08/18/2026
🚨 SCAM WARNING — PLEASE READ & SHARE 🚨
I want to make everyone aware of a scam attempt that was recently directed at me, because I would hate for another photographer, small business owner, or anyone else to fall victim to this.
The scam involves someone contacting you about booking your services, sending you a fake check for more money than you are actually owed, and then asking you to send part of that money back or forward it to someone else.
This person was extremely articulate and professional in their emails, which made the situation seem legitimate at first glance. However, their text messages were noticeably different, which honestly made me wonder if there may have been multiple people involved.
From the very beginning, I was skeptical. There were red flags everywhere.
🚩 They repeatedly ignored what I was telling them and kept asking me the same questions over and over.
🚩 They sent me significantly more money than they were supposed to for the event.
🚩 They became extremely persistent about when I was going to deposit the check and how I planned to deposit it.
🚩 They tried asking questions about my banking app and how I banked; Information that a legitimate client has absolutely no reason to need.
🚩 When I told them I wanted to back out and suggested they find someone else who was more suitable, they refused.
🚩 They wanted me to send part of the money to a videographer. I told them I would be happy to pay the videographer in person, but I needed basic information first: a name, address, and phone number. They refused to provide that information and became increasingly angry.
🚩 At one point, they even wanted a picture of the money.
Eventually, after receiving the check, I took it directly to my bank and the police department rather than depositing it. I was able to confirm that the check was fraudulent and was specifically advised not to cash or deposit it.
I did NOT provide them with my address.
I did NOT give them my bank account information.
I did NOT provide them with my banking login information.
I did NOT deposit or cash the check.
And most importantly, I did not lose any money.
After that, I decided not to immediately confront them. I played dumb for a little while and watched how they responded. They became increasingly agitated, started calling me names, and became very hostile when I wouldn’t do what they wanted.
And honestly, that behavior only reinforced everything I already suspected.
PLEASE take these scams seriously.
If someone sends you a check for more than you are owed and asks you to deposit it and send the difference somewhere else, STOP. Do not deposit it. Do not send money back. Do not give them your banking information.
Take the check to your bank and, if necessary, contact law enforcement.
These scammers can be extremely convincing. They can sound professional. They can have detailed stories. They can communicate perfectly in emails and make everything sound legitimate.
Trust your gut.
I knew something wasn’t right from the beginning, and I am incredibly thankful that I listened to that feeling and did not give them access to my money or personal information.
I’m sharing this because I don’t want someone else to learn this lesson the hard way. Please share this with other photographers, small business owners, freelancers, and anyone who accepts payments by check.
If it sounds too good to be true, if you’re being pressured to deposit money, or if someone wants you to send part of a check back 🛑 STOP and verify everything first!!!
Stay safe out there! ❤️
