Hey there everyone, I am not too new to the modeling world and definitely not new to the scam world.
As a model and struggling human being I try to take most paid work that I can.
So when I am offered a decent paying job, I sometimes don't think about it until someone brings something fishy to my attention... Or until I get bored and decide to Google something about said shoot.
So far, there has been a few scams and to avoid others from becoming victims of the same douche canoes I have, I figured I would out them. Not my problem, really. And as I don't usually see this method fit for most situations, when it comes to scam artists, it realty ticks me off and seems to be the only way to get attention to the matter.
The only two scams I can really remember via MM:
MAC, a MUA will contact you (cannot remember the name of the one lady to save my life) and will tell you to e-mail this one person. Considering the e-mail has MAC in the name, you probably will think nothing of it.
But, the person will come up with all the BS about how the company needs help with this or that.
You will possibly need to buy something, then they get to shooting. I Googled the e-mail only to find others complaining about it being some sleezy guy.
Mr. Justin Pole.
You will MOST LIKELY be contacted by a modeling profile which will after some days probably be gone because of removal.
The model will ask if you're interested in a paid job and in this day and age, who isn't?
He/she will give you an e-mail, which contains this individuals name, Justin Pole.
You e-mail him and at first he seems to have his shit together, he seems overly professional so you think nothing of being scammed. Now, this has happened to way more than just me, I Googled around and many ladies via MM have been questioning to take up this offer. THE ANSWER IS NO. I didn't question it once, I was suspicious slightly, but that's it. Then I was told to transfer a check for $2,000 (or around that amount, I think I still have the photo of the check on my phone) into your bank account. From there YOU will pay the wardrobe bill amongst the others. You will keep $300 or so and get another similar amount when completing the shoot. I was awaiting for the check to clear and my mother brought it to my attention that it was a check from a restaurant. I immediately Googled EVERYTHING. I have text message and e-mail proof of EVERYTHING if someone wants to see it. I brought to his attention that the check DID NOT clear (THANKFULLY) and he seemed quite furious. I started to question him, why couldn't he pay the lady, he had the money, ETC. His reasoning made NO SENSE, TO ANYONE. He persistently played defense and continued to claim he was legit. I heard that when that check clears it bounces and I guess I possibly get fined for cashing a bad check or some shit. So I don't know if he does it for shits and giggles or what.
I believe he also goes by Michael, because one is a stage name and one is his real name. Supposedly.
He "works" for "Lifetime Photography INC."
I just wanted to get that out there for anyone who may have a question weather or not to work with either of these people.
I apologize about the lack of information on the MAC guy.
Also, just a heads up. Not all paid shoots are scams.
I have done a few paid shoots from MM and the photographers were great.
Be careful ladies and gents and have a great day!
