Another photographer scam?
Saturday, October 25th, 2008I usually don’t report on scams because there are so very many and most of them are easy to spot. I received a request the other day citing a review of a portfolio I have online and a selection to be a photographer at an upcoming fashion show allegedly held by We Select Models (www.weselectmodels.com).
I responded with interest and got the following response. It certainly has all the earmarks of a scam. Exicted language, all caps emphasis, poor grammar/English, large amounts of cash, a fee, a request for personal information, etc. I usually look on the web to find out if anyone else has reported on this, but initially didn’t find anything until I used the search keyword “weselectmodels”, then I got some hits.
Here’s the text I received back. I’ve inquired with www.weselectmodels.com to verify this as a scam or not. I’ll report back what I find out even though I know what the response will be.
We Select Models Online
Birmingham
United Kingdom
B5 4BU
http://www.weselectmodels.com
+447031894938
Hello ,
Thank you for your message, I am bringing to your notice on the upcoming Fashion Show organized by We Select Models Agency, United kingdom. This is our first Expo, we are in search of MODELS, DANCERS, ACTORS, ACTRESSES and PHOTOGRAPHERS. We have properly inspected your profile and we feel you are good enough to work as a Photographers in the Fashion Expo.
This EXPO starts from October 31st to November 4th, 2008 in London, United kingdom. This EXPO is organized as an Indoor Show and not announced to the public and not also publicized online because this is one of the first and we don’t want too much awareness to the public for now, so its strictly for invited Guest. Various Designers, Agencies and Firms would be present, including MODELS, ACTORS, ACTRESSES, PHOTOGRAPHERS from different part of the World. This would give you opportunities to show your talents and equally expose you to big Modeling Agencies and Art Firms that would be present.
MODELS, DANCERS, ACTORS, ACTRESSES and PHOTOGRAPHERS would be paid a total sum respectively;
Model- £6200.
Dancers- £3310.
Actors and Actresses- £6010.
Photographers- £5140.
All Travel Expenses, Food and Accommodations/Hotel to the Fashion Show would be covered by We Select Models Agency. MODELS, DANCERS, ACTORS, ACTRESSES and PHOTOGRAPHERS are required to pay a compulsory “Expo Reimbursed Fee” of £150 (Note this is not an upfront payment but a Fee made compulsory for this Expo to make it Tax Free and no additional Charges would be required of any sort or reimbursed).
Provide me with the following details, so that you would be registered for the Fashion show, you would also receive your Hotel reservation confirmation and Flight ticket from your location;
Full Name:
Street Address:
City/state/zip code:
Country:
HOME & MOBILE PHONE:
NEAREST AIRPORT:
HEALTH INFORMATION:
Occupation:
Age:
Sex:
Once you provide me with these details, you would receive your Hotel reservation confirmation and your Flight ticket. I would love to hear from you soon.
Crystal Bentley
