I recently received an email from someone that wanted help with planning an upcoming 10th Wedding Anniversary party in town. I didn't have a prior relationship with this person, but I was excited for the opportunity and wanted to learn more about their needs. I emailed them back and we solidified what they wanted. I was cautious though and something didn't feel right. 

They weren't going to be in town until a few days before the event, which was why they needed me. It sounded reasonable. They also had a very particular menu they wanted, also made it feel valid. The red flag came when they mentioned that they had their own limo transportation they were arranging, but wanted me to make the payment to their vendor.

They wanted to give me their credit card number and then have me forward the money to the vendor they had chosen. It felt odd and it was. There was no reason to make payment on a service until the event got closer. Plus, when I asked for the limo service address and phone number I received an email address. When I again asked for the address and the phone number for the vendor, and let the person know I would not do business with someone that I couldn't speak with, communication ceased. I guess I had asked too many questions about the fake vendor for their liking. 

I post this in hopes that others in the event industry are aware of the scammers that are out there. Please be careful when you're dealing with event inquiries. I've included the email from "Desmond Nichols" below. 

Thank you for your timely response Due to my Busy Schedule I want an event planner in regards ofmy coming 10th wedlock anniversary which is coming up on 11th February,2017 here and i don’t want the party to be held at my house, am having a lot of stress regarding this event and i want you to please cater for this event for me and i also do believe that you will do me a lovely party and thrill my guest to the best of your ability.

*Getting us a venue
*Make proper arrangement for flowers and decor
*Photography service
*Food and drinks for the guest as i do not know what the guests might choose for their meals and drinks, I will have to live that for you 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 purple
*Budget : 14k

Menu List:
Chicken Parmesan – Lightly breaded Chicken Breast topped with rich marinara sauce,mozzarella and parmesan cheeses served with roasted Red Pepper orzo and Lemon Pepper Broccoli
OR
Smokey Mountain Chicken Breast topped w/sweet Caramelized Onion Sauce, Cheddar cheese and Bacon served with Brown Sugar sweet potatoes with pecan toppings Roasted Seasonal Vegetables.

I want you to be rest assured that all the payments will go through you as my party coordinator/event planner to all vendors and you can get all the necessary arrangement done for my event as i am officially out of town and i work 24/7 in a ship but will be in town 5
days prior to my wedding anniversary. My party time 3pm to 7pm,

Expected guest is about 40 to 50 also how much do you charge for this type 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.

PS:  You will be charging for the driver that will be bringing the Guest to the Event Center so ones the funds went through your account you help make deposit for him andthere is a tip for you in helping me on this...Let me know if you can do that and also let me know what you charge for this kind of event so the deposit can be made in good time to proceed with payments to all vendors...

I await to read back from you.

Thanks.