Over the past two years PPA has contacted members warning them not to act on emails sent regarding Nigerian check cashing scams. In a recent version of the scam, photographers are being contacted by a foreign national to photograph a birthday party in their local area. The initial email message asks about the photographers fees and does not mention the funds-forwarding process.
If the photographer replies to the inquiry, the “client” will then ask to send a check in excess of the funds needed for the photo assignment. Upon receipt of the check the photographer should have the checked cashed and forward the remaining funds excluding the photographer’s fees. The photographer will receive notice of “insufficient funds” after the funds have been forwarded.
If you are contacted via email please contact authorities by forwarding the emails to uce@ftc.gov.
Additional information regarding this scam can be viewed at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/nigeralrt.htm
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