Photography and scammers (Blog #39)

Hi! Welcome to my latest blog, which this week is about scammers and photography, or should I say, photography and scammers; whichever way you arrange the words, it's about bad people trying to trick photographers out of their money. 

I am a member of several Facebook photography groups, one of which in particular seems to be the target of scammers. I am not naming the group for obvious reasons, nor will I be able to take you through the steps the scammers go through when perpetuating their crime, simply because I haven't progressed beyond reading their implausible lies.

What do we mean when we talk about scammers. Here's a definition as supplied by CHATGPT:

'A scammer is a person who engages in fraudulent activities with the intent of deceiving others for financial or personal gain. Scamming involves using deceitful tactics to trick individuals into giving away money, personal information, or other valuable assets. Common types of scams include phishing, identity theft, investment fraud, and advance-fee scams. Scammers often exploit vulnerabilities, such as lack of knowledge or emotional distress, to manipulate their victims.'

So how do scammers operate in relation to posting your photos on social media?

First, there's a message or comment that will be very flattering about one of your photos or perhaps your whole gallery. The scammer will suggest that they would like to buy a photo or several photos or in some cases all of your photos. They offer to buy the license to acquire your images. 

You can see where this is heading, can't you? At some point you'll be asked to disclose your bank details so money can be transfered to purchase the photos. Of course the scammer isn't interested in your photography, just your bank details. 

These scams use the old tactics of flattery, but as the dialogue progresses I am sure an element of urgency on your part will be introduced so to panic you into doing something when you're not thinking clearly or rationally.

Another scam I have come across recently is one where you'll be told that their partner has died, leaving an expensive camera (make and model often stated) which is now being given away for free to anyone who messages. Again, emotion is used as the hook (sympathy, not flattery this time). But something for nothing? Really? If it's too good to be true, it probably is!

Apart from having the same purpose, messages posted across various points of the group page, by a number of different Facebook accounts, there's also something else that is similar, that is all the messages use exactly the same words and phrases, and they are all written in very bad English. A regular common factor is that the scammers have joined the Facebook group very recently, sometimes that day. It is possible that some of these scammer accounts are in fact genuine accounts that have been hacked or cloned. 

If course scams aren't limited to photography groups and social media. My wife is an artist whose work hangs on walls around the world, only selling to people she knows. She occasional receives unsolicited messages offering to buy her work. She ignores them all.

It should be easy to spot a scammer, but sadly not everyone does. Here are some key guidelines that should help you to protect yourself against scammers, not just in relation to photography websites and pages, but in general:

Be cautious when you receive unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages, especially if they ask you for personal information or money.

Always verify the identity of the person or organization contacting you. Use official contact information, not details provided in the unsolicited message.

Never share bank account details or passwords unless you are sure of the recipient’s identity and the necessity.

Use complex passwords and change them regularly. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) that will add an extra layer of security on your accounts.

Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. Hover over links to see their true destination before clicking.

Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.

Ensure your computer and mobile devices have the latest security updates and antivirus software.

Stay informed about common scams and techniques used by scammers. Awareness is a powerful tool in preventing fraud.

If you suspect a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities or platforms.

By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams.

Social media is a magnet for unscrupulous people: as a user of social media you should take every step and precautions to prevent falling prey to their tactics.

I apologize for this being a short overview of scams, scammers, and photography, but I hope it has alerted you to some of their tactics, methods, and how to steer clear of being suckered.

Thanks for reading this blog. I hope to see you next time, but in the meantime you can visit more of my social media channels as listed above.