Overseas Shoot

There are many scams that target photographers because photographers are such an easy prey. This scam involves the offer of doing an overseas photo shoot, usually a very exotic location like the Caribbean islands, somewhere in Africa , or even Asia. To work overseas, you need to get a permit, just like any foreign photographers needs a photo shoot permit to work professionally in your country. These permits can be expensive between the administration fees, the lawyers fees, and the “baksheesh” to grease the wheels to make sure that the permit is ready in time...

The scam

1. Somebody phones you: They saw your photos on your website or you were recommended by a friend…
2. They have a photo shoot to be done in Thailand and Singapore [or any other exotic location].
3. The photo shoot will be around 10 days.
4. They will pay your day rate + the expenses.
5. Paperwork…

Oh! By the way, did we forget to mention that you will need a shoot permit. We don't want to be illegal!

1. They negotiate to the point that you pay half of the amount for the permits and they will pay the other half of the amount for the shoot permits.
2. They have some lawyers that they regularly deal with, and they know who to talk to, to make sure that you get the permit on time for the photo shoot.
3. Your contract is signed pending you have the work permit.
4. Please contact our lawyer in...
5. BTW: The lawyers fees and expenses will be around $9,000
6. You will have to send a cheque for $4,500.
7. Goodbye the photo shoot and goodbye the $4,500.