Description

A person contacted me from the following email address: [email protected]. She expressed interest in hiring me to photograph a high school reunion event at "Melrose Market Studios" in Seattle between 12pm and 3pm on Saturday, December 13th. Initially, she had informed me that she only had a budget of $500. I responded that my fees exceeded her budget that I wouldn't be able to photograph the event. Afterwards, she asked what my fee was. A few days later, I sent her a quote for $1,174.66. Oddly, she responded immediately, saying: "Thank you for getting back to me. The total of $1174.66 works for us. I’ll be making a deposit of 50% to secure the date." However, after trying to figure out some of the logistics of the event, she emailed me to say: "This is my cell phone number, you can contact me by text +1 (385) 210-8213. Also regarding payment, I’ve had to temporarily restrict my online banking access due to a recent personal matter, so I’m unable to use PayPal or Zelle right now. In the meantime, I plan to send a check, but not a physical one through the mail. Instead, I’ll be using a mobile check, which you’ll receive by email. The process is simple, you open the check image on your computer, make sure all four corners are visible, and then deposit it using your mobile banking app. It clears the same way as a physical check. To issue the check, I’ll need your full payable name and receiving bank." It was at this point that I withdrew from the assignment, stating: "Thanks for your message but I must cancel this arrangement. My attorney has advised that your payment methods are akin to online fraud and should be reported immediately. I withdraw from this photography assignment. Please do not contact me again."