It is that time of year when new email inquiries start hitting mailboxes. Offering exciting things like shooting for a fashion magazine or even booking a wedding.
But not all inquiries are the same, some come from scammers hoping to gain access to your accounts and find away to steal from you. That age old saying of “if it sounds to good to be true, than it probably is,” is great to keep in mind.
I have received so many scam emails over the years that I am naturally wary when they provide a ton of information upfront, when supposed wedding clients have a plan for paying and an amount before ever booking. Usually the fact I require a contract up front scares them off fast, but as a photographer I realize those starting out just won’t know what to look for.
It’s common too. I just got a scam email today to working with a fashion magazine which would have been cool if it had been real. That email is below so you too can read what I was sent.
There was an attachment that broke down the offer, provide photo examples, had functioning links that directed you to the real magazines website and was filled with trigger words for a scam. At least to me.
I was offered total control which rarely happens for fashion shoots unless you are shooting a beginning model portfolio builder. It was also on me to pay the talent and what ever out of the budget they’d send to me. Red flag, huge red flag.
You should never be handling the money or in charge of paying out anyone else. That should be the responsibility of the entity hiring you as they’d be hiring the rest of the talent.
So now your paranoid of inquiry emails and want to know how to avoid scams. The answer is reach out and verify. I contacted the magazine and asked if it was legitimate and they have no Jack Stanley working for them.
Did I feel dumb reaching out? No. I was protecting myself and my business. Even if they’d have said yes it was on the up and up I wouldn’t feel bad for verifying for my own protection.
So be aware, be vigilant, and verify everything!