Have you encountered a booking problem like this?

This is a first for me. Of course Ive had requests for quotes from

prospective clients that have expressed great interest only never to

be heard from again, but this one is different for me.

 

I received an e-mail inquiry from a guy for an out of state wedding

taking place in 6 weeks. A little odd but not unheard of. I worked

up my quote to cover some specific extras he required and included

travel expenses including air fare, hotel and rental car.

 

He instantly replied by e-mail that my prices and costs were

acceptable and for me to advise my mailing address and he would send

a certified check for the entire package that day. I answered by e-

mail immediately.

 

OK, a few days passed and I worked up a contract and sent via e-mail

for his signature. No reply and no check and its been 12 days and we

are inside of 4 weeks now. Although I have his name and e-mail he has

not provided me with his phone number.

 

I am sending him a polite e-mail today to let him know I have not

received his check or the contract and I can not proceed with booking

a flight much less reserving his date without both by the end of

this month.

 

Have you encountered something like this or have you other weird

booking stories?

Mark,

 

As far as I know, this is a total scam. I got this same style email 3 times already. They lead you to believe you're shooting some sort of high profile event. They will ask you to cash the check and return a portion to them in the form of a personal check, because "they were given only one certified check to plan the whole event and they need the balance to pay other vendors". Then they will probably cancel the certified check and run with your money...

 

I haven't confirmed this but I did get the same style email and I suspect a scam...

There's no need for them to cancel the check since it's a fake check. Your bank will cash it against your account, and when it bounces, you get charged the amount.

Scam alert!

Look familiar??...

 

<a href="http://www.photographers.co.uk/html/photographers-forum-1.cfm?ForumNumber=1553">click here</a>

And...

 

<a href="http://www.findaweddingphotographer.co.uk/links/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=58&forum=10&PHPSESSID=48d61780e487966d59a15833bc9f6a00#forumpost99">click here</a>

Thanks. The inquiry was strikingly similar to these but the grammar and spelling was very poor.

 

I did send a follow up email yesterday and received a reply this morning that I was not to worry, the check had been mailed and I should receive soon.

 

This may prove interesting.

 

Thanks again

Absolute scam... Turn the check in to authorities if it comes.

What I've been doing with these inquiries lately is sending back and e-mail that says ... simply.. "CASH ONLY"

Im booked to shoot the "crown prince" of Nigeria's nuptials next month. They even overpaid me an extra $10,000.00 if I agreed do "table shots".

Just kidding, anything that smells fishy in today's world, probably is.

I Finally got one of these emails!!! Im so excited! Actually I dont

know if this does any good, but I noticed the email address was

yahoo and I reported it (shrugs shoulders)

This isn't an answer, but a comment. The sender's name and email address in their email message can be spoofed, but if you check the headers of the email message, the originating IP address is real, if there is any interest in reporting this scam (and who would you report it to?)

Update on the scam:<BR>

<BR>

I received a "bank check" drawn on a bank in Arkansas for more than the amount I quoted for the wedding.

It was mailed from Holland. Hummm.<BR>

<BR>

I e-mailed the scam artist that I had the check but was confused by the amount. I received this reply:<BR>

 

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>

<P><B>Mark,<BR>

Am sorry for the mix up,the cheque you've received was drawn on Arvest Bank for $6,000.The mistake in the

amount the cheque was drawn for is as a result of my wedding planner mistake. I guess she got worked up due to

the work load,cos the wedding it's going be a big affare<BR>

The rest of the funds is meant for payment of the services of the Magazine Company that will feature the Photographys

snapped on the Dday in the celebrity column of the Magazine.<BR>

Please cash the cheque and help transfer the remaining $3,864 minus the transfer charges to the Publisher of the

Magazine company via Western Union Money Transfer in the details below:<BR>

<BR>

MR UZOMA STANLEY IFEANYI<BR>

HAFKORT 619<BR>

1102 LA AMSTERDAM ZUID<BR>

HOLLAND.</B>

</BLOCKQUOTE>

 

<P><BR>

So I played dumb and sent this response:<BR>

 

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>

<P><B>Damon, Thanks for the prompt reply. I am traveling out of town next week<BR>

and will not be able to visit my bank. I will have access to my e-mail<BR>

however in the event you need to be in contact.<BR>

<BR>

In the interest of speed, may I suggest you send a replacement bank<BR>

check in the correct amount by DHL. Upon receipt my partner will make<BR>

my travel arrangements to Rhode Island and will return the $5,000 check<BR>

by immediate return DHL.</B></P>

 

<P><B><BR>

By the way, you did not send the signed contract with the wedding<BR>

details such as time, church etc. Thanks and look forward to receiving the proper check so I can confirm<BR>

the reservations.<BR>

</B>

</BLOCKQUOTE>

 

<P><BR>

I think I'll frame the check and hang it in my office.<BR>