I hate to have to post this but we were contacted by a scammer. Thanks to One Fine Day Events (http://www.onefinedayevents.com/tahoe-wedding-advice/wedding-planner-scam/comment-page-3/#comment-152864) we were able to catch it. I would like to make sure that anyone in this area is also not approached in the same way. The same person seems to have tried to scam people in various states according to the post. This scammer TEXTED me which I have never seen before. It made it seem like a legitimate inquiry until I received the email. It is obviously a fake party planning request.
The text of the email is as follows from the address Leo Carter <leocarterinvestmentsltd@gmail.com>
“Hello,
Thanks for your prompt response.
Due to the nature of my job, a Seaman/Sailor, always on a ship taking cargo from one destination to the other, it’s kinda hard to plan a successful 10th year wedding anniversary party with the intent to make it a surprise party to wife, family and some friends all on my own, I guess I need help. I’d like to hire the services of an event planner in regards to my upcoming 10th year wedding anniversary which is coming up on Jan. 28. 2017, in Bryan, TX, but I don’t wanna host this event at my residence, I’m already having lots of stress planning this event on my own that’s why i want you to please coordinate this event for me, as I do believe that you will do me a lovely party and thrill my guest to the best of your ability.
Listed below are the services needed for the event:
*Getting us a venue is very important
*Making proper arrangements for flowers and decor
*Photography services
*Catering Services; food and drinks for the guest I presume my guests would like to try a new cuisine. but it shouldn’t be more than my budget.
*I’d prefer a DJ and would like R&B and Jazz music.
*Event color : White and Lemon
*3tier Cake
*Budget : 14k
I would like to inform you that all payments to vendors will have to go through you as my party coordinator/event planner and you can get all the necessary arrangement done for my event as i am officially out of town because my work makes me travel a lot and that’s because I work 24/7 on a ship, so I’m always on the high sea but I will be in town 5 days prior to my wedding anniversary. My party time is 3pm to 7pm, Expected guest is 50. I’ll like to know how much you charge for this kind of event. Deposit or full payment, will be made asap with my credit card once availability for venue is confirmed by you. I believe you can bring a level of service that surpasses anything we’ve seen before.
I’m anticipating your earliest response.
Thanks.”
The number he texted from was 813-603-0975. Event planners BEWARE!! I assumed he would have sent the money then asked us to send some back before the fraudulent funds could be caught. We hope this helps someone to catch this guy.
Thank you and stay aloof! We hope you had a wonderful holiday.