Comments on: Photographer Scam

By: Dan Harvell

Dan Harvell — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:36:32 +0000

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!

By: Fred

Fred — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:41:07 +0000

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

By: Nick

Nick — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 05:04:27 +0000

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

By: Susan Bondor

Susan Bondor — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 00:18:34 +0000

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.

By: John Zhao

John Zhao — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:36:13 +0000

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

By: MURAT

MURAT — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:45:59 +0000

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

By: Markus Stanhope

Markus Stanhope — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:41:03 +0000

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.

By: Kenneth Clapp

Kenneth Clapp — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:46:46 +0000

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

By: Paula Abraham

Paula Abraham — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:51:31 +0000

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.

By: Mandy

Mandy — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:57:56 +0000

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

By: Barbie

Barbie — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:18:09 +0000

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/

By: Lindan

Lindan — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:46:43 +0000

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.

By: Lou

Lou — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:29:51 +0000

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

By: Eric Schmiedl

Eric Schmiedl — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:27:27 +0000

@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.

By: Tamea Burd

Tamea Burd — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:01:38 +0000

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.

By: ada

ada — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:51:18 +0000

another email scam:

Hello ,

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

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/

By: Miguel

Miguel — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:11:52 +0000

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!

By: Sara

Sara — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 01:11:19 +0000

THis is a scam??????????? I just recieved this email and thought it was ligit!!!!! it is a scammmm????

By: hussen adan

hussen adan — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:50:11 +0000

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 ,

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

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 06:41:17 +0000

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

By: jmolina@mac.com

jmolina@mac.com — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:00:15 +0000

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

By: leonardo gratt

leonardo gratt — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:23:55 +0000

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

By: Mason

Mason — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:27:19 +0000

@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.

By: A Photo Editor

A Photo Editor — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:50:25 +0000

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

By: fred

fred — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:47:48 +0000

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…

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:40:30 +0000

@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.

By: A Photo Editor

A Photo Editor — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:42:44 +0000

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

By: Roberta

Roberta — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:54:13 +0000

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!!

By: gilles Piel

gilles Piel — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:12:56 +0000

@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

By: gilles Piel

gilles Piel — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:09:17 +0000

@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