Forums > Newbie Forum > New to MM, what are considered Scams

Model

Anna Bai

Posts: 27

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US

I've recieved a email & it seems a little too good to be true, help..

Mar 06 15 11:14 am Link

Photographer

JosephZahnlePhotography

Posts: 983

Caldwell, Idaho, US

Hello Anna

Welcome to MM


Was it through MM or elsewhere?

Mar 06 15 11:35 am Link

Model

Anna Bai

Posts: 27

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US

it was on mm & in regular email, his page on mm has been deleted! Here is what he sent me on here:    How are you doing today? I just want to inform you about an upcoming photo shoot by a popular magazine. Your service is needed and kindly contact the below email for more details. Please don't reply me on model mayhem, you are to contact the below email for more details: info@_________

Mar 06 15 12:22 pm Link

Model

Anna Bai

Posts: 27

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US

The personal email :Hello,
      Thank you for your quick response. My name is _________,
i am the manager in charge of this upcoming shoot that will be hold
by Glow Magazine. Glow Magazine base in Canada and is a fashion and
health magazine that
just created a new branch in United State of America. We are currently
looking for a serious model to display the latest fashions and
designers for our first edition in the state.
This will be the first release of our magazine in USA. We only need to
take your pictures in different posses to update our magazine for this
edition. The shoot will be commenced in March 2015, but the shooting
date would be depends on your available date in this month. The
shoot will be start by 9am and end up by 11am. Also, you won't need to
travel out of the state for the shoot, because it will be holding in
your area.
As a matter of choice, you can come along with anyone of your choice
as an escort to the shooting venue. Our company will be taking care of
you and be providing a driver that will be picking you from your home
to the shooting venue.
You are not required to do any make up on your own because our company
will be providing our personal make up artist to cover all the
necessary make up.
We have our personal photographers to give you the best poses and good shots.
The company will be paying you a sum of $400 as hourly shooting rate,
and your total payment for the two hours shooting is $800.00.
Please be notified that your payment would be paid in two
installments, we will be sending you a check of $2,510 which will
include your part payment of $400. You are to deduct the sum of $400
as your part payment, then the remaining balance should be remit by
you to the store manager as the outfits payment for the shooting.
Immediately the check was cleared, you will be given an instruction on
how to send the money and your necessary statistics information across
to the store expertise.
We're entrusting you with the outfits payment because the payment has
to go the store in your name in order to make a total corresponding
with your other details we will be sending to the store along with
your measurement. Also, the shooting materials belongs to you after
the shooting.

PAYMENT DETAILS MUST BE FILLED TO SIGN UP.

Name to be written on check:
Residence address:(Not Po. Box)
Apartment number if any:
City/state/zip code:
Direct mobile phone number:
Your available date:
Your escort name if any:
Your current occupation:
Any of your available pictures:
Age:
Best regards.

Mar 06 15 12:24 pm Link

Photographer

Brian Diaz

Posts: 65617

Danbury, Connecticut, US

That's probably the most common scam out there.

Here's an article about such scams, how to spot them, and what to do when you find one:

https://www.modelmayhem.com/education/u … the-basics

Mar 06 15 12:36 pm Link

Model

Anna Bai

Posts: 27

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US

Ok what makes this a scam, what are the key things? Just for future references

Mar 06 15 12:39 pm Link

Model

Anna Bai

Posts: 27

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US

Thanks btw

Mar 06 15 12:40 pm Link

Photographer

Toto Photo

Posts: 3757

Belmont, California, US

Model Anna Bai wrote:
Ok what makes this a scam, what are the key things? Just for future references

If anyone says they are going to send you a big check and want you to cash it and give someone else part of it, it is a scam.

Mar 06 15 12:46 pm Link

Model

J Leigh

Posts: 4

Baltimore, Maryland, US

What makes it a scam is how they try to get your hopes up at the big amount of money they offer. If they say they'll send you part of it, and the other half comes at a later date or comes from someone else, its usually a scam.
Secondly, if its a magazine/clothing company, normally, they'll have the name of that magazine in their email address.
Thirdly, just never give your personal info to anyone you've never met. And even be weary about the people you DO meet. Just always ask the right questions and stay a step ahead of the game. But the email you got was definitely a very well-known scam.

As you see more of those, you'll learn the characteristics and how to spot em. If it's too good to be true, and nothing was ever discussed face to face, then it probably is false/a scam.

Mar 06 15 01:16 pm Link

Model

J Leigh

Posts: 4

Baltimore, Maryland, US

What makes it a scam is how they try to get your hopes up at the big amount of money they offer. If they say they'll send you part of it, and the other half comes at a later date or comes from someone else, its usually a scam.
Secondly, if its a magazine/clothing company, normally, they'll have the name of that magazine in their email address.
Thirdly, just never give your personal info to anyone you've never met. And even be weary about the people you DO meet. Just always ask the right questions and stay a step ahead of the game. But the email you got was definitely a very well-known scam.

As you see more of those, you'll learn the characteristics and how to spot em. If it's too good to be true, and nothing was ever discussed face to face, then it probably is false/a scam.

Mar 06 15 01:16 pm Link

Model

J Leigh

Posts: 4

Baltimore, Maryland, US

What makes it a scam is how they try to get your hopes up at the big amount of money they offer. If they say they'll send you part of it, and the other half comes at a later date or comes from someone else, its usually a scam.
Secondly, if its a magazine/clothing company, normally, they'll have the name of that magazine in their email address.
Thirdly, just never give your personal info to anyone you've never met. And even be weary about the people you DO meet. Just always ask the right questions and stay a step ahead of the game. But the email you got was definitely a very well-known scam.

As you see more of those, you'll learn the characteristics and how to spot em. If it's too good to be true, and nothing was ever discussed face to face, then it probably is false/a scam.

Mar 06 15 01:16 pm Link

Model

Anna Bai

Posts: 27

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US

Ok thank you guys sooo much I really appreciate the help

Mar 06 15 01:19 pm Link

Model

Assimillano

Posts: 501

Tangier, Tangier-Tétouan, Morocco

Hello Anna
Welcome to MM smile

I wish all best to you

Mar 06 15 01:31 pm Link

Model

Anna Bai

Posts: 27

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US

Anymore tips?
Everything is appreciated, I'm trying to build my modeling career

Mar 06 15 02:07 pm Link

Photographer

American Glamour

Posts: 38813

Detroit, Michigan, US

Moderator Note!
Just a couple of comments.  If you ever see what you think is a scam, don't hesitate to bring it to our attention.  If you click "help" above, you will see a link for "contact a moderator."  We take scams very seriously and act on them quickly.

Likewise, you mentioned that the profile was already gone.  I have no idea who this is, nor could I comment specifically, but you should note that we quickly remove accounts if we learn they are a scam.  So, while there can be other explanations as to why it is gone, it is also possible that it came to our attention and we took care of it.

Mar 06 15 02:13 pm Link

Model

AmandaJune

Posts: 2

Baġlān, Baġlān, Afghanistan

I am suspicious about this being a scam and I wanted to see if anyone else can either confirm or deny my accusations.
Dear Mmer,
My name is Albert Pole, I am the assistant casting director Glow
Beauty Magazine. We acknowledged your interest in response to the
message you I posted via MODELMAYHEM. We are extremely confident about
the potential results of our collaborative efforts as it would be an
honor to capture your beauty, poise, elegance, and sensuality.
Glow Beauty Magazine; What distinguishes us from other magazines is
that, our focus mainly lies on upcoming artists in  the fashion &
entertainment industry. We are interested in the daily life of the
upcoming model/artist.
   Glow Beauty Magazine, you can also read about fashion, beauty and
interviews with upcoming models,photographers, actors, designers, DJ’s
etc. And here we are again, calling for an upcoming commercial
products ad shoot to market and Bags, Purses, Wallets and Gift items
nationwide for our client.

Jul 19 16 04:15 pm Link

Photographer

Flex Photography

Posts: 6470

Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

This is a variant of the decades-old Nigerian Scam!

Signs to watch for:
They want you to immediately change to email not Mayhem.
They quickly disappear from Mayhem.
They use a general email (gmail, hotmail, etc.) rather than one @ the company name.
"Hello (blank) They don't fill in your name.
Bad English & grammar.
Any offer of advance payment/overpayment
An urgency for you to quickly pass on such payment. (before their check bounces)
Supposedly trusting you to pay thousands to others. (Who would do that...what company would operate that way?)
Offering all this to an inexperienced, untried "model". Wouldn't they want someone established for such a shoot?
Offering to bring the shoot to you, at their expense. Why wouldn't they use someone local to them?

In general, if it sounds too good to be true, you can bet it isn't!
Use Common Sense!
Don't provide your email, etc. right away. Use MM messages to people that don't disappear.
If an offer is at all doubtful, ask about it here before you send them info, rather than after the fact.
If you have made the mistake of giving them your email, phone, address, etc., do not deposit anything or forward any money!
Cease all communications.
Expect more scams, as they may have sold your contact info to others.
Never display your contact info on Mayhem (visible to the world) or elsewhere on the internet.

Jul 19 16 06:12 pm Link

Photographer

Mark Salo

Posts: 11708

Olney, Maryland, US

Flex Photography wrote:
This is a variant of the decades-old Nigerian Scam!

Signs to watch for:
They want you to immediately change to email not Mayhem.
They quickly disappear from Mayhem.
They use a general email (gmail, hotmail, etc.) rather than one @ the company name.
"Hello (blank) They don't fill in your name.
Bad English & grammar.
Any offer of advance payment/overpayment
An urgency for you to quickly pass on such payment. (before their check bounces)
Supposedly trusting you to pay thousands to others. (Who would do that...what company would operate that way?)
Offering all this to an inexperienced, untried "model". Wouldn't they want someone established for such a shoot?
Offering to bring the shoot to you, at their expense. Why wouldn't they use someone local to them?

In general, if it sounds too good to be true, you can bet it isn't!
Use Common Sense!
Don't provide your email, etc. right away. Use MM messages to people that don't disappear.
If an offer is at all doubtful, ask about it here before you send them info, rather than after the fact.
If you have made the mistake of giving them your email, phone, address, etc., do not deposit anything or forward any money!
Cease all communications.
Expect more scams, as they may have sold your contact info to others.
Never display your contact info on Mayhem (visible to the world) or elsewhere on the internet.

This is a really concise, cogent summary.

Note that anyone can say that they are asociated with a big name commercial entity.

My favorite laugh:  "You may even realize a noticeable fame."

Jul 19 16 07:40 pm Link

Model

CarleySchumann

Posts: 1

Phillipsburg, New Jersey, US

This was a scam,

I received the same offer.

Aug 25 16 06:20 pm Link

Model

AnniebelleLee

Posts: 2

Harrisonville, New Jersey, US

I also received a message from him, but the MM account was pending/deleted, and emailed me the same exact email. I also have a check from him for over $3000 that he wants me to deposit and use that money for wardrobe. Obvious scam is obvious.


Not sure if this link will work but hopefully it will. This is the text conversation after I left the email conversation. https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ … e=58457324

or https://i64.tinypic.com/2cy038w.jpg

This could be money laundering. There's no reason to send someone a check for wardrobe when they should have wardrobe there.


and EVEN IF this isn't a scam, he was very rude.

Sep 07 16 09:36 am Link

Model

AnniebelleLee

Posts: 2

Harrisonville, New Jersey, US

Post hidden on Sep 07, 2016 11:31 am
Reason: contains personal info
Comments:
Please do not post the URL of other users that have been hijacked.

Sep 07 16 10:37 am Link

Photographer

Flex Photography

Posts: 6470

Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

AnniebelleLee wrote:
and EVEN IF this isn't a scam, he was very rude.

What? Didn't you read any of the above thread? It is definitely the Nigerian Scam no question!
It is unfortunate that you responded by email before checking on of these dozens of threads on this. It is unfortunate that you shared your address so he could send the fake check. Means you will likely get many more. You should cease all contact with him. Do not deposit the fake check, and, certainly, do not send furth funds to anyone. (actually him) You will lose it. Because your email & info is "out there" expect more. Do not reply to unsolicited outside emails/contacts. Use common sense.

Sep 07 16 01:35 pm Link

Photographer

Risen Phoenix Photo

Posts: 3779

Minneapolis, Minnesota, US

This is a clear common scam, and you nailed it on the head.

Sep 07 16 01:35 pm Link

Model

Margaret Hoshor

Posts: 1

New York, New York, US

Hey everyone!

I am also new to Model Mayhem and I just got this in the mail. When I asked a photographer that I worked with previously about this offer, he already knew about it and informed me it was a scam. Has anyone else received an email regarding Steven Castle Photography?

______________________________________

Email 1:Hello

My name is Steven Castle, I saw your contact on Model Mayhem and I am interested in working with you.
I am a professional photographer, we are calling for an upcoming commercial ad shoot to market collective new, creative and colorful iPhone 7 cases for our reputable client (Ulmart) who believes in fashionable life style along side with technology.
If you are interested in working with me kindly email me back so I can give you more information about the shooting.


Best Regards,

Steven Castle
Owner / Photographer
Steven Castle Photography
www.stevencastlephotography.com

_________________________________________________

Email 2:

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out in regards to the upcoming shoot notice, it would be an honor to work with you. Steven Castle Photography; is into Fashion Advertising, Short Gigs/Film casting, Local Casting , Extras and Real People Casting , Crowd and Audience Casting , Taping services for actors and models who need to be auditioned for other shows working in North America & Europe, Canada, specializing in Fashion Photography and casting / Advertising Photography / Automotive Photography / Editorial Photography / Beauty Photography / Portrait Photography / Celebrity Photography / Studio Photography / Location / Catalogs / Magazine Editorial Assignments Fashion & Advertising Photographer / Art Director / Director of Photography / Creative Director.
And here we are again, calling for an upcoming commercial ad shoot to market collective new, creative and colorful iPhone cases for our reputable Russian based client (Ulmart) who believes in fashionable life style along side with technology

About Ulmart
Ulmart is one of Forbes top-20 Russian online retailers.
Revenue : $1021 million
Founded : 2008
Website: Ulmart.ru
Employees : 6500
Figures : 10 million people are currently involved in loyalty programs.

Ownership : Its co-founders, St. Petersburg entrepreneurs Alex Nikitin and Sergei Fedorinov. In 2008, Nikitin’s company “Kimbrig” bought bankrupt “Ultra Electronics” and opened the first “Ulmart” store. 2 years later, the project raised investment: 60% of the business is now owned by Dmitri Kostigin and Avgust Meyer, who formerly owned “Lenta,” while 40% belongs to Nikitin and Michael Basinkevicha. Fedorinov holds the post of general director.
Business : Sells “everything you can plug in to the mains”,and accessories. You can order the product on the website, by phone or go to stores themselves.

Last year : More than 400,000 orders were delivered directly to customers.
For more information, please visit http://Ulmart.ru
The Commercial Photos Is For What ? This project is aimed at featuring a large collection of new iPhone7 cases from various designers and manufacturers, to be displayed in an online Media ad and Electronic billboards nationwide. Our obligation in respect to this piece of project is to generate some marketable commercial advertisement to feature these iPhone cases, where all models will pose with the various iPhone7 cases and exhibit a commercial character to attract consumer's attention. It’s very simple and works the same as any typical promotional or commercial advert shoot. The end product from the commercial shoot is an online Media ad, Electronic Billboards and Network Medias that would convince the public to make these collection a top choice among others.
* The event Date : Event Date 1 : October 28th - 30th 2016 in case that is not a convenient day for you we can reschedule for November 4th - 6th 2016
* Time : 10 A.M. - 1 P.M
* Nudity : No
* No level of experience is required. (Free Model Coach,hair stylist,wardrobe stylist and Make up Artist available upon request)
*Compensation : The Total money pay for the jobs is $1400 (Tax deduct-able) and you will get $500 as your advance/upfront booking fee and balance of $900 will be paid immediately after the completion of the commercial shoot, a brand new iPhone 7Plus and this $1400, also covers for the right of Ulmart and Steven Castle Photography to use all your Commercial videos/Commercial Shoots made for our own commercial interest for the period of 3 months. That means Ulmart and Steven Castle Photography are entitled to use the produced shoot for advert work for the period of 3 months only and this will be backed up by a contract. (Advance/Booking ($500) + Usage rights and Services ($900) =$1400 + A Brand new iPhone 7Plus.
*Location/Venue of event : The shooting will hold at a studio - (we shall arrange a suitable Studio and convey its detail to you unanimously 72 hours to the shoot date as part of our company security policy)
  We'll be responsible for your hair do, Make Up artist and transportation, except for your wardrobe/costume that will be shipped to you directly from a contracted fashion stylist in charge. Also, note that the payment for your wardrobe will be made available by us and your clothing measurements has to be forwarded to the fashion stylist, REASON being that, the payment for your wardrobe has to be made or billed to your Name/info as requested and acceptable business terms by the Fashion stylist, to ENSURE a detailed customization and label to be printed on your costumes. (Read this Paragraph again Please)
  In addition, an advanced deposit/upfront pay of $500 shall be mailed to you to insure your engagement on the upcoming cast with us in line with our business ethics. However, you will NOT only receive a paycheck of $500 but also an EXTRA amount that you will use to pay for your wardrobe/Costume bills which you will forward to the Fashion stylist in charge of your Wardrobe/Costume along with your measurements, In other words , Steven Castle Photography and Ulmart will provide all financial materials as regards this gig is concerned and you don't have to pay for anything.
Actors/Models may attend the shoot with their choice of Friends/Parents/Manager/Spouse /Guardian (maximum of two) and should not arrive audition later than 9:30 a.m. to commence make-ups and attend a brief introductory class about the proposed project and shoot starts by 10:15 a.m. This shoot is going to be fun as different acting characters maybe involved, which is the real sense of this project. Take the courage to participate in this paid and legitimate offer as we look forward to a successful working relationship with you.
Final Note : we recommend that you read the content above OVER AGAIN. Actors/Models are selected based on their willingness to participate and their agreement to the content of this Paid Event and readiness to work hard with us. Below are the required Payment and Sign-up details you are to forward to us for filling and, to mail you the aforementioned Paycheck for your Upfront and Wardrobe bills:
------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------
INFO NEEDED
1. Your full name
2. Physical address (No P.O.box),
3. City,State
4. Zip code
5. Home contact (Home phone number and Cellphone number)
6. Your age
7. Previous working Experience,
8. 2 Picture photographs.
9. Reference
10. Other Websites where we can find your online profiles ?
------------------------------ ------------------------------ -----------------
I hope to read from you as soon as possible and we look forward to working with you on this project. Have a wonderful day ahead!

Oct 05 16 06:55 pm Link