Loathe as I am to admit, the entertainment business certainly shows up sometimes with some complete and utter bar-stewards of clients, intent on trying to get quality work out of voice actors for free.
None more so than the latest trickster, who contacted me with what looked to be a genuine project, script, and even previously recorded sound files by an American actor and a European actor to reference on Dropbox, saying he wanted a British version of the script and here was the dropbox link to upload the files when done.
We agreed a fee via email, and he promised to pay me using my usual secure method – PayPal.
I even recorded the script, though prior to payment, I always send a lowest-res version of the file to get approval for pace and accuracy, and ask for payment on principle before I ever release the final file.
First, I ask for his business address. Nothing back. Then I get told to contact his secretary for payment. I’m sent to a WhatsApp number to make contact. I smelled a rat.
The secretary refuses to send me the business address details or email details so I can send them my invoice.
“We do not work with invoices” texts the secretary. “Aren’t we the one paying you? Why are you this fast? Slow down!”
“Because that’s what genuine businesses do” I respond.
Then I get a very scripted:
“For smooth and successful completion of the transaction, we kindly advise you to remain available online throughout the payment process. Once we begin, it’s important to proceed without interruption.”
Realising at this point I’ve been taken for a ride, I severed all contact.
I shut down the Dropbox link, and blocked and reported the WhatsApp channel.
However, because I didn’t spot this rat sooner, I’ve certainly had some of my time wasted.
Lesson learned here: Ask for address details upfront and check out the client is genuine, before you start the work. It’s certainly made me question my methods and tighten my processes.
If you’re a client and you’re reading this, expect to be asked to prove you are genuine before I work for you, and I will be asking for a fee up-front also.
PS – ANYONE who tries to scam me, gets reported to the authorities.
