08/02/2025
YWG PHOTOGRAPHERS! SCAM ALERT!? (Read to the end!) PLEASE SHARE
Did I NAIL it or did I FAIL it? (NOT ASKING FOR A FRIEND) I’m genuinely curious!
A Question for the YWG Photo Community!
I was recently contacted through my business email by an individual looking to hire a photographer/videographer to capture moments during an upcoming birthday event.
After confirming that I was available for the date in question, one of the first questions, which I decided not to answer immediately for a few reasons was, “do you take credit card payments?”.
Without answering this question, the conversation started with a back and forth discussing some minor details of the expectations for the project.
The person boasted a decent sized budget for the project but was insistent on receiving and paying the invoice prior to discussing any other details.
My final message to this person prior to closing the conversation was,
“Unfortunately I’m not set up to receive credit card payments at the moment but I can prepare an invoice for a retainer which is normally 25%-50% of the total budget.
If you prefer to meet and discuss the project prior to making any payment to ensure that Airwolfe Media is a good fit for you, I think that would be a good place to start.”
(I did not receive any response after sending this email)
SCAM!?
Having immersed myself into the photography scene in Winnipeg over the last few years, I’ve picked up information on scams going around…one in particular where a ‘client’ hires a photographer/videographer and insists on paying with a credit card.
After the project is completed, the ‘client’ contacts the credit card company with a complaint saying they were not satisfied with the service followed by the reversal of charges, taking the money out of the payee’s(the photographer) account after services have been rendered.
NOW:
What would YOU have done?
How would you have handled the situation?
Did I nail it or fail it?
