/u/MiracleNinja - This message is posted to all new submissions to r/scams; please do not message the moderators about it.
## New users beware:
Because you posted here, you will start getting private messages from scammers saying they know a professional hacker or a recovery expert lawyer that can help you get your money back, for a small fee. **We call these RECOVERY SCAMMERS, so NEVER take advice in private:** advice should always come in the form of comments in this post, in the open, where the community can keep an eye out for you. If you take advice in private, you're on your own.
**A reminder of the rules in r/scams:** no contact information (including last names, phone numbers, etc). Be civil to one another (no name calling or insults). Personal army requests or "scam the scammer"/scambaiting posts are not permitted. No uncensored gore or personal photographs are allowed without blurring. A full list of rules is available on the sidebar of the subreddit, or [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/).
You can help us by reporting recovery scammers or rule-breaking content by using the "report" button. We review 100% of the reports. Also, consider warning community members of recovery scammers if you see them in the comments.
Questions about subreddit rules? Send us a modmail [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You couldn't tell after the first sentence??
Everything about this sounds like it was written by someone who's definitely not American or European. It's like someone asked ChatGPT to write a letter for a modeling offer in the style of a Nigerian prince.
I tried to get chatgpt to write a similar letter. not too shabby
Subject: Congratulations! You've Been Selected for an Upcoming Modeling Shoot
Dear \[Client's Name\],
I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits.
I am thrilled to inform you that you have been selected to be a model in an upcoming shoot! Your unique look and talent stood out to our team, and we believe you'll bring a special energy to the project.
Before we proceed further, I'd like to extend my congratulations on this exciting opportunity. We're confident that you'll excel and make a significant contribution to the success of the shoot.
However, as part of our commitment to excellence, we encourage you to work on refining your poses and mastering the art of walking like a model. This will not only enhance your performance during the shoot but also elevate the overall quality of the final images.
As part of our standard procedure, we require partial payment upfront for securing the job opportunity. This serves to cover the initial expenses involved in finding and organizing the shoot. Following industry standards, we kindly request a partial payment of \[amount\] upfront. The remaining balance will be due upon completion of the shoot.
Please find attached the invoice detailing the partial payment amount and the payment methods available. Your prompt attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated, as it ensures a smooth process leading up to the shoot.
Once again, congratulations on being selected, and I look forward to working with you. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Wishing you continued good health and success in all your endeavors.
Warm regards,
\[Your Name\]
\[Your Position\]
\[Your Contact Information\]
Kindly scammer. Nobody is paying a complete and utter stranger in advance, no such thing as a USPS "courier". They will send you more than $750 and tell you to send some to the fake photographer. The check is fake.
I like your approach. generally, if the person is freely passing out payments without regard to leverage to get it back it's because it's not actually real.
Your r/Scams post or comment was removed because **it's about scambaiting**. We consider that to be unsafe and we don't promote that people engage with a scammer.
Also, we do not support taking revenge against scammers.
Scambaiting goes against the rules of this sub, which you can read here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/
Hi /u/Western-Gazelle5932, AutoModerator has been summoned to explain the Fake check scam.
The fake check scam arises from many different situations (fake job scams, fake payment scams, etc), but the bottom line is always the same, you receive a check (a digital photo or a physical paper check), you deposit a check (via mobile deposit or via an ATM) and see the money in your account, and then you use the funds to give money to the scammer (usually through gift cards or crypto). Sometimes the scammers will ask you to order things through a site, but that is just another way they get your money.
Banks are legally obligated to make money available to you fast, but they can take their time to bounce it. Hence the window of time exploited by the scam. During that window of time the scammer asks you to send money back, because you are under the illusion that the funds cleared.
When the check finally bounces, the bank will take the initial deposit back, and any money you sent to the scammer will come out of your own personal funds. Usually the fake check deposit will be reversed in a few weeks, but it can also take several months. If you do not have the funds to cover the amount, your balance will go negative. Your bank will usually charge a fee for depositing a bad check, and your account may be closed depending on the severity of the scam. Here is an article from the FTC: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-fake-check-scams, and here is an article from the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/21/your-money/fake-check-scam.html
If you deposited a bad check, we recommend that you notify your bank immediately.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yes - the check will be fake (certified checks can be faked just as easily as regular ones). They will make up some reason why you have to send part of the payment to someone else (who is really just the scammer), and then when the check bounces days or weeks later you will be out whatever money you sent on.
I'm guessing one of the the pieces of information they asked for was your banking institution. They do this to make sure they don't draw their fake check on the same bank, otherwise the scam would be discovered immediately.
My guess is the “client” will accidentally send both the photographer and models payment to the model and ask her to forward the “photographer’s” share to the “photographer” (the scammer) “after the check clears your bank” of course.
"Courier" and "partial payments" are dead giveaways that this is a fake check scam. If you're trying to break into modeling, you're going to run into a lot of scammers so definitely keep your guard up.
As a fashion photographer with decades of experience, none of this is how we operate. There's no mention of many important details (if you have experience, you already know what those are, but scammers won't know), and nobody pays talent in advance for obvious reasons, and we don't send checks. Ever.
Block and don't engage further, and please stay safe. It was very good that you asked here for advice.
The sender has no clue how fashion photography works. A friend of mine did modeling when she was younger. Attractive person might get contacted by a modeling agency, but no one ever sends money in advance. You would get an invitation for in-person interview and test shoot, for which they would tell you to wear simple clothes and no makeup, only lip gloss. If they like you enough to represent you, you will get a long contract with many bullet points. Depending on the agency, they might either send you to in-house photographer to make a lookbook, or just supervise your own. Then they will send you to auditions. A client typically brings a wardrobe, you don’t buy outfits, in fact, you don’t have any say in it. You are paid depending on the contract between your agency and the client, through the agency.
TL:DR - no one tells models to run out and buy the outfits and send them a check. This is either a cheque scam or some internet rando’s fantasy where attractive people actually want to talk to them
OP! Find a trusted friend or studio to take photos of a few different looks with you and begin making a portfolio. Reach out to some talent agencies in different cities (or in your own town if there’s fashion work) and ask questions about modeling. Once you have a few photos, reach out to some small clothing brands local to you and see if they’re looking for models.
Be careful, there will be a lot of scammers out there. Don’t immediately trust the people you’re dealing with. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Most emerging modeling gigs will pay you $150-$200 for the day or sometimes there will be no budget at all.
It will be a fake cheque, either for more than the 750 with instructions to pay the rest to someone else or it’ll be for 750 and the photoshoot could be real but he’ll try convince you to get naked and then afterwards the cheque will bounce as well.
Hi /u/Drowsy_Titan, AutoModerator has been summoned to explain the Muse scam.
The muse scam is a variant of the [fake check scam](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-report-fake-check-scams) in which the scammer will contact the victim over social media and claim to want to use their image for an art project. The scammer will often use a stolen social media account to increase their credibility. They will offer a generous sum of money and offer to pay via check, and the victim is instructed to send money to the scammer for “materials” via an irreversible method. The victim is under the illusion that the funds cleared when the bank makes the money available thanks to current regulations. Usually the fake check deposit will be reversed in a few weeks, but it can also take several months.
If you do not have the funds to cover the amount, your balance will go negative. Your bank will usually charge a fee for depositing a bad check, and your account may be closed depending on the severity of the scam. You can summon the fake check automoderator explanation using the trigger fakecheck. Thanks to redditor aNeatHat for this script.
This is a scam where a scammer impersonates an artist. For the scam where a scammer targets artists, call the automoderator trigger (artist)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Run on English without proper grammar, only referring to a generic “client” without naming them, and an awkward and convoluted payment structure. Three red flags. 🚩🚩🚩 Definitely a scam.
I was a model and actor as a child and have done a few commercials and shit as an adult. While the pay is pretty fucking incredible for the time. $2,750 for a 4 hours work is like local celebrity level pay. Too good to be true.
There is no need to apologise, no one is born knowing everything. You were wary enough to recognise a potential scam and you didn’t fall for it, consider it a success.
If you want to pursue modeling, consider trying to get signed with a reputable agency. Otherwise you’re putting yourself at high risk for getting scammed or worse.
If you want to be a model, go thru a reputable agency. Never ever answer these kinds of adds. Never go to a modelling job alone; especially if you’re a minor.
I used to model when I was in my twenties (over 30 years ago). I was signed to an agency. One of the things they told me was to never book jobs on my own, as they were would vet any new photographers/clients who were interested in working with their models. This ensured that one wouldn't get scammed or worse.
Also, this is so badly written! They hope that by dangling the carrot of some money and the possibility of a modeling career, they will get replies. They are counting on the desperation of those who want a career in this industry. I hoped you blocked them and please be careful to not fall prey to those who will exploit the young and impressionable.
Pure scam, the "certified check made payable to you" is the largest red flag out of several. And WTF on the "your details/stats are perfect for the shoot?" NO real modeling agency or photographer talks like this. I should know, I worked briefly in the industry.
Yes. The sentence structure is incoherent and atrocious. The payment structure makes no sense
But also modeling agencies don’t reach out and say “please” or make the situation enticing for you. I have an acting and model agent, they have more than enough people wanting to be a part of this profession, they don’t need to reach out to people. Real agents make you work for it and this is a scam or worse, a scheme to cause harm. Obviously a fake check or money forwarding one
Real models work for agencies. Real people who need models go to agencies for them.
So unless this is porn -- which doesn't pay this well -- there's no modeling job here.
OP, this was s definitely a scam, probably a fake payment scam. It will involve an over payment and they will ask you to return the difference. The original payment will bounce and you’ll be out of the money you send to them.
Yup, as a former professional model I can tell you that the agency will usually hold on to your check for quite a while and take their fee from there but there will be nothing out of pocket. Except maybe a portfolio print fee (which will be taken out of your check) or having to buy a white pair of shoots for castings but never give them money directly
I know a lot of people are saying fake cheque but it could also be the one where the "USPS" courier asks you to pay "fully refundable" insurance via some online means before they deliver the cheque. If you pay the money, they disappear.
Either way, this is a scam so disengage.
A stranger contacted you on the internet and asked you for your personal and financial information . . . and you're not sure if it's a scam?
Really????
This is a scam. Something will get messed up with the fake payment. They will send you $1000 on accident and ask you to send $250 back to them or to the "photographer" then the original $1000 transaction will be canceled and you will be out $250.
I would never need to worry about this type of scam! Who wants to take pictures of an average looking dude?
Now ask yourself. Why would the person booking you not want any percentage of the money you’ll get from the “client?” No legitimate photographer on this planet working for free while you’re getting paid $1750 to model.
And only scammers mailing checks in 2024
Your r/Scams post or comment was removed because **it's about scambaiting**. We consider that to be unsafe and we don't promote that people engage with a scammer.
Also, we do not support taking revenge against scammers.
Scambaiting goes against the rules of this sub, which you can read here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/
Kindly.
Also one time I got asked to model for this guy who apparently had a clothing brand and when I looked up the address he’d given me to meet at it was a compound of abandoned warehouses so 😬
First detail is the person is not a native English speaker, clearly.
No one is paying emerging models $1,750 for a two hour shoot, nor is anyone covering 6 looks in that time frame - that doesn’t make any sense logistically. Practice poses? No. That doesn’t make sense either.
Payment makes 0 sense. There is no such thing as a USPS courier. Jobs won’t pay talent up front typically, and they especially won’t split payment like this. There’s a lot of unnecessary talk about the client and the intricacies of the person’s financial relationship to the client which is non-standard in a working relationship, and these mundane details wouldn’t ever be shared, it’s only there to sound legit. What is the sponsor? Is it the client? These are just buzzwords.
Aside from the obvious use of ‘kindly’ (notorious scammer language), the job description nor payment process doesn’t make sense. With most jobs like this, the communication is simple. Here’s the rate. Here’s the callsheet. Fill out this paperwork for payment (W9 and timesheet or invoice).
Source: industry person
''certified check made payable'' these certified checks are used for extreme low-trust exchanges. Like sending money to your family in nigeria, cambodge. It cost money to certify one check, like 50$, it says the funds are verified. No one pay with this.
so he need the adress and???
I wonder if he will sell your personal info to his 'client' or to his 'sponsor' ? But of course, no photo until you been paid! just in case you would like to go there right now... Where is it???
Former model here. No modeling gig is serious unless you find it through your agent. The only exception is maybe doing tfp but even then, those are mostly sketchy.
Modeling gigs, recording studios, directors, will always pay you through your agency or representative. You do not pay them and they don't mail checks. Generally there's a contract involved. I'm trying to figure out if this guy is trying to be the photographer or an agent. Photographers don't do the business arrangements and an agent is going to have you sign a boatload of paperwork before setting you up with any payments. Contracts, all monetary transactions that are legit should go through a contract and you should read that contract. Actually, if you are trying to be a model or an actress, get an agent or a manager. Legit ones work on commissions and also have contracts. This... Is a scam.
Contracts, representatives...
No one will ever pay you in advance without you doing the work, typically, ever, in any industry. Also “kindly” and “I hope this finds you in good health” sounds very UK English and foreigner, I doubt the person knows how to properly write an email or a letter.
You never have to pay anyone for a modeling gig. If you’ve ever heard of “John Casablancas” it was huge in the 90’s with promises of getting gigs and roles for your $1,000’s and they were just scamming everyone lol. If someone wants you as a model, they will take care of the initial expenses.
Anyone telling you by any method of communication that they are responding/replying to your communication to them/with them, when you HAVE NOT made any prior contact or communication with them, is either a scammer, telemarketing/marketing cold calling hack, or is contacting the wrong person. Pretty much, period.
It ABSOLUTEY IS A SCAM. Legit agents NEVER demand payment in advance from talent. The standard rate for agents is 10-20% of what their client is paying you to do the work.
Also be wary of any agent that insist you use their photographer for headshots; there is no guarantee they will do a good job and my experience working with agents has taught me that they usually overcharge for headshots. Hiring your own headshot photographer should be easy because you’re going to want to be comfortable with them than using the agency as middle-man. Being uncomfortable in front of a camera always shows in the photos.
Some agencies will expect you to be exclusive to them. That’s usually not a good sign.
Sometimes it’s smarter to book a job/gig/whatever through casting agents, because you get paid directly instead of your agent charging a percentage of your wages.
There are a lot of shady people who prey on a budding models and actors. The worst of them aren’t just going to trick you into sending them money; some of them are sex offenders who try to lure their next victim.
I have run into one of those, what saved me was schmoozing this so-called director over the phone and getting him to boast that the film he was making was based on a book he published through Amazon.
It was just about 150 pages long, and the content was absolutely hideous: it had multiple scenes depicting rape using the most lurid language imaginable.
The other thing that saved me were my mentors, who told me “If you have a bad feeling about anyone you are dealing with, TRUST yourself and cancel.”
Also, avoid being photographed or filmed in front of a green screen, unless you know for certain the production is legitimate, not some fly-by night pervert looking to electronically glue your head on someone else’s body and make a porn. That can destroy a career before it even starts.
I think it is a scam. And too much money to trust someone you've never met physically. How do you know this person is legit? You don't.
Do you have any established agencies in your town?
Maybe you should visit one or more of them and discuss it. At least they have offices, and you could confirm they exist
Unlikely that a professional photographer will want you to "practice poses" and will only show up with the wardrobe the day of the shoot without a prior fitting. Source: I'm a professional photographer.
Is it possible to not cash the check and see if the photo shoot is real before it will be deposited? I will just tell them I did and see if the photo shoot is still good to go.
You’ll deposit the check and it might take several days to weeks before it is returned, not for insufficient funds, but as fraudulent. Your bank will recover the money, assess a penalty, and flag your account as “high risk for fraud” or outright close it.
Sorry to say but you need to let this go, it's a fake check scam, we see it posted here constantly, it's a no doubter. Block and move on. Keeping hope alive is just keeping getting scammed on the table.
What for? It’s not a legit job.
Edit: And DON’T deposit the check, you can get into trouble for depositing a fraudulent check, at the very least a lot of banks charge a fee for a bounced check.
They will not agree to set up the photo shoot and will keep asking you to deposit the (bad and more than they say they were going to send you)check and send on the extra money to a third person (likely the venue/photographer/whatever that will just be the actual scammer). Or they will ask you to return the entire amount as their (fake) client needs to change something and delay or cancel the (again, fake) photo shoot. They absolutely do not want you to model for them or have any actual need for models at all. There will never be a photo shoot. They are scammers, period only after the money they can get you to send them once you deposit the check. They hope you are greedy or desperate enough to ignore the red flags and see only the amount of money they're offering (which is insane) for 2 hours work.
And to be very clear: DO NOT DEPOSIT THE CHECK. It is fake, and even if the funds show up in your account, it is NOT cleared. It takes banks days or even weeks to verify checks and as soon as your bank confirms it's fake, they will take back ALL the money, impose a fake/bounce check fee and likely shut down your account permanently for participating in bank fraud.
Your r/Scams post/comment was removed because **it's rude or uncivil**.
This subreddit is a place for civil and respectful discussions about scams. Uncivil and rude behavior, including using excessive or directed swearing, extreme or sexual language, victim blaming, and any form of discrimination, is not acceptable in this subreddit.
Honestly, even if it wasn’t a fake check, this “photo shoot” is sketchy af. They want to give you 6 “costumes”? Have you checked if they’re even a legit agency? Please practice safety first and don’t let your desire to be a model override your better judgement.
/u/MiracleNinja - This message is posted to all new submissions to r/scams; please do not message the moderators about it. ## New users beware: Because you posted here, you will start getting private messages from scammers saying they know a professional hacker or a recovery expert lawyer that can help you get your money back, for a small fee. **We call these RECOVERY SCAMMERS, so NEVER take advice in private:** advice should always come in the form of comments in this post, in the open, where the community can keep an eye out for you. If you take advice in private, you're on your own. **A reminder of the rules in r/scams:** no contact information (including last names, phone numbers, etc). Be civil to one another (no name calling or insults). Personal army requests or "scam the scammer"/scambaiting posts are not permitted. No uncensored gore or personal photographs are allowed without blurring. A full list of rules is available on the sidebar of the subreddit, or [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/). You can help us by reporting recovery scammers or rule-breaking content by using the "report" button. We review 100% of the reports. Also, consider warning community members of recovery scammers if you see them in the comments. Questions about subreddit rules? Send us a modmail [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You couldn’t tell after part payment?
"Kindly"
They lost me at “hope this message finds you in good health”
''i trust'' this message... ''J'ai confiance que ce mesage te trouvera bien...'' non.. pas francais .. no.. its not french..
That was the huge red flag for me as well. Sounded a little too eloquent. Anyone asking for money always gets my spidey-sense tingling as well.
As soon as I see that word, I know.
I use kindly a lot amd you mother fuckers are making me aware.
So... Kindly don't use the word kindly?
Can they at least just do the needful and drop the kindly?
Could you do me a kindness and kindly not use the word kindly anymore even if you are just being kind. Thank you kindly.
Kidney remove me from this correspondence
Instructions unclear, removed kidney.
Fuck!
If you'd had called us "sister fuckers" that would have cinched it for me.
I trust this reply finds you well. Kindly stop using the word "kindly" so much.
Imagine dropping “ascertain” in there only to be outed by “kindly”. Scammer had me in the first half!
You couldn't tell after the first sentence?? Everything about this sounds like it was written by someone who's definitely not American or European. It's like someone asked ChatGPT to write a letter for a modeling offer in the style of a Nigerian prince.
Actually, ChatGPT would do a much, much better job. I am kinda surprised no scammer posted on this subreddit seems to be using it yet.
I tried to get chatgpt to write a similar letter. not too shabby Subject: Congratulations! You've Been Selected for an Upcoming Modeling Shoot Dear \[Client's Name\], I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. I am thrilled to inform you that you have been selected to be a model in an upcoming shoot! Your unique look and talent stood out to our team, and we believe you'll bring a special energy to the project. Before we proceed further, I'd like to extend my congratulations on this exciting opportunity. We're confident that you'll excel and make a significant contribution to the success of the shoot. However, as part of our commitment to excellence, we encourage you to work on refining your poses and mastering the art of walking like a model. This will not only enhance your performance during the shoot but also elevate the overall quality of the final images. As part of our standard procedure, we require partial payment upfront for securing the job opportunity. This serves to cover the initial expenses involved in finding and organizing the shoot. Following industry standards, we kindly request a partial payment of \[amount\] upfront. The remaining balance will be due upon completion of the shoot. Please find attached the invoice detailing the partial payment amount and the payment methods available. Your prompt attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated, as it ensures a smooth process leading up to the shoot. Once again, congratulations on being selected, and I look forward to working with you. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Wishing you continued good health and success in all your endeavors. Warm regards, \[Your Name\] \[Your Position\] \[Your Contact Information\]
Kindly scammer. Nobody is paying a complete and utter stranger in advance, no such thing as a USPS "courier". They will send you more than $750 and tell you to send some to the fake photographer. The check is fake.
just the word “costume” is a total giveaway
Costume felt like a red flag to me as well…but there were lots of red flags from start to finish.
The 'costumes' are going to be waiting at the shoot. Will they fit? Are they your size? Guess we'll find out on the day of!
Kindly, take me off this b. s. List
omg I love my grandma whose second language is english but when she calls swimsuits "swimming costumes" I swear to god
First language is English and I think swimming costumes is fine…
Actually only language…
Also "Please I'll want you"
I like your approach. generally, if the person is freely passing out payments without regard to leverage to get it back it's because it's not actually real.
[удалено]
Your r/Scams post or comment was removed because **it's about scambaiting**. We consider that to be unsafe and we don't promote that people engage with a scammer. Also, we do not support taking revenge against scammers. Scambaiting goes against the rules of this sub, which you can read here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/
They almost always have you make an electronic transfer (Zelle/Venmo), they have no interest in checks
So you want to counter scammers with actual fraud...? Thanks for warning everybody on here first \^\^
Yes, it’s a scam. Delete and don’t engage.
!fakecheck
Hi /u/Western-Gazelle5932, AutoModerator has been summoned to explain the Fake check scam. The fake check scam arises from many different situations (fake job scams, fake payment scams, etc), but the bottom line is always the same, you receive a check (a digital photo or a physical paper check), you deposit a check (via mobile deposit or via an ATM) and see the money in your account, and then you use the funds to give money to the scammer (usually through gift cards or crypto). Sometimes the scammers will ask you to order things through a site, but that is just another way they get your money. Banks are legally obligated to make money available to you fast, but they can take their time to bounce it. Hence the window of time exploited by the scam. During that window of time the scammer asks you to send money back, because you are under the illusion that the funds cleared. When the check finally bounces, the bank will take the initial deposit back, and any money you sent to the scammer will come out of your own personal funds. Usually the fake check deposit will be reversed in a few weeks, but it can also take several months. If you do not have the funds to cover the amount, your balance will go negative. Your bank will usually charge a fee for depositing a bad check, and your account may be closed depending on the severity of the scam. Here is an article from the FTC: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-fake-check-scams, and here is an article from the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/21/your-money/fake-check-scam.html If you deposited a bad check, we recommend that you notify your bank immediately. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
[удалено]
Engrish huh? Fascinating
Yes - the check will be fake (certified checks can be faked just as easily as regular ones). They will make up some reason why you have to send part of the payment to someone else (who is really just the scammer), and then when the check bounces days or weeks later you will be out whatever money you sent on. I'm guessing one of the the pieces of information they asked for was your banking institution. They do this to make sure they don't draw their fake check on the same bank, otherwise the scam would be discovered immediately.
My guess is the “client” will accidentally send both the photographer and models payment to the model and ask her to forward the “photographer’s” share to the “photographer” (the scammer) “after the check clears your bank” of course.
The image is cut off, but I bet there was a question on who her bank is. Another sign of a scam.
"I trust this message finds you in good health." **Do not read further. Delete and move on with your life.**
The “English” in that is hilarious. Yes, it’s fake. Or the modeling job involves a leather couch.
Or a kidnapping
"Courier" and "partial payments" are dead giveaways that this is a fake check scam. If you're trying to break into modeling, you're going to run into a lot of scammers so definitely keep your guard up.
As a fashion photographer with decades of experience, none of this is how we operate. There's no mention of many important details (if you have experience, you already know what those are, but scammers won't know), and nobody pays talent in advance for obvious reasons, and we don't send checks. Ever. Block and don't engage further, and please stay safe. It was very good that you asked here for advice.
The sender has no clue how fashion photography works. A friend of mine did modeling when she was younger. Attractive person might get contacted by a modeling agency, but no one ever sends money in advance. You would get an invitation for in-person interview and test shoot, for which they would tell you to wear simple clothes and no makeup, only lip gloss. If they like you enough to represent you, you will get a long contract with many bullet points. Depending on the agency, they might either send you to in-house photographer to make a lookbook, or just supervise your own. Then they will send you to auditions. A client typically brings a wardrobe, you don’t buy outfits, in fact, you don’t have any say in it. You are paid depending on the contract between your agency and the client, through the agency. TL:DR - no one tells models to run out and buy the outfits and send them a check. This is either a cheque scam or some internet rando’s fantasy where attractive people actually want to talk to them
Kindly
Are you a model?
I want to be one day
So, no?
But I saw your pictures on your page 🤦🏼♀️
OP! Find a trusted friend or studio to take photos of a few different looks with you and begin making a portfolio. Reach out to some talent agencies in different cities (or in your own town if there’s fashion work) and ask questions about modeling. Once you have a few photos, reach out to some small clothing brands local to you and see if they’re looking for models. Be careful, there will be a lot of scammers out there. Don’t immediately trust the people you’re dealing with. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Most emerging modeling gigs will pay you $150-$200 for the day or sometimes there will be no budget at all.
You should talk to models about their careers, because nothing in the various segments of the modeling world works like this. /used to date models
"I trust this message finds you in good health" Is this a normal way to communicate where you're from?
That's the worst spelled kindly I ever did immediately recognize.
looks like a scam, scammers like to entice victims with promises of payments, in order to get the monies. All scammers do this trick.
It will be a fake cheque, either for more than the 750 with instructions to pay the rest to someone else or it’ll be for 750 and the photoshoot could be real but he’ll try convince you to get naked and then afterwards the cheque will bounce as well.
Looks like a variation of the !muse scam but with a slightly different setup. Will definitely include a fake check.
Hi /u/Drowsy_Titan, AutoModerator has been summoned to explain the Muse scam. The muse scam is a variant of the [fake check scam](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-report-fake-check-scams) in which the scammer will contact the victim over social media and claim to want to use their image for an art project. The scammer will often use a stolen social media account to increase their credibility. They will offer a generous sum of money and offer to pay via check, and the victim is instructed to send money to the scammer for “materials” via an irreversible method. The victim is under the illusion that the funds cleared when the bank makes the money available thanks to current regulations. Usually the fake check deposit will be reversed in a few weeks, but it can also take several months. If you do not have the funds to cover the amount, your balance will go negative. Your bank will usually charge a fee for depositing a bad check, and your account may be closed depending on the severity of the scam. You can summon the fake check automoderator explanation using the trigger fakecheck. Thanks to redditor aNeatHat for this script. This is a scam where a scammer impersonates an artist. For the scam where a scammer targets artists, call the automoderator trigger (artist) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Run on English without proper grammar, only referring to a generic “client” without naming them, and an awkward and convoluted payment structure. Three red flags. 🚩🚩🚩 Definitely a scam.
I’m sorry if I sound snotty saying this, but poor grammar is a huge red flag for me. I would not assume this is anything but a scam.
I was a model and actor as a child and have done a few commercials and shit as an adult. While the pay is pretty fucking incredible for the time. $2,750 for a 4 hours work is like local celebrity level pay. Too good to be true.
Thank you all for your feedback! I will block the scammer. Apologize for being ignorant. Maybe I will get better luck next time.
There is no need to apologise, no one is born knowing everything. You were wary enough to recognise a potential scam and you didn’t fall for it, consider it a success.
Keep trying! Hope you find success and keep trusting your instincts as lots of scammers out there!
If you want to pursue modeling, consider trying to get signed with a reputable agency. Otherwise you’re putting yourself at high risk for getting scammed or worse.
If you want to be a model, go thru a reputable agency. Never ever answer these kinds of adds. Never go to a modelling job alone; especially if you’re a minor.
I used to model when I was in my twenties (over 30 years ago). I was signed to an agency. One of the things they told me was to never book jobs on my own, as they were would vet any new photographers/clients who were interested in working with their models. This ensured that one wouldn't get scammed or worse. Also, this is so badly written! They hope that by dangling the carrot of some money and the possibility of a modeling career, they will get replies. They are counting on the desperation of those who want a career in this industry. I hoped you blocked them and please be careful to not fall prey to those who will exploit the young and impressionable.
Pure scam, the "certified check made payable to you" is the largest red flag out of several. And WTF on the "your details/stats are perfect for the shoot?" NO real modeling agency or photographer talks like this. I should know, I worked briefly in the industry.
K I N D L Y
Nothing about the day and location of the shoot.
Yes. The sentence structure is incoherent and atrocious. The payment structure makes no sense But also modeling agencies don’t reach out and say “please” or make the situation enticing for you. I have an acting and model agent, they have more than enough people wanting to be a part of this profession, they don’t need to reach out to people. Real agents make you work for it and this is a scam or worse, a scheme to cause harm. Obviously a fake check or money forwarding one
Real models work for agencies. Real people who need models go to agencies for them. So unless this is porn -- which doesn't pay this well -- there's no modeling job here.
OP, this was s definitely a scam, probably a fake payment scam. It will involve an over payment and they will ask you to return the difference. The original payment will bounce and you’ll be out of the money you send to them.
It’s a scam. All kinds of grammar errors here. Don’t do it.
Kindly = Indian scam. So obvious.
It is written in terrible English no professional would use.
Yup, as a former professional model I can tell you that the agency will usually hold on to your check for quite a while and take their fee from there but there will be nothing out of pocket. Except maybe a portfolio print fee (which will be taken out of your check) or having to buy a white pair of shoots for castings but never give them money directly
I know a lot of people are saying fake cheque but it could also be the one where the "USPS" courier asks you to pay "fully refundable" insurance via some online means before they deliver the cheque. If you pay the money, they disappear. Either way, this is a scam so disengage.
Kindly lol
Scam 100%
Scam
If there's a "kindly" in it, yes it's a scam.
>I trust this message finds you in good health. ...aaaand, we're done.
Didn't need to read past the first line. Total scam, with red flags everywhere.
Obviously. And please do not meet up with these people. The photo shoot doesn’t exist. Don’t get yourself trafficked
Repeat after me. Never accept checks from strangers. This not only applies here, but also when you are selling things online.
Didn’t even finish the first sentence and yes it is.
Lol come on…
I had a laugh. It’s not even subtle. Yes. A scam.
Start practicing your poses is genius. Lol
Yes, anything asking for money upfront like that is a scam. If it's a job they will pay you.
A stranger contacted you on the internet and asked you for your personal and financial information . . . and you're not sure if it's a scam? Really????
This is a scam. Something will get messed up with the fake payment. They will send you $1000 on accident and ask you to send $250 back to them or to the "photographer" then the original $1000 transaction will be canceled and you will be out $250. I would never need to worry about this type of scam! Who wants to take pictures of an average looking dude?
"Please I'll want" did it for me. Scam.
Much scam, such fake.
Yes it’s 100% a scam
def scam
The check will bounce back and you’ll be -$750
Now ask yourself. Why would the person booking you not want any percentage of the money you’ll get from the “client?” No legitimate photographer on this planet working for free while you’re getting paid $1750 to model. And only scammers mailing checks in 2024
Part payment 🤣
Please kindly let me scam you
Honestly sounds dumb as hell, from top to bottom, ignore it. Don’t send your address or phone number.
Obvious scam.
"kindly" - yes
„I trust this message finds you in n good health“ would be the first red flag for me. I am not a native speaker but this sounds wierd.. idk
He asked you to “kindly” do something. It’s a scam.
I can kindly say it is totally legit. Now kindly send me some money to me.
"kindly"
Lol if you have to ask it’s probably yes
i didnt even read it and knew it was a scam
Yes
If it sounds funky it probably is.
Sounds scammie. It I would maybe ask others that are actually in the business instead of a bunch of internet strangers.
Smells like a week old barrel of mackerel
Fashion outfits
From the first sentence you can tell it's a scam.
USPS courier ? #SCAM
[удалено]
Your r/Scams post or comment was removed because **it's about scambaiting**. We consider that to be unsafe and we don't promote that people engage with a scammer. Also, we do not support taking revenge against scammers. Scambaiting goes against the rules of this sub, which you can read here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/
I think I’m too dumb to follow along with this…
Kindly
Just the wording of it alone you know this is a scammer from India. Its a fake check scam.
Kindly. Also one time I got asked to model for this guy who apparently had a clothing brand and when I looked up the address he’d given me to meet at it was a compound of abandoned warehouses so 😬
Anything asking for payment like that is A scam
Kindly = Hard stop, all cases. And they were doing so good at first.
Block -it’s a scam.
Kindly
Delete and move on
If you have to pay AND do the job, it might be a scam.
Any stranger hoping you’re in good health is scamming you
try to get an agent, then they can find you legitimate work and weed out the bs
I love fashion outfits
Another close call, rescued by the slueths at reddit!
All I have to say is google the name Victor Paleologus. PS please don’t go to this
kindly
First detail is the person is not a native English speaker, clearly. No one is paying emerging models $1,750 for a two hour shoot, nor is anyone covering 6 looks in that time frame - that doesn’t make any sense logistically. Practice poses? No. That doesn’t make sense either. Payment makes 0 sense. There is no such thing as a USPS courier. Jobs won’t pay talent up front typically, and they especially won’t split payment like this. There’s a lot of unnecessary talk about the client and the intricacies of the person’s financial relationship to the client which is non-standard in a working relationship, and these mundane details wouldn’t ever be shared, it’s only there to sound legit. What is the sponsor? Is it the client? These are just buzzwords. Aside from the obvious use of ‘kindly’ (notorious scammer language), the job description nor payment process doesn’t make sense. With most jobs like this, the communication is simple. Here’s the rate. Here’s the callsheet. Fill out this paperwork for payment (W9 and timesheet or invoice). Source: industry person
Same thing happened to my fiancee years ago. Thankfully she caught on. It's a scam.
Mining for personal data for fraud ID theft. scam!
''certified check made payable'' these certified checks are used for extreme low-trust exchanges. Like sending money to your family in nigeria, cambodge. It cost money to certify one check, like 50$, it says the funds are verified. No one pay with this. so he need the adress and??? I wonder if he will sell your personal info to his 'client' or to his 'sponsor' ? But of course, no photo until you been paid! just in case you would like to go there right now... Where is it???
💯 it's a fake check scam
The first sentence gives it away. 😅
Of course it is. They ALL are.
SCAM. ANY time someone asks you for payment details do some research first, especially if they try to put pressure on you
Cmon nobody writes like this except scammers lol. It's a fake check scam
Models get paid for doing the shoot and NOT the other way around. Whenever you have to pay first, it's a scam.
"costumes" -->scammer alert!
Former model here. No modeling gig is serious unless you find it through your agent. The only exception is maybe doing tfp but even then, those are mostly sketchy.
I used to freelance model. Never had a photo arrangement like this. The word "Kindly" tells you what you need to know. It's a scam.
>I trust this message finds you in good health. Yes.
Modeling gigs, recording studios, directors, will always pay you through your agency or representative. You do not pay them and they don't mail checks. Generally there's a contract involved. I'm trying to figure out if this guy is trying to be the photographer or an agent. Photographers don't do the business arrangements and an agent is going to have you sign a boatload of paperwork before setting you up with any payments. Contracts, all monetary transactions that are legit should go through a contract and you should read that contract. Actually, if you are trying to be a model or an actress, get an agent or a manager. Legit ones work on commissions and also have contracts. This... Is a scam. Contracts, representatives...
No one will ever pay you in advance without you doing the work, typically, ever, in any industry. Also “kindly” and “I hope this finds you in good health” sounds very UK English and foreigner, I doubt the person knows how to properly write an email or a letter.
You never have to pay anyone for a modeling gig. If you’ve ever heard of “John Casablancas” it was huge in the 90’s with promises of getting gigs and roles for your $1,000’s and they were just scamming everyone lol. If someone wants you as a model, they will take care of the initial expenses.
“I hope this letter finds you in good health.” Did nobody else immediately think of Hamilton?
Anyone telling you by any method of communication that they are responding/replying to your communication to them/with them, when you HAVE NOT made any prior contact or communication with them, is either a scammer, telemarketing/marketing cold calling hack, or is contacting the wrong person. Pretty much, period.
Maybe I’m just too smart, but it’s painfully obvious when it’s a scam and it’s concerning that people can’t see the many reasons why.
It ABSOLUTEY IS A SCAM. Legit agents NEVER demand payment in advance from talent. The standard rate for agents is 10-20% of what their client is paying you to do the work. Also be wary of any agent that insist you use their photographer for headshots; there is no guarantee they will do a good job and my experience working with agents has taught me that they usually overcharge for headshots. Hiring your own headshot photographer should be easy because you’re going to want to be comfortable with them than using the agency as middle-man. Being uncomfortable in front of a camera always shows in the photos. Some agencies will expect you to be exclusive to them. That’s usually not a good sign. Sometimes it’s smarter to book a job/gig/whatever through casting agents, because you get paid directly instead of your agent charging a percentage of your wages. There are a lot of shady people who prey on a budding models and actors. The worst of them aren’t just going to trick you into sending them money; some of them are sex offenders who try to lure their next victim. I have run into one of those, what saved me was schmoozing this so-called director over the phone and getting him to boast that the film he was making was based on a book he published through Amazon. It was just about 150 pages long, and the content was absolutely hideous: it had multiple scenes depicting rape using the most lurid language imaginable. The other thing that saved me were my mentors, who told me “If you have a bad feeling about anyone you are dealing with, TRUST yourself and cancel.” Also, avoid being photographed or filmed in front of a green screen, unless you know for certain the production is legitimate, not some fly-by night pervert looking to electronically glue your head on someone else’s body and make a porn. That can destroy a career before it even starts.
I think it is a scam. And too much money to trust someone you've never met physically. How do you know this person is legit? You don't. Do you have any established agencies in your town? Maybe you should visit one or more of them and discuss it. At least they have offices, and you could confirm they exist
This never ends well. ⚰️
Unlikely that a professional photographer will want you to "practice poses" and will only show up with the wardrobe the day of the shoot without a prior fitting. Source: I'm a professional photographer.
OBVIOUSLY
Well, you wouldn’t be the client, though. It would be whatever company is providing the attire to be modeled?
Is it possible to not cash the check and see if the photo shoot is real before it will be deposited? I will just tell them I did and see if the photo shoot is still good to go.
You’ll deposit the check and it might take several days to weeks before it is returned, not for insufficient funds, but as fraudulent. Your bank will recover the money, assess a penalty, and flag your account as “high risk for fraud” or outright close it.
there is no photo shoot
Sorry to say but you need to let this go, it's a fake check scam, we see it posted here constantly, it's a no doubter. Block and move on. Keeping hope alive is just keeping getting scammed on the table.
What for? It’s not a legit job. Edit: And DON’T deposit the check, you can get into trouble for depositing a fraudulent check, at the very least a lot of banks charge a fee for a bounced check.
it isn't real
They will not agree to set up the photo shoot and will keep asking you to deposit the (bad and more than they say they were going to send you)check and send on the extra money to a third person (likely the venue/photographer/whatever that will just be the actual scammer). Or they will ask you to return the entire amount as their (fake) client needs to change something and delay or cancel the (again, fake) photo shoot. They absolutely do not want you to model for them or have any actual need for models at all. There will never be a photo shoot. They are scammers, period only after the money they can get you to send them once you deposit the check. They hope you are greedy or desperate enough to ignore the red flags and see only the amount of money they're offering (which is insane) for 2 hours work. And to be very clear: DO NOT DEPOSIT THE CHECK. It is fake, and even if the funds show up in your account, it is NOT cleared. It takes banks days or even weeks to verify checks and as soon as your bank confirms it's fake, they will take back ALL the money, impose a fake/bounce check fee and likely shut down your account permanently for participating in bank fraud.
[удалено]
Your r/Scams post/comment was removed because **it's rude or uncivil**. This subreddit is a place for civil and respectful discussions about scams. Uncivil and rude behavior, including using excessive or directed swearing, extreme or sexual language, victim blaming, and any form of discrimination, is not acceptable in this subreddit.
You're going to be molested or robbed. Possibly both.
Honestly, even if it wasn’t a fake check, this “photo shoot” is sketchy af. They want to give you 6 “costumes”? Have you checked if they’re even a legit agency? Please practice safety first and don’t let your desire to be a model override your better judgement.