ScamVictimsUnited.com

i sent a guy a email about taking pictures of me for a my modeling portfolio. i first saw the ad on craigslist.com and emailed them through that. they emailed me back a few days later with prices etc... i told them i didnt have the money now but i will keep them in mind. a few weeks later i got a email from them asking for a favor.

the photographers wife says he is in west africa and needs money to buy materials in africa for his gallery in the u.k. so the email goes on to ask if i would accept money via travelers checks (american express) and get these checks cashed at my local bank. then it says for me to keep 250 of the dollars and send the rest to her husband over in africa, via western union.

i gave her my name and adress and told her i was willing to do it. (not really believing they would actually send me money.) earlier today i received a envelope with her adress and name with five 500 dollar travelers checks. with directions on cashing them etc.

i am not going to cash them or anything until i'm sure what i'm doing is o.k.. i have had much experience with these same checks, i've seen alot of them for i travel and use them alot. they look legitamate. i don't know i came to you guys first, hopefully you guys can help. it seemed to good to be true, so i did the smart thing and figured it was.

Yes this is an obvious scam. Handing out your name and address to someone you don't know and have never met is never a good idea - think about what else these people might use your name and address for.