One thing a lot of people ask me as an established model/actress/photographer and vetted journalist is how to spot a scammer. Well, fortunately for you, I have been getting hit hard lately. And the scams are getting more and more complex with legit looking websites, one person who got targeted by scammers even had to put a disclaimer on his website and even friends trying to sell off their beloved vintage furniture for a move cross country are getting hit. I’ll break it down for you so you can see the email/text pattern (there is never a direct phone call made, red flag number one), the horrible writing style (like that of a 5-10 year old usually) and the fun you can have in the end messing with these scammers!
Subject: Model Needed
Jamie Bright
Fri 8/26, 3:12 PM
Hello,
I saw your contact email on Model Mayhem website and I am interested in working with you. I am a professional photographer and I have a client who needs a catalog update for a new magazine release. If you are interested in working with me kindly email me back so I can give you more information about the shoot.
This seems like a normal email with proper English used, a website and more information available, But once you click on the website (based in Florida) and call the number, it goes to a text voicemail option (Scammer red flag number one). They even have a Facebook which made me reply, it really did look legit. But read on…
Hello Cassie,
Your email was received and it shows you are willing to be a part of the shoot. This first edition of my client’s magazine will be shot in around your area on the 7th of September, 2016 and the crew is expected to be available from 9am till the end of the shoot, which should be by 4pm.
The shoots will be used for the magazine pages and the pictures will also be exhibited on the magazine website. Therefore, you are required to be flexible, reliable, self-motivated, enthusiastic, with a professional appearance and a passion for delivering exceptional service. You must have excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills. You should also have up-to-date knowledge of available make-up kits and beauty products.
You will be paid $900 for your service with a 50% deposit on agreement. In the rare case of overtime, you will be paid $100/hr for the overtime.
Responsibilities:
You will be responsible for the purchase of the outfits you will be using for this photo shoot from the wardrobe stylist we have hired for this shoot.
NB: Funds will be made available to you for the purchase of the outfits.
You stand a chance of making a reasonable amount from this deal, and even a noticeable fame. I believe that it will be a positive experience for you especially if you are looking to expand your portfolio.
Kindly let me know if you are fully willing to accept this job offer and can meet the above responsibilities listed.
Immediately red flags were going off left and right after the more extensive email. “My client’s magazine will be shot in around your area” is red flag number one. There is no name of the magazine and no location for said “photoshoot”. “You will be responsible for the purchase of the outfits you will be using for this photo shoot from the wardrobe stylist we have hired for this shoot. NB: Funds will be made available to you for the purchase of the outfits.” Nowhere in the history of photoshoots will a model ever purchase outfits for a shoot from a wardrobe stylist because that is a wardrobe stylist’s job – to provide you and the photographer with looks. “You stand a chance of making a reasonable amount from this deal, and even a noticeable fame. I believe that it will be a positive experience for you especially if you are looking to expand your portfolio.” No one should have to sell you on a photoshoot, you should see the value right away and know if it is worth your time and energy. When I responded with my cell phone number multiple times saying call me, no one ever did. BIG surprise.
Next up we have an email from someone with the subject CASTING CALL in all caps. Right off the bat, don’t yell at me!
Seeking : MALE & FEMALE ACTOR/MODELS FOR AIZEL COMMERCIAL SHOOT Event Date 1 : September 26th 2016 and September 27th 2016 Event Date 2 : October 7th 2016 and October 8th 2016
Compensation : Paid (Negotiable)
Nudity: Not ApplicableHelloGood day,We got your contact from modelmayhem and i wish to inform you that BlueRay Photography has an interest in working with you, We are Looking for Males and females for the First Quarter year sales commercial video advert/Co-operate Photo Shoots, We strongly wish you will honor this invitation. If interested, and available for any of the above dates (Either Event Date 1 or Event Date 2 ) , please contact us via e-mail and be sure to Include your current location in other to be considered for immediate booking and you will be provided with additional details. (bluerayphotos000@gmail.com).Warmest Regards,
Tom Bullard
Event Director
BlueRay Photography® www.BlueRayPhotos.com
Notice how the English is horrible, the syntax is painful for an editor like me and the very idea is absurd. Being the girlspy that I am, I played along (and find somewhat sadistic pleasure in messing with these people). So say someone didn’t click on the website link and did respond (and if they did, the URL changes to http://ww17.bluerayphotos.com/ a non-existent website immediately.
Modeling Scam Website
When I respond with what is your phone number so we can discuss (already knowing this is a scam but playing along), I get this email below.
Hello Cassie
Thanks for reaching out in regards to the upcoming shoot notice, it would be an honor to work with you. BlueRay Photography ; is a leader in professional photography, specializing in portraiture and commercial photography. We have built a distinguished reputation for providing quality service while producing a superior product with highly trained staff of professionals, we have both the knowledge and expertise to create and capture the perfect image of you. And here we are again, calling for an upcoming commercial ad shoot to market collective second Quarter year sales catalog for attires, Bags, Shoes and Purses for our reputable Russian based client (AIZEL) who believes in fashionable life style.
About AIZEL
Multibrand boutique, Aizel, and its online sister, Aizel 24/7, embody the concept of modern, upmarket shopping. A hot spot for Russian design talents and a much-talked about shopping place, Aizel is the creation of Aizel Trudel, a representative of Christian Louboutin and Diane von Furstenberg in Russia. Unsurprisingly, the Aizel stores stock the aforementioned brands, and offer an enviable selection of such renowned designers as Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, Oscar de la Renta and Mary Katrantzou. Aizel has also collaborated with established Russian brands Viva Vox, A La Russe, Walk of Shame and LUBLU Kira Plastinina, amongst others. and that is why they have decided BlueRay Photography for their Commercial advert work nationwide. For more information, please visit http://www.Aizel.ru/
The Commercial Photos Is For What ? This project is aimed at featuring a large collection of designer Bags, shoes, apparel and accessories and other items from various designers and manufacturers, to be displayed in an online Media ad and Electronic billboards nationwide. Our obligation in respect to this piece of project is to generate some marketable commercial advertisement to feature these items, where all models will pose with the various items and exhibit a commercial character to attract consumer’s attention. It’s very simple and works the same as any typical promotional or commercial advert shoot. The end product from the commercial shoot is an online Media ad, Electronic Billboards and Network Medias that would convince the public to make these collection a top choice among others.
* The event Date : Event Date 1 : September 26th 2016 and September 27th 2016 in case that is not a convenient day for you we can reschedule for October 7th 2016 and October 8th 2016
* Time : 10 A.M. – 3 P.M
* Nudity : No
* No level of experience is required. (Free Model Coach available upon request).
*Compensation : The Total money pay for the job is USD 7,500 (Tax deduct-able) and you will get $500 as your advance/upfront booking fee and balance of USD 7,000 will be payed immediately after the completion of the commercial shoot and this $7000 also covers for the right of Aizel and BlueRay to use all your Commercial videos/Commercial Shoots made for our own commercial interest for the period of 3 months. That means Aizel and BlueRay are entitled to use the produced shoot for advert work for the period of 3 months only and this will be backed up by a contract. (Advance/Booking ($500) + Usage rights and Services ($7,000) = $7,500
*Location/Venue of event: The shooting will hold at a rented studio in your location – (we shall arrange a suitable Studio and convey its detail to you unanimously.)
We’ll be responsible for your hair do, Make Up artist and transportation, except for your wardrobe/costume that will be shipped to you directly from a contracted fashion stylist in charge. Also, note that the payment for your wardrobe will be made available by us and your clothing measurements has to be forwarded to the fashion stylist, REASON being that, the payment for your wardrobe has to be made or billed to your Name/info as requested and acceptable business terms by the Fashion stylist, to ENSURE a tallied customization and label to be printed on your costumes. (Read this Paragraph again)
In addition, an advanced deposit/upfront pay of $500 shall be mailed to you to insure your engagement on the upcoming cast with us in line with our business ethics. However, you will NOT only receive a paycheck of $500 but also an EXTRA amount that you will use to pay for your wardrobe/Costume bills which you will forward to the Fashion stylist in charge of your Wardrobe/Costume along with your measurements.
Actors/Models may attend the shoot with their choice of Friends/Parents/Manager/Spouse/Guardian (maximum of two) and should not arrive audition later than 9:30 a.m. to commence make-ups and attend a brief introductory class about the proposed project and shoot starts by 10:15 a.m. This shoot is going to be fun as different acting characters maybe involved, which is the real sense of this project. Take the courage to participate in this paid and legitimate offer as we look forward to working with you.
Final Note : we recommend that you read the content above OVER AGAIN and do not hesitate to ask question if any. Actors/Models are selected based on their willingness to participate and their agreement to the content of this Paid event and readiness to work hard with us. Below are the required Payment and Sign-up details you are to forward to us for filling and to mail you the aforementioned Paycheck for your Upfront and Wardrobe bills:
———————————————————————————————————————————-
INFO NEEDED
1. Your full name
2. Physical address (No P.O.box),
3. City,State
4. Zip code
5. Home contact (Home phone number and Cellphone number)
6. Your age
7. Previous working Experience,
8. 2 Picture photographs.
9. Reference
10. Other Websites where we can find your online profiles ?
———————————————————————————————————————————-
Do not hesitate to ask any question if any concerning the detail above. I hope to read from you as soon as possible and we look forward to working with you on this project. Have a wonderful day ahead!
Obviously it was the words “hair do” that did this email scammer in. Haha! For no photoshoot ever did anyone front me money for anything. A deposit for photography and/or modeling is common to hold the date however my guess is this “check” would have somehow wiped out your bank account. How they do that, I have no clue. But they can try through your Paypal or other online money account as well. If anyone can’t make a phone call and wants to front you money like a weed dealer, again it’s probably a scam. Rule of thumb, if it’s too good to be true it probably is, your momma was right (again)!
This next one looks pretty much the same as the last one, down to the lengthy rambling email and makes-no-sense writing style.
Hello
My name is Steven Castle, I saw your contact on Model Mayhem and I am interested in working with you.
I am a professional photographer, we are calling for an upcoming commercial ad shoot to market collective new, creative and colorful iPhone 7 cases for our reputable client (Ulmart) who believes in fashionable life style along side with technology.
If you are interested in working with me kindly email me back so I can give you more information about the shooting.
The website looks legit, even has a celebrity modeling some high couture fashion on his portfolio pages. But again, one phone call to the number listed and it’s a digital text number. No professional photographer is going to miss possible clients like that! But of course I email back with feigned interest.
Hello,
Thanks for reaching out in regards to the upcoming shoot notice, it would be an honor to work with you. Steven Castle Photography; is into Fashion Advertising, Short Gigs/Film casting, Local Casting , Extras and Real People Casting , Crowd and Audience Casting , Taping services for actors and models who need to be auditioned for other shows working in North America & Europe, Canada, specializing in Fashion Photography and casting / Advertising Photography / Automotive Photography / Editorial Photography / Beauty Photography / Portrait Photography / Celebrity Photography / Studio Photography / Location / Catalogs / Magazine Editorial Assignments Fashion & Advertising Photographer / Art Director / Director of Photography / Creative Director.
And here we are again, calling for an upcoming commercial ad shoot to market collective new, creative and colorful iPhone cases for our reputable Russian based client (Ulmart) who believes in fashionable life style along side with technology
About Ulmart
Ulmart is one of Forbes top-20 Russian online retailers.
Revenue : $1021 million
Founded : 2008
Website: Ulmart.ru
Employees : 6500
Figures : 10 million people are currently involved in loyalty programs.
Ownership : Its co-founders, St. Petersburg entrepreneurs Alex Nikitin and Sergei Fedorinov. In 2008, Nikitin’s company “Kimbrig” bought bankrupt “Ultra Electronics” and opened the first “Ulmart” store. 2 years later, the project raised investment: 60% of the business is now owned by Dmitri Kostigin and Avgust Meyer, who formerly owned “Lenta,” while 40% belongs to Nikitin and Michael Basinkevicha. Fedorinov holds the post of general director.
Business : Sells “everything you can plug in to the mains”,and accessories. You can order the product on the website, by phone or go to stores themselves.
Last year : More than 400,000 orders were delivered directly to customers.
The Commercial Photos Is For What ? This project is aimed at featuring a large collection of new iPhone7 cases from various designers and manufacturers, to be displayed in an online Media ad and Electronic billboards nationwide. Our obligation in respect to this piece of project is to generate some marketable commercial advertisement to feature these iPhone cases, where all models will pose with the various iPhone7 cases and exhibit a commercial character to attract consumer’s attention. It’s very simple and works the same as any typical promotional or commercial advert shoot. The end product from the commercial shoot is an online Media ad, Electronic Billboards and Network Medias that would convince the public to make these collection a top choice among others.
* The event Date : Event Date 1 : October 28th – 30th 2016 in case that is not a convenient day for you we can reschedule for November 4th – 6th 2016
* Time : 10 A.M. – 1 P.M
* Nudity : No
* No level of experience is required. (Free Model Coach,hair stylist,wardrobe stylist and Make up Artist available upon request)
*Compensation : The Total money pay for the jobs is $1400 (Tax deduct-able) and you will get $500 as your advance/upfront booking fee and balance of $900 will be paid immediately after the completion of the commercial shoot, a brand new iPhone 7Plus and this $1400, also covers for the right of Ulmart and Steven Castle Photography to use all your Commercial videos/Commercial Shoots made for our own commercial interest for the period of 3 months. That means Ulmart and Steven Castle Photography are entitled to use the produced shoot for advert work for the period of 3 months only and this will be backed up by a contract. (Advance/Booking ($500) + Usage rights and Services ($900) =$1400 + A Brand new iPhone 7Plus.
*Location/Venue of event : The shooting will hold at a studio – (we shall arrange a suitable Studio and convey its detail to you unanimously 72 hours to the shoot date as part of our company security policy)
We’ll be responsible for your hair do, Make Up artist and transportation, except for your wardrobe/costume that will be shipped to you directly from a contracted fashion stylist in charge. Also, note that the payment for your wardrobe will be made available by us and your clothing measurements has to be forwarded to the fashion stylist, REASON being that, the payment for your wardrobe has to be made or billed to your Name/info as requested and acceptable business terms by the Fashion stylist, to ENSURE a detailed customization and label to be printed on your costumes. (Read this Paragraph again Please)
In addition, an advanced deposit/upfront pay of $500 shall be mailed to you to insure your engagement on the upcoming cast with us in line with our business ethics. However, you will NOT only receive a paycheck of $500 but also an EXTRA amount that you will use to pay for your wardrobe/Costume bills which you will forward to the Fashion stylist in charge of your Wardrobe/Costume along with your measurements, In other words , Steven Castle Photography and Ulmart will provide all financial materials as regards this gig is concerned and you don’t have to pay for anything.
Actors/Models may attend the shoot with their choice of Friends/Parents/Manager/Spouse/Guardian (maximum of two) and should not arrive audition later than 9:30 a.m. to commence make-ups and attend a brief introductory class about the proposed project and shoot starts by 10:15 a.m. This shoot is going to be fun as different acting characters maybe involved, which is the real sense of this project. Take the courage to participate in this paid and legitimate offer as we look forward to a successful working relationship with you.
Final Note : we recommend that you read the content above OVER AGAIN. Actors/Models are selected based on their willingness to participate and their agreement to the content of this Paid Event and readiness to work hard with us. Below are the required Payment and Sign-up details you are to forward to us for filling and, to mail you the aforementioned Paycheck for your Upfront and Wardrobe bills:
——————————————————————————
INFO NEEDED
1. Your full name
2. Physical address (No P.O.box),
3. City,State
4. Zip code
5. Home contact (Home phone number and Cellphone number)
6. Your age
7. Previous working Experience,
8. 2 Picture photographs.
9. Reference
10. Other Websites where we can find your online profiles ?
—————————————————————————–
I hope to read from you as soon as possible and we look forward to working with you on this project. Have a wonderful day ahead!
Again a horribly written email with money up front, almost the exact same format as the previous and makes no logical sense. And again, I asked to be contacting over the phone and no response.
Perhaps the most messed up experience I’ve had is one for photography by a far better scammer who used texting as his tool. He claimed to have needed a photographer for a family reunion in the suburbs of Philadelphia and was happy to pay my day rate. When he was evasive about the location, I grew suspicious. He then claimed he was in the hospital with an ear infection (thus why he couldn’t talk on the phone, I told him let me talk to your nurse) and needed someone to pay the party planners after he forwarded the money. I told him I was not comfortable doing that and then the claws came out, asking me why I wouldn’t help someone in need, etc. I told him to go f&%k himself and go scam someone else and he got even nastier. I called the number and it went to voice text yet again. That one was the most annoying as I had spent hours emailing and texting and wasting my time/life! But this is the job of an entrepreneur, sniffing out bad apples and keeping snakes at bay. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I won’t even get started on the guy who tried to Catfish me through Facebook, claiming he was friends with a bunch of gorgeous models and foreign “football” players!
Hopefully my stories can help your Spidey sense detect a scam from a mile away and save you some grief.
It’s really important to know how these scammers and catfishes make their ‘offers’ appealing to you so that you can protect your information and even your money. From these examples, you can already notice common phrases or words that signify their ill intent. However, if you think you’ve fallen for one of these scams, don’t hesitate to contact the authorities such as Ashley Roberts Tampa Police for assistance.
