The other day I started a correspondence from an inquiry and got 4 emails into the request before googling the email address.
So glad I googled, I almost got caught in a scam loop!
I found a slew of people reporting this scam that almost tripped me up!
As a freelance designer or small business owner, you must be watchful for fishing scams. It seems a bit far stretched but look into who they say they are before there is any exchange of information.
We work with churches and ministries providing graphic design and web development – as well as SEO and social media management. So, this wasn’t quite a fit, but it was a lead so I thought I’d investigate.
Once I did, I found out this scam has been used a lot! Thankfully portlandwebdesignanddevelopment.com had this article up, so I thought I’d write about my experience as well to help others not get caught.
Email 1 was short:
“Hello, i want you to help me with my brochure design for my new company?”Email two after I sent information:
“Company Name: AGRICULTURE NATURAL INC
This company is really based on importing and exporting of Agriculture products such as Kola Nut, Gacillia Nut and Cocoa etc.HERE ARE THE DETAILS AND PROCEDURE OF THE JOB:
1) Company Name: AGRICULTURE NATURAL INC
2) MY WEBSITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION WHICH WOULD BE REGISTER VERY SOON3) I DON’T HAVE LOGO BUT NEED A CUSTOMIZED LOGO FROM YOU
4) I COULD ONLY SUPPLY THE TEXT CONTENT AND PHOTO ALL AREWITH MY PROJECT CONSULTANT BUT THE ARTWORK WILL BE DESIGNED BY YOU
5) I WANT THE BROCHURE TO BE TRI-FOLD IT WILL BE FRONT &
BACK THE TEXT AND THE PICTURE IS APPROVED AND CROSSCHECK
6) THE SIZE OF BROCHURE IS 8.5 X 11.That all i can provide from my means and i hope you understand what i listed above i need more perfect Job. If you can handle this for me you will be my permanent graphics designer and i will meet you in person after this design is done, due to my trip to get some stuff for my company.
I would be very happy to hear from you on time.
GOB BLESS YOU”
Email 3:
“kindly find attached samples of logo and brochure, the color code are black and red and get back to me with the total cost cause the full text and image of this project is coming from the project consultant.”Email 4:
Thanks for your response, i am okay with the estimate and i want to proceed with the payment so i will be making deposit of $XX the payment using my credit card so work can commence cause the full text and image of this project is coming from the project consultant.
It seemed at least kinda normal, except I found this link to an excellent article by Azunga Marketing LLC. Check out the link below and all the various forms this email has taken.
Here are the emails and numbers to look out for so far!
[email protected]
6128437588 – Mannix Jones
7026213773 –Humble Smith
8123290706 – [email protected]
2247956718 – Sam Haroun
6786019668 – Kathy James
8044594809 – Frank Anderson
7178357449 – PatDoween
– [email protected]
Carlton Ball – [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected] – Florence Parker
[email protected]
3316847158 – Lana
9175039684 – John Locke
4434037730 – Isabella Bradley
6143759933 – Kate Am
[email protected] – Kerry Robert
[email protected] – Kendra Miro
5086239341 – [email protected] – Rita S Haynie
[email protected] – Martins Stanis
[email protected] – Micheal Williams
[email protected] – David Willson
[email protected] – Alex Williams
[email protected] – Jane Haggard
[email protected] – David Willson
[email protected] – Clara Jones
[email protected] – Tracy Obrain
[email protected] – Gray Floyd
[email protected] – Jeff Lewis
6466998509 – Barry Smith
7205099143 – Barry Smith
[email protected] – Tom Handerson
[email protected] – Faith Williams
4157995585 – Scott Hollan
3214066179
[email protected] – Amber Alex
[email protected] – Robin Stark
[email protected] – Tom Steward
[email protected] – Terry Banks
4439641907 – Elena Patrick
9293364302 – Guan
8163218767 – Walter
7122548330 – Joy
[email protected] – Joe Kelly
[email protected] – Walker
6015091127 – Thomas Nicolas
916-581-0495 – Adriane
951-292-0035 – [email protected] – James
914-266-1509
[email protected] – Roberts James
[email protected] – PatDoween
541-319-1451
[email protected] – Cole Mayer
[email protected] – Michael Christian
[email protected] – 818-639-8611 – Joshua Co
William James – [email protected]
[email protected]
We hope this is helpful to others!
How to spot an email scam for freelancers, graphic design companies and marketing companies:
http://www.vandelaydesign.com/know-how-to-recognize-scam-jobs-as-a-freelancer/
