us, I am also expecting 50 other guest from UK, USA, Asia.
My fiance decided that the color for the wedding should be white and gold.. For flowers, pink and red roses should be fine. She loves red roses and we’ll want lots of them at the wedding.. Please feel free to introduce any nice flower of your choice to make the venue more beautiful. For music, a DJ will be fine. For food, a buffet will be perfect. If there be any more information needed from me, do let me know. The wedding is a civil wedding.
I need you to get back to me with a total estimate that will cover this arrangement so that I can make a deposit payment to enable you start arrangements as time is not on our side.
Get back to me as soon as you have the estimate so that we can start of all preparation for my wedding. Am presently in IRAQ on an OIL rig so communication would be through email and also I can only make payment through my credit card.
(1)The bridesmaids are 3kids and 5adults.we want them to put on pink color gown
(2)also arrange
(3)The bride is 6ft5 tall,the dress should be white tube gown with bold pink flower .
(4)i could love the bride tall bouquet made from roses .
(5)The button holes for Myself, fathers. best man and grooms should be one and the should be one style
(6)you can have one either side of the registrars table on a pedestal for the … House wedding ceremony room.any way i want you to take care of this .
(7)i will not like any high table .i want the whole table to be low table general .
(8)i want the silver vase to be placed on top of the cake,
(9)I would like to use a garland of ivy as a headpiece, as it is symbolic of good … The florist suggested we use the BM’s arrangements as table centerpieces. …. crownlike on top of the head
Thanks for everything.I’m waiting for the quote so that we can proceed.
Regards
Byron
Me, too. Not for photography – but for some branded communications that required I travel to the UK. It didn’t sound right – so I googled the names and found these postings. Thanks everyone!
Here is the message that I received through Styleapple (a portfolio site):
Subject: 5 day contract.
The Message: Hello,
Have you ever imagined working as a fashion designer in UK, London to be specific? If yes then this is your chance as we have viewed your portfolio on http://www.styleapple.com and we are seeking your interest on a 5 day Contract due to begin in London on the 8th November 2009.
If you are interested, you are requested to send me an email of interest on kookai.uk@w.cn and I will give you all the info.
Respond soon.
Martin Barton.
I recibed the same e-mail for modeling yesterday…. I hope the police get him soon …
Hello Barbie,
Hope you are having a great day?. Before I proceed to fill you in on the details of this Job, I need you to know that Fashion is the dream of every young age because it gives them the opportunity on a golden platter to the job. In addition, most countries in the world now serve their interests in this area.
Among these countries, we find Great Britain. Fashion in this country is available on a large number of seats. More than other public service jobs. Britain helps every fashion designer to increase the level of this job.
This is a 2 weeks Modeling contract comes as slice of luck on your behalf but I believe you put up your public online portfolio to attract Jobs and auditions. Well I want you to know that you have been selected for this Job not for Audition but as direct booking because we took our time to study your profile. You have every right to down this Job offer if the timing or conditions does not suit you.
This Job is put together by Beth Ditto at Evans Clothes Collection, a fast growing Clothes Collection in London owned by Ms Beth Ditto a Woman who understands the language of fashion. Beth Ditto deals on all Women and Men ranging from Tops, Knitwear, Dresses and Tunics, Trousers and Skirts, Leggings, coats and Jacket, Lingerie and Sleepwear etc but are mainly for plus size Models but which is why they want to delve into all sizes which is the major reason for this launch. You will be involved in Photo-Shoots to advertise the clothes and attires
They are about to launch some new designs so they are seeking to involve the services of some foreign based Models and Talents. We at this Agency has been appointed to provide the foreign Models who will working with the already contracted home based Models which is why we conducted an online search and contacted quite a lucky few which you happen to be more among.
The Client will be paying you 50,000 Pounds plus a weekly allowance of 720 Pounds and a travel allowance of 1,750 Pounds which you will use in booking your roundtrip ticket. You will need a valid Passport or ID Card (IF YOUR COUNTRY BELONGS TO THE EU) for this Job while all other documentations will be taken care of over here in London.
Due to the number of Models coming from around the World for this Job and Launch of the designs, You will be required to secure an apartment for the 2 week duration and the Client has decided they will be covering 70% of the apartment cost while you will be covering the other 30% of any apartment you eventually settle for. The reason you are covering a minimal part of the cost is just to ensure that you have a 100% commitment to honor the Job because there have been cases in recent past when all expenses ranging from travel and accommodation are covered and at the tail end employee fails to turn up so it was decided that employees takes part in covering 30% cost for their own apartment for this Job.
You will also get a part payment of 50% of the contract sum (25,000 Pounds plus the travel allowance of 1,750 Pounds) which means after you secure the apartment, you will receive an upfront payment of 26,750 Pounds.
Hope you understand the terms and conditions? If you are down with it, you let me know so I can send you a copy of the contract so we can proceed since we do not have much ample time left (Job starts 12th November 2009).If you are not okay with the terms, you let me know so you can be replaced. You might know your way around London so do not bother too much of how to get an apartment as the Client has already employed the services of a UK based Housing Agency.
For any question you might have, you are advised to send me an email. I await your response.
Warm Regards,
Lee Bowyer.
+447024083573.
http://www.bethdittoatevans.co.uk/
© 2009 Microsoft Privacy Terms of use Account Feedback
Looks like I’m a sucker too. This had me so exited! Thanks for all of your advice.
Dear PA
I received your e-mail. I’m sure you’ll understand I tend to have a very busy schedule at this point as i based in New York .
Please note that this position is not office based for now because of my frequent travels and tight schedules, it’s a part-time, work from home basis and the flexibility means that there will be busier weeks than others, so it’s a little difficult judging the exact number of hours you’ll be doing per week.If you can manage your time properly, this job may even give you some extra while you do something else on the side..
I worked at a Oil Rig Company and we import and export crude oil to the neirghoodbour countries, so i personally need a Personal Assistant in the country that can take good care of my contacts and e-mails incase if i’m out of the country.
As I have said, I’d want us to get a head start with things as soon as possible.. I do have a pile up of work and a number of nattended chores which you can immediately assist me with, I hope we can meet up with the workload eventually as i want you to always check your e-mail atleast every 6 hours for details on this position.
Permit me to use the coming week to test your efficiency and diligence towards all this, also to work out your time schedule and fit it to mine. I really need to find the perfect person for this job, I’m confident you can take up the challenge and on the long run we should have a relatively sound working relationship between us..
I’d want us to meet up on Yahoo chat as soon as possible so we can discuss this extensively, more so it’s easier for me to convey information’s once I’m online. My Yahoo ID is the same as my e-mail address,martin.bruccc222@yahoo.com It may be a little difficult working out the time difference between us initially, with time however, we should get used to it.
I’m online most of the time when I’m not out or in a meeting so we should be able to have a chat sooner than you think. Do try to keep a date.
I am glad you are willing to work with me and i promise to be a good boss.I am also glad on the commitment in working.
I have been checking my files and what i would want you to do for me by next week is to run some errands out to an Orphanage,You will be making some donation to them as i always do every month.I just want to use this to test your efficiency and know how active you can work for me.
The donation will be in form of Money Order and it will be sent over to you from one of my clients and i have some list to email you once you received the funds,I guess you will make some arrangements by buying some stuff for the kids in the nearest store around you and mail them out to any given information i provide for you or you will send the funds in cash to them.
I will get you more information on that.
I will like you to get back to me with your Contact Details such as:
Full Name:
Full Contact Address:Not PO BOX
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Phone Number:
Occupation:
Sex:
Martial:
Age:
Once i received your contact information i will get back to you with the task for this week, Understand you will also be paid as soon as you pass this first assignment, You will be paid ($600) at the end of the week.
I won’t be able to call you due to my hard hearings this days as i need to see a specialist for my hear-drum soonest but i can relay call.
Hope i am clear with that.
Get back as soon as poss
Martin Bruce
I am a Makeup Artist and I have received emails as well for jobs. There have been several emails all with different emails usually Yahoo accts.
As a wedding photographer, this is what I received recently:
Dear Kenneth,
This is a requisition for your photography services. I am Guojun Li. Based in UK. I am contacting you in regard of my wedding. My wedding is coming up on September 11, 2010. I have been browsing the internet for a professional photographer in USA when I found your contact. Pleese I will want to hire your service to be the photographer on my wedding day in UK.
You will cover the whole events from Getting ready, Ceremony, and the Reception. I want you to capture the atmosphere of the event so that we can moment, photo by photo, for a life time. Capture all those little moments that make the wedding day incredible. Also, I will want you to make an album from the event.I will prefer popular flush mount albums that are custom designed.
I am of the opinion that you are capable to provide the incredible services as requested. Please accept my sincerest appreciation on behalf of my fiance, in advance for your willingness to render your services as I look forward to your prompt response to my request.
Pleese let me know if you will be able to make it.
Kind Regard,
Guojun Li
My girlfriend received an email through her Myspace, stating that she was chosen to be the model for a book cover. The Author’s first book of course and there was no website. The email was from a “photo scout”. The girl was told she needed a licence so that the pics could be published, and that they would help her set it up and pay that fee… of course, by cheque! She could keep 18% of this cheque for her efforts and after that they would send the contract and arrange the photoshoot… coming to her in Eastern Europe from England of course – where they gave an address and phone number. She would then receive 1100 euro, monthly!!! – Um??? for a 1 time photo.. on an author’s first book? The sad thing is, as my girlfriend is not a native english speaker, both the flattery and the promise of such big money had her with high spirits… I had to break the news to her = 419 scam. I am sure the cheques would have come through and the photoshoot would have been cancelled had we continued to find out.
Hi,
Another case here :)
This is the mail they sent me first:
Hello,
I am emailing you as regards of your post on photographer while surfing the web. I was wondering if you can take shoots for our models if you don’t mind. I work with a newly open clothing store in Ontario called (Clothez4u.) We need a photographer to shoot our models for a promotion sales. Shot will be taking at a rented studio in your area and pictures will be used to advertise our products.
Get back to me know if you are interested in the Job offer for more details.
Thanks
Basten.
Then one of the other mails:
Hello,
We thank you for your interest you have about this session. You are welcome to “CLOTHEZ” Online Magazine and you can also check our web on http://clothez4u.com. The photo shoots will be used for a catalog magazine cover for promotion sales for our client that has just been re-established in Ireland and they need a (photographer) to take a shoot for our modeler artist:
Will like to know how much time you can spend on Setting up equip, photo time, image editing and delivery, the use of the photographs is (royalties photographer + mannequins). Photo shoot will be taken in a rented studio where you are located to avoid any traveling inconveniences on your part and the models, mark up artist will be arrange by the supervisor for the session. All other necessary details you need to know will be put to your notice by the supervisor and will also get in touch with you to agree on the location, date and time of the shoots.
Let me know if you’re OK with €400 for the 2 hours shoot only for your service and funds will be sent to you immediately on confirmation of your payment information as clearly outlined below this mail.
After payment has been received and credited, the will be notify by the date, time location for the session.
The following details will be need to provide the certified bank draft.
Name in full……..
Residential address in full……….
City………..
Postcode……….
Country……………….
Phone number….
Age………
Immediately we got this details from you, we will get the deal started once and for all….
I will send you attached file as regards the contract in the next mail.
Regards,
Basten
elevation18880@yahoo.com
+44 7024029293
Then they sent me a check which is 3100 euro.
But I realized at that time that it’s a scam..
BE CAREFUL IF YOU RECEIVE A SIMILAR MESSAGE FROM http://clothez4u.com/
Thanks
This SCAMMER person also tries to scam me, but I’m too smart those dumb f**king scammers. I ask them to pay me $40,000USD and 50% deposit upfront via PayPal only and then they give up and replied good luck next time. Here is an email from scammer
Hello,
We thank you for your interest you have about this shooting. You are welcome to “STROBE” Online Magazine and you can also check our web on (www.strobemagazine.com) The photo shoots will be used for a catalog magazine cover for promotion sales for our client that has just been re-established in Ireland. Do you have a studio for the shoot? if not, then the shoot will be taken indoor in a rented studio around your area where you are located to avoid any traveling inconveniences on your part and the models costumes, make up artists will be arranged by the supervisor in care for the session.
The use of the photographs is (royalties photographer + mannequins). The supervisor is coming with 2 professional models for the shoot and this will be covered on 2hrs and number of pictures needed is 10 pieces.
Payment will be paid in advance, catalog shooting varies around $500 for your service including retouching/editing. Payment will be sent to you immediately on confirmation of your payment information. All other necessary details you need to know will be put to your notice by the supervisor in care and will also get in touch with you to agree on the studio location, date and time of the shoots.
The following details will be need to provide the certified bank draft.
Name in full……..
Residential address in full……….
City………..
Postcode……….
Country……………….
Phone number….
I will send you attached file as regards the contract in the next mail.
Regards,
Basten.
+447024029293
Here is what I got today:
Hello
My name is David lescott,i am a Freelance modeling agent working under instyle Magazine,i came across your profile while surfing on the internet it’s really great and i will like to do some work with you, I got a fashion outfit which will be coming up in the
United States between 4th- 7th may 2011,so get back to me for more details,if you are interested in this job because it is urgent.
i look forward to reading from you soon
David.
I always do name and scan searches when I receive stuff similar to this.
Just one more reason Rob and this site are awesome. Got one of these, was naturally a little suspicious, did a bunch of searching… Couldn’t find anything until this page. Low and behold, pretty much the same e-mail (with the exact broken English phrases) showed up here. Posting mine to share as well:
Hello,
My name is Frank Buechler Male from London, England Am freelance modeling agent working for Nuts magazine in recruiting models, Make Up artist and Hair stylist, I’m currently recruiting models for a special edition of the magazine which will take place withing the 3nd week of July 2011 . I need a photographer in USA to work with me. I saw your profile while surfing the Internet, I appreciate your profile and I would like us to do some works together,I presently have good offer for you. I want to know if you are interested in working with us in this End of the year edition of Nuts magazine.
Please let me know if you are interested in the Job. You stand a chance of making reasonable $1,650 from this deal,and even a noticeable fame. Let me know if you are interested in my offer and I would give you further details.
Get back to me as soon as possible.
Best Regards
Frank Buechler
liberation agency uk ltd,
Studio 101,
2 Goldstone Street,
Hove, Brighton,
East Sussex
BN3 3RJ
http://www.liberationagency-uk.co.uk
Yep got it today! As they say, if it sounds too good to be true, it ain’t!
My name is Frank Buechler Male from London, England Am freelance modeling agent working for Vision fantasia magazine in recruiting models, Make Up artist and Hair stylist,I’m currently recruiting models for a special edition of the magazine which will take place withing the 3nd week of August 2011 . I need a photographer in Spain to work with.
I saw your profile while surfing the Internet, I appreciate your profile and I would like us to do some works together,I presently have good offer for you. I want to know if you are interested in working with us in this End of the year edition of Vision fantasia magazine.
Please let me know if you are interested in the Job. You stand a chance of making reasonable $1650 from this deal,and even a noticeable fame. Let me
know if you are interested in my offer and I would give you further details.
Get back to me as soon as possible.
Best Regards
Frank Buechler
+447035904652
liberation agency uk ltd,
Studio 101,
2 Goldstone Street,
Hove, Brighton,
East Sussex
BN3 3RJ
http://www.liberationagency-uk.co.uk
Yesterday, I received what appeared an honest (if poorly written) request by a man who claimed to be the father of the bride, preparing for a January 21, 2012 wedding. Very short notice, as yesterday was December 27, 2011. Who attempts to book a photographer with less than 1 month before the actual wedding? Anyway, everything seemed good – we discussed my prices and my reservation deposit needed to officially book the date. The flags started popping up when he mentioned that the wedding was in Denver, CO (I live in Michigan) and that he would send me the funds to cover travel expenses. Now, I have covered weddings from New Haven, CT to San Jose, CA, so that wasn’t TOO off the wall. It was when he said he couldn’t speak to me over the phone, because he is hearing impaired that really red flagged this. Adding the eagerness to send money for travel, the poor English, and the inability to speak over the phone really made me uneasy. What really sealed the deal is that, after emailing him my contract and telling him that he has officially booked my services AFTER the $300 deposit cleared all accounts, I never heard back from him. In my case, having policies in place such as deposits, requiring payments to officially clear before agreeing to do any work, and having a contract that outlined how fraud will be handled proved to be a great way to deter the scammer!
Here’s a new one I just got today:
Red flags for me, no website for a yahoo email and a vague reference to an “old friend” who referred me…
Greetings from Milan,
My name is Mr Alberto Harrison I live and work as a Photographer here in Italy, I am 49yrs old. I have been involved in photography since I was a teenager and it has always been a passion of mine. I think when you are photographing a person, there needs to be a connection to the person and I try my best to make the photo shoot as comfortable as I can. I can give and take direction as equals. In the last year I have incorporated portrait, lifestyle, and the recent addition of fine art nude to my shooting genres.I have lots of happy clients here in Italy.
I have been looking for a Photographer for over a week now till i met an old friend yesterday that referred you to me, so i decided to contact you to know if you will be able to Work with my client.. My client’s name is Ms Tia Cardelli, A model here in Italy who will be needing some headshots and portrait photography when she arrives America…She will be coming to the U.S in 2 weeks time for a billboard job and will be residing in your Area temporarily until the necessary arrangement for her job has been made before she leaves.
She will be needing 1hr photography session per day, 2 Sessions per week for 6 weeks. Ms Cardelli, asked me to come with her to America but i told her i would not be able to go with her as i have a course i will be going for in a week time so i promised to help her get a good Photographer in your Area..
Pls tell me a little more about your self, how long have you been a Photographer? and would you be able to provide her with the photography session from the 27th of FEB to the 10th of April, 2 Sessions per week for 6 weeks.
I need you to get back to me with the amount you Charge for a personal photography session that would include a disk for print and also let me know if she can pay you with a Certified check drawn from a US bank?
Pls do send your reply to my personal email address ( albertoharrisons@yahoo.com ) as i do not check this email always.
You can view some of Ms Tia Cardelli Pictures from the link below:
http://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/2507876/viewall
Till I read from you remain blessed.
Alberto Harison
401 Via Mercato,
1,202 Milano,Italy
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