Does this sound like a hoax...wedding contact

[michaelnotar]

recieved this today from my website email me form.

Comments: Hello,
My name is Anderson Williams,i live in Idaho(USA).I am presently in
London(UK)but probably will be moving back home soon,and i'll be getting
married shortly after my arrival in the states to my fiance Misty
Daniel.We will need a wedding/party Photographer to help us in making up
our ceremony from the church to the hotel reception.We will like to find
out what your plans are for December 12th,2009.This is the date of our
wedding so kindly let us know your availability for this day.We'll take
responsibility for your expenses regarding our plans.we might not be able
to meet you soon as planned,due to our unavailability in the states but,we
are willing to retain the date, that's to make deposit for booking prior
We to our arrival to be sure we are interested in your service,if we
really are.Waiting to get your response.
Anderson Williams and Misty Daniel

[Jerry Skrocki]

It's a scam.

Drew Faber Photography Alert for Other Photographers

Is this a scam? Or not? Opinions please. - Photo.net Wedding and social event photography Forum

[michaelnotar]

i am approaching it very cautiously. i used my yahoo email to reply. i am familiar with that payment scheme and will stop there if that is mentioned. i would only accept paypal from international people anyways. i emailed them asking for specifics to call their bluff. the email did have some typos and was just a lil off in grammar which is a high alert.

[David_Buzzard]

Is that ever a scam!

The two things that give it away. First, it doesn't use your name. If you were going to book a photographer, wouldn't you use their name in correspondence? Secondly, they're talking about a deposit before they've even booked a package. My experience is that's almost the last thing that gets discussed.

I know two wedding professionals who have been taken in by these scams. One was just out his bank fees and lost some money on the US exchange, as the Canadian dollar dropped about 20% while he was sorting out all the bank transfers. Another, though, was pretty much put out of business. You really need to be careful with these things.

David Buzzard

[Randy_Vestal]

It's definitely a scam...I get at least 1 a month via my site and I don't even do weddings! The broken English and not using your names are good give-a-ways.

It will be a variation of something like: I'll pay your fee in advance with bank check....but my (brother, cousin, uncle, good friend (just insert one) is arranging other things so your check will cover both. Please cash, keep your money and send the rest to.....) Of course the check is no good, but by the time you find that out, you've already paid brother, cousin, uncle or good friend.......

Be very careful and good luck

Edit:

Anderson Williams gets around