Photographers, don’t fall for this: A real-life scam story

We’ve heard of plenty of photography scams over the years, and it seems that they get more and more elaborate and more difficult to spot. In his recent video, Justin Mott shares his friend’s experience after they were scammed and discusses why it’s sometimes so hard to avoid it.

The scam Justin discusses is so elaborate and big that there’s even a documentary about it. The person behind this scheme was a con artist named Hargobind Tahilramani, a 41-year-old Indonesian with a talent for impersonation. Tahilramani would lure photographers into a web of deceit, promising lucrative assignments in Indonesia, often under the guise of prestigious cultural or art projects.

This same person approached Justin’s friend with a seemingly legitimate offer of a high-paying photography assignment in Indonesia. They slowly built through industry references and promises of logistical support, and all of it seemed believable. However, once the photographer arrived in Indonesia, there were suddenly increasingly dubious requests for upfront payments for “taxes,” “permits,” or “unexpected expenses.”

What made this scam so insidious was the psychological game the con artist used. The constant barrage of requests and the fear of missing out on a significant opportunity can cloud your judgment. No matter how smart and careful you are, this kind of plot plays with your mind. The scammer builds trust, creates a sense of urgency, and exploits your desire to succeed, all of which can make you put your guard down.

How to protect yourself?

As a photographer, it’s essential to protect yourself from scams. There are many of them going around, and they’re all different. Still, they have something in common – they’ll trigger your intuition which will tell you that something might be off (just make sure to listen to it). In addition, here are a few more tips to stay safe:

• Do your research: thoroughly investigate any potential client or job opportunity. Check their online presence, read reviews, and consult with other professionals.
• Communicate clearly: maintain open and honest communication with the client. Ask questions, clarify expectations, and get everything in writing.
• Protect yourself financially: avoid making large upfront payments or transferring funds to unfamiliar accounts. Use secure payment methods and consider using a reputable escrow service.
• Build a strong network: connect with other photographers and industry professionals. Share experiences, advice, and warnings.
• Trust your gut: once again, if something feels off, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to question everything, any unusual requests or demands. Talk to others and search the internet. Even if you can’t quite put your finger on what exactly seems wrong!

I know that it’s disheartening to know that such elaborate scams exist and that anyone can fall for them. But it is what it is. What we can do is remain vigilant and protect ourselves, and I hope Justin’s video and these brief guidelines will help you achieve that.

About Justin

Justin Mott is a photographer based in Vietnam. You’ll find his photography portfolio here, and if you need photography tips and online coaching, Justin provides them here. 

[Scammed Out of Thousands: A Photographer’s Worst Experience | Justin Mott]

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