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TLDR: I work in film, man is requesting I film his event tomorrow, he paid upfront with a physical check. He is from Netherlands, bank is from New York, but check was shipped from California to me, in Georgia. Deposited it today at Chase, it is being held pending. I email the gentleman and he tells me event was moved to next week, but let him know when check has cleared.
Started my small video production company in September of last year, and we have steadily done better every month. We are in Atlanta, GA.
Two weeks ago, I received an email asking to film an event in downtown, recording the speakers/presenters. From the very beginning of the email conversation, I was skeptical. Below is the transcript:
HIM: We are COMPANY NAME Netherlands looking for professional Video Production Company to film our incoming event which 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd of April 2016 in Film in Georgia, USA.
ME: Hey COMPANY NAME,
Thanks for contacting us! We are definitely interested in covering your event. We have covered events ranging from National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) to the CBT Conference and Expo.
My first question would be how large your budget is. This is important in determining what equipment/gear, crew, and other resources we can focus towards this project, especially for four days. Is the event only from 12pm to 2pm each day? How many speakers do you want covered? Also, where is the event being held so we know if they have the audio capability already, or if we have to bring our own stuff.
Get back to me when you can and hope to hear from you soon!
HIM: Thank you for the response to our inquiry. Find below answers to you questions.
Is the event on from 12pm to 2pm each day? Yes
How many speakers do you want covered? 2 speakers per day
Also, where is the event being held so we know if they have the audio capability already, or if we have to bring our own stuff. Our event will take place at HOTEL ADDRESS, and but you can bring your own stuff.
Can you proceed to lock the dates down for us and we will send you deposit check for the job. Kindly get back to us with the information listed below.
Payment Beneficiary Name Company Address
ME: Thanks for choosing us. Below is our address. If you'd like, we can send you an online invoice so you don't have to pay for stamps/mail. Let me know!
ADDRESS
We ask for half down payment prior to the event, and then the remaining money once you receive your videos. We are charging PRICE.
Let me know if you have any questions and we are excited to work with you!
HIM: Information received. Be looking forward to receive the check as soon as possible and I'll keep you posted immediately the deposit check has been mail out to your address.
I become a little hesitant that he wants to send a physical check, and accepted our charge with no question, so I respond with:
ME: And just making sure you wouldn't like to pay online? We use QuickBooks or PayPal.
Otherwise, thanks a bunch and look forward to it! :)
HIM: The check will get to your address next week.
ME: Do you know the timeline on when it would arrive? Also, what type of event is it? Is it at the HOTEL because we would like to contact their Audio/Video guy to help set up what we need.
Thanks again!
HIM: It will arrive mid next week to your address information provided.
what type of event is it? Business partnership meeting Is it at the HOTEL because we would like to contact their Audio/Video guy to help set up what we need. Is at HOTEL and our technical team will contact them over the Audio/Video.
A week then passes, and I receive nothing in the mail. So I send him an email last Friday:
ME: I hope you're week has been good! We have not received any mail this week from you. What mail carrier did you use, and did you receive a tracking number? Or let me know if something else might have happened. Talk to you soon!
HIM: I want to inform you that the check is on its way already and it will be deliver to your address as soon as possible as i was told by the courier service delivery that will deliver it to your address, so i want you to be patient and wait until you received it.
Then I send him an email this morning. I haven't heard anything more about this event. I want to be prepared before shooting anything:
ME: Any other information we will need prior to tomorrow? What time should we arrive? What conference rooms will we have access to? Look forward to seeing you tomorrow! :)
HIM: The payment has been mailed to you by our associate few days ago via USPS and it will be delivered to you today. The tracking # of the USPS Mail is NUMBER. Kindly let me know as soon as you are in receipt of it, and take it to your bank and have it deposited and wait for clearance, funds should be cleared in 24hrs or less and email me once you have confirmed funds available.
To my surprise, we did receive a check today, and I did go to our Chase bank and deposit it. I told them straight up what I am telling you guys, that I think it is fake, or at least the money is coming from somewhere not truthful. They deposit it anyway and put a hold on it to make sure the money does come from the source bank.
ME: The check has been received and deposited. It won't be cleared until the 20th.
What is the schedule for the event tomorrow? Do we have a contact once we arrive at the hotel?
Thanks!!
Now here is the biggest kicker:
HIM: Thank you for your usual attention. We are in receipt of your email while the contents are well understood. First and foremost, we sincerely thank you for your trust and also being faithful to us in respect of the payment. Due to some issues over our flight tickets to the united states, we have shift the event to 26th, 27th, 28th, & 29th of April as the new dates for the event. Our secretary will leave for the united states this week Wednesday 20th of Apr to arrive 21st of Apr to put all the necessary things together at the hotel before the new chosen dates of the event and you'll be contacted immediately everything is put in order at the hotel.
Kindly email me once you have confirmed funds available in your account to enable us pay the balance 48hrs prior to the event.
This was the last correspondence. I have not responded to the email yet. Some last information, the check he gave me was $100 short of the original spoken amount. The hotel the event is set at is a nice hotel, regionally known. For a real legit event, could you just move the dates like that without any notice to your patrons?
What are your thoughts, and is there any way for him to take my money now that the money is pending in our account? Has anyone experienced something like this?
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