Modeling/advertising scam

This scam targets people who have photos on social sites and the scammers claims they want to use the photo in a magazine or billboard. A counterfeit checks arrives and the victim is asked to wire some money to an agent for licensing or registration fees. Another scam similar to this uses the name Roland Bieber of Jurgita magazine. I don't have a text of the original scam message but this one claims to be seeking a photo for a Coca Cola billoard. Here's the agreements victims received when they responded to the messages:

From: michael allen <[email protected]>
To: xxxxx
Sent: Tue, September 21, 2010
Subject: Cocoa Cola billboard advertisement

Hello,

I am Michael Allen an agent and representative of a modeling company situated in Bristol , United Kingdom . Your picture has been selected for a Cocoa Cola billboard advertisement and local advert at Halifax International airport, Canada . Your pictures had been accepted by the Ace Modeling Company. We don't discriminate sizes or shapes of individual models, we just acknowledge gorgeous pictures and use it for commercials. The Financier will airmail payment to you by a courier service.

You will receive a check payment for the contract. You will deduct 10% of the check payment for using your gorgeous pictures for billboard advert; and proceed to sending the balance over to your appointed Agent via western union Money Transfer for Legal Documentation of the deal and "Comp card”. This payment will also be used as "Sign up fee" with the agent. You are to fill the form below for us to start with the processing. I will be awaiting your urgent response with the following information:

1. FULL NAME:
2. CONTACT ADDRESS:
3. CITY:
4. STATES:
5. COUNTRY:
6. ZIP CODE:
7. PHONE:
8. EMAIL ADDRESS:
9. AGE:

Michael Allen
Ace Modeling Company,
102, High street,
London, E16 3NS
United Kingdom

From: [email protected]
To: xxxx
Subject: TERMS AND CONDITION OF THE AGREEMENT
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2010


ACE MODELING COMPANY
102, High street, London, E16 3NS, United Kingdom

This contract agreement is referred as a short term contract our client approved your picture that would be used for the two Months Bill Board Advert.

TERMS AND CONDITION OF THE AGREEMENT

Ace Modeling Company is responsible to arrange and contact model for assignment, any contract entered into as a means of renting your pictures (image portfolio) for a particular advertisement e.g Bill Board, magazine, flyer, newspaper, or print articles or advertisement in general.

Any short – term contract offer like this is calculated and paid to the model from the payment we charge our major clients.

Therefore the first payment for your gorgeous picture is 10% of the amount you received on our behalf from the major client or the financier of the major contractor, while the remaining funds is for us and (Ace Modeling Company) as a contract payment associated with the documentations of the deal, sign up and due fees which are spent by us and prior and during the period of contract execution agent.

This contract put no burden whatsoever on the model and on Ace Modeling Company known as (the agent) however, the current contract will have the first right and decision period from time of notifications to validate the contract.

We reserve the right to cancel the contract if we notice any irregularities from the model up to day before any of the contracts explained above been activated.

This contract agreement is made for the sole purpose of using this image portfolio for Coca-Cola Bill Board Advertisement at "Halifax International Airport, Canada".

The function of Bill Board Advertisement is primarily to reinforce advertising message. Under this agreement we would be contacting you, for any of our future and upcoming contract for execution.

You will receive a check (between US$5,000 and US$50,000) as payment for the billboard contract. When you receive payment you will take out the 10% as an upfront payment for your gorgeous pictures that is being used, after which you will send the balance over to your appointed agent via western union money transfer for Legal Documentation of the deal and also for the construction of the billboard. This payment will also be used as "sign-up fee" with the agent. I'll be waiting your urgent response with the following information:

FULL NAME
HOME ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
POST CODE
COUNTRY
TELEPHONE NO.
AGE
OCCUPATION
EMAIL ADDRESS

Michael Allen
Ace Modeling Company,
102, High street,
London, E16 3NS
United Kingdom

http://www.jurgita.com/articles-id2660.html

I've sent them an email advising them of the latest scammer names. I'm sure there will be more.

Hi! I recently was contact with this scammer, should i go to the police or something?
This is the mail they send me when i answered their first mail.

Hello xxxxxxxxxx

Thanks for the reply,am a international modeling agent based
in USA with branches in Europe, i deal with magazine and i
have just been employed to work with JURGITA MAGAZINE, its a new
version of magazine which JURGITA want to launch, it has to deal with
people living in united states of America and Canada and all over the
world, what they look like, their life styles and so on, your picture will
not be used for a porn, it will be launched in October 2010 and the
board is yet to confirm the name of the magazine and website is still
under construction,all information about the magazine will be launched
in October you can make cool cash with this, all you have to do is
just let me know if you are interested, i will be paying you before
anything €500 for authorization fee and you will get a dozen of the magazine,
Do get back to me ASAP via email if you are still
interested Check out our website http://www.jurgita.com

Thanks
Roland

I'm from Spain, and i'm illustrator, so i first thought they'll be interested in my works, but when i see that what they want was my personal image, i suspected. Then i searched on Google and i found this warning. So thank u!

Admin edit: removed member's name from email -Jillian

Welcome here.

THanks for posting this scam email, as it will warn others. Maybe you should consider changing your name here on this forum. It's better to stay anonimous.

Thanks for your information!
I also received a mail from ACE Modeling, Michael Allen. I didn't think it was a professional mail, so when I checked the internet I found the scamwarners site. I'm from Holland and we also have a tv show that is handeling this kind of scams so I sent them an email with warning aswell.

kind regards,

Vanni

Welcome to Scamwarners.
That's a good idea. The more publicity given to scammers, the better.

Welcome here.

THanks for posting this scam email, as it will warn others. Maybe you should consider changing your name here on this forum. It's better to stay anonimous.

Thanx for the advice!

Hi
is this scam ??

Sam Gatsby lim til meg
vis detaljer 11. okt.
My name is Sam Gatsby Lim,professional photographer/Manager.I've a client who wants to update her Catalogue with her new year Fashion outfits release & I'm interested in you for the shooting your pay for the job will be 1800euro.The event would include,shoot with cars,motorcycles and music artist which would be about 12 different fashion outfits.If you're interested get back to me asap.
This is to acknowledge the receive of your email and information provided, has for your question about the website which you might ask,yes,the website is under construction she want to use the catalogue for the web site that's while she's hosting the shooting.
hope you understand? thanks
Sam
NOTE : NO NUDITY

Svar
Videresend
Svar
A til Sam
vis detaljer 11. okt.
Hi:)
Yes i am interesed:) When and where will this happen ??



2010/10/11 Sam Gatsby lim <[email protected]>

Sam Gatsby lim til meg
vis detaljer 02:58
Hello ,
Sequel to receipt of your email for the upcoming photo shoot/publicity project, here is more information about the project. Delight Designer Company of United Kingdom has joined forces to host one of the biggest events mostly for upcoming model/actors/dancers have never seen in entertainment/model industry. We are looking for models, dancers, actors, both male and female to take shoots that will make this event unforgettable; participants would be paid the sum of $1,800 we paid per each outfits you shoot with, we will pay you $400 before shooting date as booking fee. We will like to work with talents from 17 yrs above, we also like direct deal without any agency interfere and mind you we're not an agent, we just want to work with you for the project, if you like to work with our company thereafter that will be discuss on shooting day, we have 12 outfits scene to be shoot which will be provided by us. Most of the pictures will be use for an adverts, bill board, calendar and official website which will be seen globally, we are new designer company our objectives is to market out designers around the globe, we will be having a branch office open in United state And Canada and that is why we decided to get everything done with the United States And Canada with the assistant of our sponsors.
Shoot will be indoor and outdoor, we’re not doing anything nude because its against my religion, your wardrobes, make up, stylist will be arranged and you don't have to travel to any long distance before you could be part of this we will make everything easier for you because we want you to be comfortable, we can also arrange for a car to take you from your house to shoot location if requested, address to studio will be forwarded to you as soon as we reach an agreement.

Maximum security will be provided but if you wish to come with your body guard or any relative of your choice no problem.
Types of cloths
Jeans and Jackets
Name of client
Wilson James
Company Name
Diane Von Furstenberg

You should have a great figure & really good skin. You don't need a huge portfolio of modeling experience and I have no problems with ink if it's well done ink. I'm looking for a truly fun, adventurous attitude and a unique sexy cool look; confident as soon as we reach
certain agreement, shooting will be held in october, looking smart in front of camera is a plus. Seriously, If you are drop dead gorgeous and no fun to shoot with... Let's pass. What we expect from you is: A very good and attractive poses so its better you start working on your poses now, basically this is all we require, you do not have to be particularly a professional also style of clothing.

Be well inform, everything about this assignment is legally backed up which means you are 100% safe with us because we discovered a lot of scam have been going on in the industry this days, as soon as we read back from you a form and agreement letter will be send to you to proceed with your booking..
Hope to hear from you soon!
Thank you
Sam

I have not answered him on the last email yet, because I'm not sure if this is scam or not :-S

I'm glad you were suspicious enough to check it out.

It's a definite scam.

It's amazing how many scammers like to claim that their scams are "100% safe" or "100% risk free"

Hi, I received a scam from Sam Lim Gatsby last week and I read here on Scamwarners that he sent almost the same e-mail to another model a couple of months ago.

From: [email protected]
Date: Sunday, January 30, 2011, 0:01 AM
Hello ,
Thank for your interest and Nice reading from you,here is more information about the assignment is a €1800 pay Fashion job (Assignment) for you,My client wants to update her Catalog with her new year release Fashion outfits and to host one of the 2011 model event with her new fashion from Italy this assignment is to encourage the upcoming models in the industry she is affiliated with the Academy Art,you don't have to be worried about your experience or present look because we have specialist stylist and make artist who will bring the real beauty out of you,I'm a professional photographer/Manager with 4 years experienced . Find all details for the job below..

Job Location
The shooting will hold at a rented photographers studio in your location,so you don't have to worry about traveling,the name and address of the studio will be forwarded to you before the date of the shooting,all make up will be taken care of in the studio.You can come along with any body of your choice on the day of the shooting,your mum,dad,friend,body-guard anybody you wish to come with just for you to feel more comfortable.

Job details
You have 12 different Fashion outfits to cover,which would be provided by our client on the day of the shooting.

Types of cloths
Jeans and Jackets

Name of client
Wilson James

Company Name
Diane Von Furstenberg

Job percentage
The total pay for the jobs is €1800 and you get €400 as your part payment before the shoot to assure you that the job is yours and for you to get the necessary thing you needed for the shoot .Shooting Date the date for the shooting is not fix,i will have to make arrangement for that ahead from now,I will email you the exact date for the shooting a week before as soon as the arrangement is completed with our client.
Requirements
Very Attractive,Classy,In Great Shape,Extremely Outgoing & Personable,out spoken,Must be Reliable.
.
Payment Policy
As part of my working policy and ethics,i receive part payment from any client before I proceed with any job and balance immediately after the shooting,this is to identify a serious client and ascertain the job,I hope you comprehend this fact.
I will keep you updated as to when our client wants to make upfront payments

Expectation
you need to have good and attractive poses .(start practicing) Basically this is all required of you,for your make up my client will be taken care of it,you don't have to be bother for any make up,please get in touch with me if you will take the job and we can go from there,just let me know if you will take the job to commence with next arrangement.
Please I'd like you to check your email on a regular bases, I might have updates for you..
Thank And God Bless You ...
Sam
http://samgatsbylim.tumblr.com


Hi Sam,
I just received your message and it sounds interesting! However after a quick research on the internet I found out that you sent almost the same e-mail to another model in October and that makes me question your purposes. Please send me some information about the date of the photo shoot, in which town it will take place, who your client is, and the name of the music artist involved.



Hi Model,
I'm currently looking to hire a model for a fashion catalog shoot.I've a client who wants to update her catalog with the new year fashion outfits release and i'm interested in you for the shooting.We are looking for models both male and female to take shoots that will make this event unforgetable.
All participating models will be paid all photo shoots for the event would include,shoot with cars,motorcycles,and music artist which would be about 12 different fashion outfits put-together,also we intend to use most of the pics in our first catalog launch and our calendar for year 2011/2012.Your pay for the shoot is €1800.Email me at [email protected] for more info
NOTE:No Nudity
Sam

Whatever he writes, it is still a scam.
There really is a Sam Gatsby Lim--but he is not the person who sent these emails. The author of these emails is an African check scammer. Everything from the English to the storyline scream African scammer. Note how he refers to "your location" without giving any detail--that is because he doesn't care where you are as he is not a photographer and there is no shoot. He has sent this to many different models in many locations, and he can't be bothered to personalize his email to you. There are plenty of other examples in the grammar and holes in the story, but my favorite has to be the requirement that the model be "out spoken."

What he intends to do is to send you a check in advance for the "shoot." Then there will be a reason that you need to cash the check and forward part or all of the money to somewhere. The story changes, but here are a few examples: His assistant accidentally sends too much and you need to send part of the cash back; the shoot is cancelled and you need to send the money back (minus a small fee you can keep for your trouble; for some reason he needs to pay you with extra and you will need to forward part to the makeup artist, etc.

In any of these cases, the check is fake, but it is a good enough fake that the bank will initially think it is real, and may give you the cash. Later, when they determine it is fake, they will come back after you for cashing a fraudulent check (which is a crime).

wow, I was wondering how that worked, thanks for telling! Hehe, but didn't you know the "out spoken" models are the best ones?

I am so glad I am reading this! I got the same exact email, from a person named "John Barnes".

Welcome to ScamWarners andrewsgirl572. Did the scammer use a different email address from the one above? If so will you please post the email address and the script that was in the email please it helps others find the scam.

Here is the latest refined version, wording, and response wording of this scam that I just received a few days ago, thankfully I recognized it as a scam in time:
from: http://modelurl.com/spencerphotos
([email protected])
Looks like he has friended a few other new models on same site that really need to be warned but I am somewhat afraid of retaliation if I warn them or question the scammer so I think I will just ignore future communication etc. and hope that it goes away without abusing limited personal info that i provided already when I was being an idiot

Hello Mate,

We are currently looking to hire a Model for a Fashion Catalog Shoot,I have a client who wants to update her Catalog with her new year Fashion outfits release.

I'm interested in you for the shooting after reading through your profile
and i guess you must have the below requirements.

Very Attractive..Classy..Well spoken..Must be Reliable.

All photo shoots for the event would include,shoot with the cars, shoot with motorcycles and with music artist which would all be about 12 different Fashion outfits put together...

Also, we intend to use most of the pictures in our first catalog launch and
our calendar for year 2011...

Regarding the Wage aspect, you will be paid the sum of $5000 and I hope you will make this photo shoot a great one through commitment and diligence...

For more information please contact Jacob by email only.

([email protected])

please kindly contact me with the E-mail address above.

Thanks.
Jacob.


Dear (YOUR NAME),
It's really nice reading back from you and here are more information
about the assignment is a $4500 pay Fashion job (Assignment) for you, My
client wants to update her Catalog with her new year release Fashion outfits

and to host one of the 2011 model event with her new fashion from
Malaysia.this assignment is to encourage the upcoming models in the industry

she is affiliated with the Academy Art,you don't have to be worried about
your experience or present look because we have specialist stylist and make
Up artist who will bring the real beauty out of you,I'm a professional
photographer/Manager with 8 years experience). Find all details for the job
below..

Job Location

The shooting will be hold at a rented photographers studio in your
location,so you don't have to worry about traveling,the name and address of
the studio will be forwarded to you a week before the date of the
shooting,all make up will be taken care of in the studio.You can come along
with any body of your choice on the day of the shooting,your
mum,dad,friend,body-guard anybody you wish to come with just for you to feel

more comfortable.

Job details

You have 12 different Fashion outfits to cover,which would be provided by
our client on the day of the shooting.

Types of cloths
Jeans and Jackets

Name of client
Taylor Denson
Company Name
John Cutcliffe & Company.
www.xiomodelingagency.com

Job percentage

The total pay for the jobs is $4500 but you will get $300 as upfront payment

for the your upkeep in order to look good when coming to the venue of the
shoot. Your full payment of $4500 will be paid to you in cash at the
shooting venue immediately after the shoot, the upfront payment is for you
to get the necessary things needed in order to look good, maybe you want to
fit your nails, your hair, e.t.c, and its also to show our seriousness in
this job because we have face lot of disappointment in the past whereby the
models wont show up on the shooting date in order to avoid this the upfront
payment would be issue to you before the work and i hope we can trust you
on this.

Shooting Date.

The date for the shooting is not fix,i will have to make arrangement for
that ahead from now,I will email you the exact date for the shooting a week
before the shoot as soon as the arrangement is completed with our client.
Requirements.. Very Attractive,Classy,In Great Shape,Extremely Outgoing &
Personable,out spoken,Must be Reliable.

I will keep you updated as to when our client wants to make upfront payments
Expectation.

You need to have good and attractive poses .(start practicing) Basically
this is all required of you,for your make up my client will be taken care of

it,you don't have to be bother for any make up,please get in touch with me
if you will take the job and we can go from there,just let me know if you
will take the job to commence with next arrangement.

Please I'd like you to check your email on a regular bases, I might have
updates for you.

Regards.
Jacob


--
This message is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender (Jacob Photo Shop Limited), and please delete the message and any other record of it from your system immediately. Internal OPD email communications should not be forwarded outside the Agency without the original sender's permission. Thanks for your cooperation.