The project specs and budget seems legit, and has a very credible and detailed shot list that seems like it came from an agency.
I decided to play along and the weirdest part was the professional and responsive two-way communication. We talked details, negotiated the contract, compromised on certain concessions, etc. They were ready to move forward, schedule the date and pay me half upfront asap.
From what I understand of these scams, they “accidentally” over pay you with a fraudulent check. Then ask for a refund before the check has been flagged by the bank. You have transferred real funds to them by the time the forgery is discovered.
This is a long running scam but since it’s popping up again it’s worth putting the information out there again.
One variation I’ve heard is they overpay you but ask you to pay an advance to the stylist or some member of the crew who works for them.
Here’s the emails:
First Name: William
Last Name: Morris
Phone: 208-480-5114
Email: Will.Morris.E@proton.me
Message:
Hello,
My name is William Morris, Creative Director contracted by The Residence 1502, Austin, TX to conceptualize a two-concept lifestyle interior photoshoot to promote one of their luxury condominium residences.
Concept 1 captures the quiet elegance of everyday moments with a couple subtly engaging with the space to convey aspirational living.
Concept 2 features a young family of four, highlighting the warmth, versatility, and family-friendly appeal of the same luxury setting.
We aim to create 50+ final images that blend high-end architectural photography with natural, authentic lifestyle moments. We're seeking the right photographer who can balance clean, well-composed interiors with an unobtrusive, candid approach to people within the space.
You can view the full project scope and creative direction here: https://app.milanote.com/1UMTsd1qNQYG4C?p=wEijF185S97.
If this aligns with your style, please feel free to get in touch with any questions.
Warmly,
William Morris
Creative Director
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Hello,
My name is Merlin Gauvin, Creative Director contracted by The Broadway Building, San Antonio, TX to conceptualize a lifestyle interior photoshoot to promote one of their luxury condominium residences.
We aim to create 26+ final images that blend high-end architectural photography with natural, authentic lifestyle moments. We’re seeking the right photographer who can balance clean, well-composed interiors with an unobtrusive, candid approach to people within the space.
You can view the full project scope and creative direction here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSwdS_mHLfUtOUwksBwmaTNUJZEfElN3EyX0bkp5d0NBkYvmJQHS_NSPpyFZmZiOsaN3CFQDH1w0Ddy/pub.
If this aligns with your style, please feel free to get in touch with any questions.
Warmly,
Merlin Gauvin
Creative Director
3 Comments
LOL who the hell would fall for this crap lol
I’ve known of this scam for a long time. I was surprised that it actually happened to me. I was prepared, so I never deposited the check. The check was mailed to me from a mail location that, upon investigation, was known as a place where scams originated. I tried to talk to the bank and local police, but a crime hadn’t been committed at that point. I submitted it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), but heard nothing back.
I received the same email from Melvin. His responses have been professional. I started to get suspicious when he kept leaving my rep out of continued conversations. I might string him a long just to see what happens. Be safe out there.
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