I am a professional photographer and have had this tried on me several times. I understand that it is also being pulled on other freelance businesses and possible other smaller one and two person operations.
Basically here is how it works; it starts with an e-mail (usually from another country) from a wealthy individual who wants to hire you. In one case, it was an African clergyman visiting my city for a 25th wedding celebration. He found my name/website listed on a professional directory site- this is possible - and wants me to shoot his event.
He asks if I am available and my fee he wants prints, albums, my assistant, travel and all other expenses. I answer, tripling my fee for everything on account of I know whats coming.
Great, he responds, we have a deal! He will be sending me a check for the full amount. In a few days the check (or in one case, several US Postal Money orders for $1000.00 each), arrives.
I hang on to the checks/MOs. A few days later, there is another e-mail: the event has been cancelled. Terribly sorry! Please return the money. BUT KEEP 10% FOR YOUR TROUBLE.
Now, had I deposited the check/MO, I just might have sent him MY CHECK for the balance, less my windfall 10%. Unfortunately for him, I had taken the MOs to the Post Office where they were pronounced pretty good forgeries. Most bank tellers would have NOT noticed this.
Had I deposited the check (drawn on an African bank), it would have taken a couple of weeks before I found out it was worthless. Meantime, The Honorable Reverend Scamster would have been off with my check which will net him several thousand of my dollars.
I have also heard of variations of this being pulled on healthcare professionals (I am visiting America with my sick Mother and I need the services of a nurse/doctor/therapist for a couple of weeks .!").
I am sure variations of it are being concocted as I write this.
So guys, if the offer is too good to be true, hold on to your checkbook!!!
Basically here is how it works; it starts with an e-mail (usually from another country) from a wealthy individual who wants to hire you. In one case, it was an African clergyman visiting my city for a 25th wedding celebration. He found my name/website listed on a professional directory site- this is possible - and wants me to shoot his event.
He asks if I am available and my fee he wants prints, albums, my assistant, travel and all other expenses. I answer, tripling my fee for everything on account of I know whats coming.
Great, he responds, we have a deal! He will be sending me a check for the full amount. In a few days the check (or in one case, several US Postal Money orders for $1000.00 each), arrives.
I hang on to the checks/MOs. A few days later, there is another e-mail: the event has been cancelled. Terribly sorry! Please return the money. BUT KEEP 10% FOR YOUR TROUBLE.
Now, had I deposited the check/MO, I just might have sent him MY CHECK for the balance, less my windfall 10%. Unfortunately for him, I had taken the MOs to the Post Office where they were pronounced pretty good forgeries. Most bank tellers would have NOT noticed this.
Had I deposited the check (drawn on an African bank), it would have taken a couple of weeks before I found out it was worthless. Meantime, The Honorable Reverend Scamster would have been off with my check which will net him several thousand of my dollars.
I have also heard of variations of this being pulled on healthcare professionals (I am visiting America with my sick Mother and I need the services of a nurse/doctor/therapist for a couple of weeks .!").
I am sure variations of it are being concocted as I write this.
So guys, if the offer is too good to be true, hold on to your checkbook!!!
This has absolutely nothing to do with knives except that I like knives.
