Just wanted to call out a somewhat convoluted phishing scam email I got a few days ago. Phishing scams are nothing new, but I was a little surprised by how convoluted this one was, including a fake modeling website based in NY that hiliariously had no models on their roster. Even the guy's name sounds fake.
I removed a link to a Canva site that might potentially have some phishing links hidden in it. We traded messages back and forth a couple times just to make sure, but so many red flags. Just calling it out because this is probably one of the more convoluted phishing scams I've received. If the canva link didn't get me, I'm guessing he would have sent me a video chat link that would require me to download malware.
My name is Noel Roderick, and I’m the Creative Director for an upcoming interior lifestyle photography production in Seattle, Washington. I’m reaching out because I believe your photographic approach could be a strong fit for the visual direction we’re developing.
The production will take place at The Nexus Tower, Kings County, Seattle, WA 98101, and will involve the creation of 26+ final images combining elevated architectural photography with refined, natural lifestyle imagery.
From a creative standpoint, we’re looking for a photographer who is comfortable working with both the architecture and the human element of an interior space. The imagery should maintain clean, considered compositions while incorporating a couple naturally within the environment. We’re aiming for moments that feel candid, understated, and authentic rather than heavily directed or staged.
The overall visual language is contemporary, sophisticated, and editorial, with an emphasis on natural interaction, thoughtful framing, and the relationship between the subjects and the space.
I’ve included the full creative brief and visual direction for your review here: (link removed)
If you would prefer to review the brief as a PDF, I’d be happy to forward a copy.
Should the project align with your style and availability, I’d be pleased to discuss the production in greater detail, including the proposed schedule, scope of work, deliverables, usage, and compensation.
Thank you for taking the time to review the opportunity. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and hopefully discussing the project further.
I cannot imagine wasting any time on such nonsense. Did someone you know make a referral?
The scammer does not even have a professional domain or verifiable business?
EB-1 wrote:
I cannot imagine wasting any time on such nonsense. Did someone you know make a referral?
The scammer does not even have a professional domain or verifiable business?
EBH
I am guessing they just found me via a google search. I have a contact form on my website.
But yeah, so many red flags. Usually with a formal bid process, they ask you to sign an NDA and then disclose the client name and brief, they don't just send you a link to the creative brief on the first email lol. And yeah the lack of a professional domain (though I have had one producer use their gmail address for initial contact), complete lack of online footprint for a "Noel Roderick" or the fake "Gova talent management" modeling agency in NY, who only had a one page website with no social or model roster, claim that it's a "private client" not a commercial project etc etc.
I am sensitive to red flags and would have dumped him way back after the first one or two. There are plenty of legit businesses out there with verifiable credentials. Don't waste any more of your time with this scammer or any others that give you red flag warnings, and always check validity of what they tell you before going further. Look for their website, valid address, and phone number. If anything "just doesn't feel right, dump them.
I had a producer cold text message me for a commercial job earlier this year that I ended up shooting for a regional client. Because she was a freelance producer she used a Gmail for follow up, so I don’t automatically shut things down when things seem a little fishy. The agency world, especially on the production side, can be pretty wild west sometimes.
That said, yes this specific email has scam written all over it, but the amount of work they’d put into making a fake PowerPoint, creating and hosting a fake modeling agency website, multiple email addresses etc was a little more effort than I’ve seen with other scams.
CharleyL wrote:
I am sensitive to red flags and would have dumped him way back after the first one or two. There are plenty of legit businesses out there with verifiable credentials. Don't waste any more of your time with this scammer or any others that give you red flag warnings, and always check validity of what they tell you before going further. Look for their website, valid address, and phone number. If anything "just doesn't feel right, dump them.
A friend up in Colorado Springs had a different but similar scammer contact him last year. He purposely went along with it for a short time to flush him/her out of their hole. He turned it over to a local agency working on such things. The old adage 'if it sounds too good to be true.....'
Al Trujillo wrote:
A friend up in Colorado Springs had a different but similar scammer contact him last year. He purposely went along with it for a short time to flush him/her out of their hole. He turned it over to a local agency working on such things. The old adage 'if it sounds too good to be true.....'
The funny thing is this idiot was pitching a rate that was about half market for the amount of work needed, so def not too good to be true haha. Moron asked me what the rate he should be charging, and I didn't give him the info because I figured it would just sharpen his con for the next person he bugged.