Up to now we've been fortunate that we haven't been attacked by scammers, but that all changed this week.   Here is the text of that scammer's communication with our members.  If any of you have received this email - ignore it.   We have already taken steps to remove the scammer from the site thanks to receiving the reports.   Here are some vital tips for you in avoiding scams:

First, recognize the warning signs -
1. The solicitation comes out of the blue.
2. The email will be very poorly written.
3. If there's a telephone number, it will usually be international - there are hundreds of these originating from the UK and eastern Europe.
4. Some things they write will be completely dumb.
5. They will offer to send you payment up front.
6. They will insist on getting your email address and phone number.
7. They will most likely instruct you to use Western Union or some other non-banking institution for submitting payments.

What do you do if you suspect a scam?   Report it immediately!   Then refuse to communicate with the scammers.   When you don't respond, they go away.  But if you have responded, they'll start to work their system on you.

The scams are fairly simple, but complex enough to catch unwary beginners.  They are obtaining your personal information for purposes of using it to further their scams.   If they send payments, they're in the form of cashier's checks that are not worth the paper they're printed on - usually from non-existent accounts or using account numbers they've stolen from other victims.  Many times they will send the check in the full amount to you instructing you to deposit it and send them their part of it back.  Of course, only the part you've sent to them is real, and you've just lost your money.  The bank will debit your account for the full value of the worthless check you deposited.

PLEASE REPORT ANY SUSPECTED SCAM ACTIVITY AT ONCE SO WE CAN KEEP OUR SITE FREE OF THESE RATS.  

What do you do if you've already shared information with one of these?  Go into your email account and block the email address they use.  Use your phone's features to block any calls from the numbers they give you.  Don't ever communicate with them in any way.

This is the text from the scammer:

Hello,
My name is Mr xxxxxxx ,A photographer/Manager. I got your profile on Wicked Talent  and I've a client who wants to update her Catalog with her new year Fashion outfits release & I'm interested in you for the shooting.your pay for the job will be $4,000. Get back to me with an acknowledgment of my mail.
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 15 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;
Jennifer White.
 
Company Name;
Fashion/Modeling.
 
Job percentage;
The total pay for the jobs is $4,000 and you get $1,400 as your part payment.
 
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.
NOTE: you are to contact me in my private email here xxxxxxxxxx if you are interested in this shooting Job.
 
xxxxxxxxx
A Photographer
(+44)xxxxxxxx             
(+44)xxxxxxxx 
xxxxxxxxxx