OK, I’m going to make this real simple. If you get an email with the following type of message following a request for web design, it is a scam.
Hello,
Thanks for your response, i am okay with the estimate and i wanna proceed so i will be depositing $2000 using credit card so work can commence ASAP, i understand the content for this site would be needed so as for the job to commence so regarding the content i will need a Lil favor from you and the reason i need this favor from you is because the consultant does not have the facility to charge credit cards and i also am presently in the hospital for surgery so i will be glad if you can help me out with this favor,The favor i need from you is. i would give you my card info’s to charge for $5300 so $2000 would be a deposit payment for my website design and the remaining $3200 you would help me send it to the project consultant that has the text content and the logo for my website so once he has the $3200 he would send the text content and logo needed for my website to you also the funds would be sent to him via cash deposit into his account,sending of funds would be after funds clear into your own account and also $200 tip for your stress.Favorable Regards,
Kevin Bush.
A few red flags here… One I’m only requesting $600 to start the design phase of the project. He wants me to charge $5300 and pay me $2000 as a deposit. Then send $3200 to the ‘project consultant’ which is actually him. Notice too he wants the funds sent via ‘cash deposit.”
Now, it’s obvious to anyone who isn’t a complete moron that once the funds transfer the card will found to be stolen. And I would be out $3000.00 (should I decide to keep the $200 tip.)
Strange about the tip thing… Seriously who falls for this sort of crap.