Oh my it has happened – I have been targeted by a scam artist…
The good news is that I didn’t fall for it…
The bad news is I thought I had an eager client on the line…
I never want to get to the point where I don’t get that excited flip-flop in my tummy when someone reaches out to me for a photography job. It’s a thrill to work as a photographer and I get so excited when an email or phone call comes in from someone asking about my availability.
But sometimes, it just doesn’t “feel” right.
Last week I received an email from Krystal Collins inquiring about my availability
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2015 18:37:11 +0000
Subject: Family Reunion Event
From: rdindiz@gmail.com
To: info@shellyfryphotography.com
Hi there!
How are you today? I was doing a little research online for an event photographer for my family reunion that’s coming up, I want you to capture the wonderful event. My name is Krystal Collins and do you accept credit card payment? Get back to me if you do, i will be looking to read from you ASAP.
Regards,
Krystal
First of all I thought it was odd to ask about credit cards right of the top and the fact that there were no specifics – date, location etc. But I sent off a response ignoring the credit card question
Hi Krystal –
Its nice to hear from you and I hope I can help you with your upcoming family reunion. I need some information from you. Where and when is this family reunion?
Thanks,
Shelly
I then received this email
Shelly,
Thank you for the swift response. The reason why i emailing you for this event was because I’m in the hospital (recovery unit) I had surgeries on both ears and the doctor wants me to stay away from phone at the moment till I fully recover but i can still text.
The dates has been narrowed down to some weekends date in the months of September (19th, 26th & 27th) or October (3rd & 11th) but it depends on which which of the date you have available. I want you to check your schedules and get back to me with the dates you have open. The event is going to be held on a private property about an hour or two drive from your city.
The event consist of both indoor & outdoor activities. I want you to be there for 4 hours (12pm-4pm) to take about 250-350 candid shots, I want the candid shots burn on 3 DVD’s. Also during the 4 hours that you are going to be there, you will take one big family portrait shot that will be printed in 3-16×20 regular matte print. The total numbers of 25-30 peoples will be present at the event including children between the ages of 9-12 years.
I want you to work on an estimate for me and get back to me with the total cost for this event but i will be making 50% deposit upfront to secure the date you have open with my credit card. I’m looking forward to read from you ASAP
Regards,
Krystal.
Now I had some details but the poor grammar (I know I do it too) was worrying me – and now the details seemed odd and while my ego wanted to believe that the entire family reunion hinged on my availability that just didn’t sound right…Also, I really didn’t need to know about the ear surgery and if she could text why was she emailing me? And I still didn’t have a location. Ever hopeful I sent another email to her
Hi Krystal,
I appreciate the additional information – This is what I can tell you at this point. I am working on getting set up to accept credit cards – I prefer cash or check because of the additional charges I have to pay for taking the cards but I am exploring that option this week with my bank. I am available at this time for two of your dates –September 27th or October 11th. I will work up a quote and get back to you tomorrow. For a more accurate quote it would be very helpful to know the exact address of the location – there is a big difference between traveling for 4 hours or 2 hours (round trip) to a shoot
I hope your recovery goes smoothly
Shelly
I quickly received this message –
The October 11th date would work fine for the event and it’s going to be held on a private property in Tacoma, WA. The only way for me to make payment for your service is through my credit card only. Would you consider getting a new credit card reader from any of these merchants (Local bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Bank of America, Bank of West, Intuit, Pogo Payment, FirstData, Flagship, or SunTrust)? There is no set up or monthly fees and if there is i don’t mind paying for it all . Let me know how you want to proceed, so i can give you more details about my family reunion.
My gut was telling me this was wrong – something was off. A client and friend came by my studio and as we chatted I mentioned the email and how I was feeling about it. She agreed right away that it was probably a scam and asked if I had Googled her name. Brilliant!!! I hadn’t even thought of that. And sure enough as soon as I did – up popped several photographers writing about this scam – the exact same letters being used (poor grammar and all)!
Bottom line she over pays me using her (bad) credit card and then tells you (me) to pay the extra to some vendor at the (imaginary) event who doesn’t accept credit cards – which means you end up paying money out to them before you find out it was a bad credit card and you are out your (mine) own money – you can google it and read all about it. I’m just thankful Megan was wise enough to recognize a scam and gave me some good advice!
I am experiencing a sense of vulnerability with my website, studio and name out there. 😥
What I’m doing today
236/365
I’m loving working in my new space! Monday I worked on wedding pictures and was delighted to have a few friends stop by!
Inside
237/365
I love my personal stationery! I love it so much I almost don’t want to give it away! I hope every client I have has two experiences with me. First- they are thrilled with the photo session and the final product. Second- they know I am truly grateful for the opportunity to take their pictures.
