How a $500 Branding Job Almost Became a Costly Scam

Let’s share with you a cautionary tale about a brand designer, we’ll call her Sarah.

One day, Sarah was contacted by a guy named Peter on Instagram, saying he needed her branding services for an upcoming project.

Peter seemed eager and was willing to pay $500 for her work. After some back-and-forth messaging, they agreed on the details. But when Sarah suggested they get on a quick call to go over the project, Peter kept dodging her. Every time she brought it up, he had a vague excuse ready. Sarah didn’t think too much of it at first. “Maybe he’s just shy or prefers messaging,” she thought.

Once they ironed out the terms, it was time to talk payment. Sarah, being a seasoned freelancer, provided her usual options: Selar and Grey. But Peter claimed that his country didn’t support those platforms. Instead, he recommended a different method Sarah hadn’t used before. Despite her gut feeling telling her something was off, she didn’t want to lose the job. So, she went along with it.

Peter soon messaged her saying he had sent the $500 payment, but not long after, Sarah received a strange email. The email said she couldn’t receive the payment unless she upgraded her account to something called “BUSINESS LARGER ENTREPRENEURSHIP.” This didn’t sit right with Sarah, but she thought, “Maybe it’s just a policy I’m not aware of.” She decided to tell Peter the money hadn’t gone through yet.

Peter’s next move raised another red flag. He sent an extra $200, telling her it was to cover the account upgrade fee. He then asked her to send the $200 back to him so the payment could be processed and the total $700 (the original $500 plus the extra $200) would land in her account. Feeling pressured to finish the deal, Sarah agreed. Soon, another email landed in her inbox, congratulating her on the $200 payment—but with a catch. She was told to refund the $200 from her own account before receiving any of the funds.

The email included a subtle threat, too. If Sarah didn’t act fast and refund the $200, her name and address would be forwarded to law enforcement, and she could face arrest. Now, Sarah was really on edge.

But before taking any action, Sarah decided to take a step back and do some research. What she found confirmed her fears—this was a well-known scam. Scammers often use fake payment emails, then ask for a refund, knowing that the original payment was never sent in the first place. If Sarah had sent the $200, Peter would have disappeared, and she would have been left $200 poorer with no real job in sight.

How to Spot a Scam Like This:

Sarah’s story is a stark reminder to be cautious when working with new clients online. Here’s how you can spot scams like this and protect yourself:

    1. Check the Sender’s Email Address
      Scammers often use email addresses that look real at first glance but have slight changes. For example, instead of “support@paypal.com,” they might use “support@paypa1.com” or a generic address like Gmail. Always double-check for any small alterations.
    2. Watch for Grammar and Spelling Mistakes
      Legitimate companies usually send well-written, professional emails. Scammers often rush and include typos, awkward phrasing, or grammar mistakes. If the email reads oddly, something might be wrong.
    3. Urgency and Threats Are Red Flags
      Scammers love to create a sense of urgency or fear. Emails threatening legal action or asking you to act quickly to avoid trouble should always be treated with suspicion. Genuine companies rarely pressure you like this. 
    4. Always Verify Through Official Channels
      If you ever feel unsure about an email, don’t click any links or call numbers provided in the email. Instead, go directly to the company’s official website and use their official contact methods to check if the email is legitimate.
    5. Review Email Headers
      For more tech-savvy individuals, you can dive into the full email headers to trace the email’s journey and verify if it came from a legitimate source. This can be a helpful tool for catching scams that mask their real origin.

Sarah’s close call reminds us all that no matter how exciting a new job might seem, it’s crucial to stay cautious. Scammers can be convincing, and it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of securing a new gig. But taking the time to verify information, trust your instincts, and do a little research can protect you from costly mistakes.

Stay vigilant and keep your money safe!

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