So this is for our musician friends:
I'm miserable right now, and $2500 poorer. My band was the subject of internet fraud.
So rather than totally wallow in my own misery, I want to educate you on how it happened and how You can avoid this same problem. Because Your band may be next.
In September, we go an email for a wedding gig from “Pitt Andre”. They found us through our wedding website. It was a little difficult for Andrew to work out the details with the folks getting “married”. But we negotiated payment–$1500. And we would drive to Oklahoma.
We ask for a non-refundable 50% up front. So we waited and contacted and followed up with them to get payment. Finally they sent a check… for $2500. Then they called and told us their accountant sent the wrong amount. Could we send them the back the difference?
Sure, once the check clears. But before that happened. They canceled the wedding. The mother-in-law had a heart attack. They were pissed. They asked if they could have back the non-refundable money. We agreed. And after three days, the check seemed to have cleared. And Andrew sent money back via a Moneygram.
Today, five business days after the initial deposit, the check bounced. A little research revealed this is a typical scam.
So what are the lessons to be learned?
- Even in this day and age, it can take 7-10 days for a check to clear.
- NEVER send money back hastily. If they are that urgent to have their money, then tough luck.
- Even YOU can be scammed by something this stupid. So be on your guard. Lean on the side of caution to avoid losing big money.
Now time to wallow in my own broke misery…
And if you care to help us recover from this financial hit, we are accepting donations.
