How I Dodged a Scam
A Guide to Recognizing Red Flags and Building a Strong Support Network
For months, I poured my heart and soul into getting my drone photography business off the ground. Endless social media posts, engaging with potential clients, researching events – anything to get those propellers spinning. Then, one day, it happened. A message popped up on my screen, its potential brighter than a midday sunbeam:
Client: Good day to you, my name is Chris. I’d like to know if you do Aerial photography service.
Finally! A warm lead. Excitement surged through me as I remembered the lessons from my mentors. Within minutes, I was crafting the perfect response, eager to showcase my skills and land this project.
The following messages were promising. Chris outlined a project, his enthusiasm mirroring my own. The budget? $5,500! An amount that surpassed anything I’d dreamed of. My mind raced with possibilities; I shared my excitement with a group of photographer friends, their congratulations fueling my hope.
I drafted a proposal, meticulously detailing my services and costs. Hotel rooms were researched, excitement bubbling over. But before I could send him anything, Chris sent another message:
Client: I'm ready to make the upfront payment of $2,000… with my credit card. What type of merchant do you use to process credit cards?
On cloud nine, I created a Square Business account, sent him an invoice, and waited for confirmation. But then, things started to feel…off.
Client: I'm sorry I don't feel comfortable using Square, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, or Stripe. I've had issues with them in the past for double charging and late remittance charges. I’ll be glad if you can set up a credit card merchant like Elavon, Clover, Swipe Simple, or Authorize.Net. Bank Merchant with them so we can proceed with the payment I know they might request a set-up fee or some form of tax, so I’ll be responsible for all forms of expense resulting from it.
Alarm bells started ringing. I consulted my trusted mentor, Steve Carty, and his community of photographers. Their concerns mirrored my own.
Now guarded, I sent Chris a message offering alternative payment methods: bank transfer or cashier's check. Within minutes, he responded:
Client: I will send you a check. Where would you like the check mailed to? Cell phone number. Who do you bank with? I’m ready to make the upfront payment also it seems I will be needing a little favor from you regarding the surveyor working on the property. I should have been there in person to do these inspections but I'm in the hospital at the moment recuperating from throat surgery.
There it was. The scam was exposed. The request for a "favor" involving money for the surveyor was the final clue. This is a common tactic – once I gave the cash, he'd likely charge back the payment, leaving me out of pocket.
Looking back, I see the red flags I missed: the repeated project details, the hospital stay excuse, and the illogicality of hiring someone six hours away. But blinded by excitement, I ignored them.
This experience has taught me valuable lessons:
Never let excitement cloud your judgment.
Trust your gut feeling.
Seek advice from a supportive network.
Here's how you can protect yourself:
Beware of "too good to be true" offers.
Research potential clients and verify information.
Use secure payment methods.
Build a strong support network of trusted colleagues and mentors.
Remember, success takes time and effort. Stay vigilant, build your support network, and never let your enthusiasm overshadow your caution.
Additional Resources:
Photographer Community: Steve Carty's Discord server
Commercial Drone Pilot Community: The Drone Mentor
FPV Drone Pilot Community: Turtle Drones’ Discord server
And remember, if you can't find a community, create one! Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who support your growth and success.
This experience, though initially disappointing, served as a valuable lesson. By recognizing the red flags and seeking guidance, I avoided a significant loss. This journey reminded me that success comes with patience and vigilance. By sharing my story, I hope to empower others to build their businesses with confidence and awareness, avoiding the pitfalls I encountered.
Remember: Your journey is unique. While I encountered a scam, you may face different challenges. But by embracing the lessons learned and building a strong support network, you can navigate the entrepreneurial path with greater confidence and clarity. Let this guide serve as a reminder to stay alert, seek advice, and keep your wits about you.
